Challenges resulted from the fast-aging population, low childbirth rate and declining labor force are among the top prioritized issues to be addressed in government's policy. Shortages of human power in the service industry and caretaking of the elder and disabled citizens provide the incentives of introducing robots in homes or indoor environment.

Having recognized the wide applications of robots for such needs, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) published CNS 18646-2 "Robotics - Performance criteria and related test methods for service robots - Part 2: Navigation" on June 10, 2022 to enhance the navigation stability of service robots. It is hoped that the software and hardware development of automation-related industry will benefit from this standard to participate actively in the market of service robots and gain the competitive edge of their products in the global supply chain.

There are already companies that have applied the AI-navigation technology to the production of "food delivery robots" and "dish collecting robots," and run a commercial operation of the business, which successfully replaces human labor in the relatively routine and bored work.

The BSMI indicated that CNS 18646-2 is based on ISO 18646-2. It is mainly applicable to service robots for indoor environment. It provides methods of evaluating the stability and navigation performances of service robots by measuring their pose accuracy and repeatability, as well as the ability to detect and avoid obstacles. It also serves as a reference document for the robotic industry to enhance the overall safety of their robots at the design, development and testing stages by reducing potential hazards to users resulted from movement, position of posture, avoidance of obstacles and mistakes in navigation of the robots.

Those who are interested in the content of the standard are encouraged to visit the BSMI's website (https://www.cnsonline.com.tw/)

Responsible Division: 1st Division

Contact Person: Chang Chien, Hong-Lee, Deputy Director

Tel. (O): +886-3343-5168

Email: sophia.cc@bsmi.gov.tw