Transport automation column vol.7
Automated inter-floor transportation achieved through collaboration between AMR and elevators | Explaining key points of safety design and related guidelines
table of contents
Introduction
Previous column (https://idec-fs.com/mir/column/column-6)We have introduced a case where AMRs and elevators were linked to automate inter-floor transportation, as well as the technical points required to achieve this.
As mentioned in the column, when building an automated transport system that links AMRs and elevators, risk assessment and safety measures based on international standards such as ISO 3691-4 are essential.
However, the international standard "ISO3691-4," which covers the safety of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and AGV systems, including AMRs, does not include any provisions that directly regulate the safety of AMR-elevator linked systems. Furthermore, while Japan has laws and regulations for lifts and elevators, it does not have any laws and regulations that directly regulate AMR-elevator linked systems.
As a result, there are cases where, even though the technical specifications have been finalized, progress cannot be made because the specific methods for risk assessment and safety measures are unknown.
Therefore, this time we will explain the key points of "safety thinking" that manufacturing site managers, production technology personnel, and safety-related departments should keep in mind when considering implementation.
Note: This article is a brief explanation of the points we consider when actually implementing integration. When implementing, be sure to check the latest laws, standards, and guidelines in your company.
What are the risks specific to AMR-elevator linked systems?
First, let's organize the potential hazards that can occur in an AMR-elevator integrated system.
The interior of an elevator car is usually not very spacious. Therefore, when a person rides in an elevator with an AMR, it can be difficult to secure space for the AMR to take evasive action or an escape route for the person. Also, depending on the size of the elevator, it may be necessary to mute the AMR's human detection function inside the car.
Taking these factors into consideration, the following main risks are anticipated:
- Risk of being trapped or hit in a space with no escape route
- Crushing due to cargo shifting or shifting
- Collision with a person due to unexpected start-up
- When an AMR enters an elevator, the passenger is pinned between the elevator car and the AMR.
- The vehicle fails to detect the presence of a person and crashes into the vehicle.
The key point is what measures to take in response to these unique events.
Guidelines are important precisely because there are no laws or international standards
There are laws and standards related to the safety of lifts and elevators. First, start by checking these. The main laws and regulations are as follows:
- Industrial Safety and Health Act
- Building Standards Law
- Crane Safety Regulations
- Simple lift structure standard
When considering the safety of automated transport systems that use AMRs, the international standard "ISO3691-4," which relates to the safety of automated guided vehicles and automated guided vehicle systems, including AMRs, becomes important.
For details about the standard, please refer to the article below.
https://idec-fs.com/mir/column/column-4/
As mentioned above, there are laws and standards that regulate the safety of elevators and AMR systems, but as mentioned above, there are currently no laws or international standards that directly regulate the linked systems between AMRs and elevators.
Therefore, as of 2026, consideration will be given to the above laws and the international standard "ISO3691-4," while also referring to guidelines issued by related domestic industry organizations. The main guidelines are as follows:
1. Inspection and Operation Guidelines for Elevators Capable of Operating Service Robots - Robot Business Promotion Council (2007)
Issued by the Robot Business Promotion Council (the predecessor of the Robot Revolution Initiative Council). When a service robot gets on or off an elevator, itIt is assumed that the service robot will not be riding with the general public.This is a guideline.
Although these guidelines are aimed at service robots, they can also serve as a reference for introducing AMRs in manufacturing sites.
2. Inspection and Operation Guidelines for Elevators Capable of Operating Service Robots Alongside People - Robot Business Promotion Council (2009)
Similar to the above, these guidelines apply when a service robot gets on or off an elevator. However,Ride-along with humans and service robotsThe assumption is that the service robots to be used will be able to maintain stability even when the power source is cut off, and will be autonomous with no humans on board.
3. Guidelines for Standardization of AGV-Elevator Communication Linkages, JIVAS A11 - Japan Industrial Vehicle Association (2022)
These guidelines were issued by an organization consisting of manufacturers of industrial vehicles such as forklifts and automated guided vehicles (AGV/AMR) systems, as well as related parts manufacturers, and manufacturers of special vehicles under the Road Transport Vehicles Act.
JIS D 6801 defines the basic specifications for communication between an AGV and an elevator when an automated guided vehicle or automated guided vehicle system gets on and moves in an elevator. The guidelines introduced in this article include:The content that most closely resembles actual manufacturing site operations.
The elevator is designed to accommodate automated guided vehicles and general users who will not be riding in the same car.
4. Robot-Elevator Interface Definition RFA B 0001: 2025 - Robot Friendly Facilities Promotion Organization (2025)
This is the latest standard issued by an organization established to support the introduction of service robots and the creation of a robot-friendly environment. It defines a robot-elevator interaction interface with the aim of quickly building a safe robot-elevator interaction system.
The content is primarily intended for service robots, with the assumption that the robot will be riding in the elevator car alongside a general user, but it also contains content that is useful in manufacturing sites.
Safety points to keep in mind when considering implementation
By examining these guidelines,
- Whether or not it is expected that people and automated guided vehicles (robots) will be riding together in the elevator car
- How to ensure safety when a person and an automated guided vehicle (robot) are riding together in an elevator car, or if they end up riding together?
- When an automated guided vehicle (robot) uses an elevator, what should be done to limit the operation of the elevator car's interior buttons and other controls?
It turns out that this is the main point.
At IDEC Factory Solutions, we have taken the essence of each of these guidelines, our experience in building AMR systems, and safety knowledge based on related laws and international standards, and designed the system around three basic principles for elevator-AMR integrated systems.
Once these three criteria are met, we conduct a risk assessment of the entire AMR system before delivering the system to the customer.
Policy 1As a general rule, people and AMRs are not allowed to ride together in the elevator car.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the unique hazards of elevator-AMR integrated systems are largely related to the fact that a person and an AMR are riding together in the elevator car.
Therefore, when introducing AMRs into manufacturing sites, the basic policy at the time of system design is to prohibit passengers from riding in the vehicles.
Policy 2Operational design to prevent people and AMRs from riding together
When the AMR is using the elevator, an AMR-exclusive operation mode is implemented that disables human operations such as calling the elevator and setting the destination floor, preventing people from physically boarding the elevator.
Additionally, when an AMR is in the elevator, the lights inside the car are turned off and a warning and display are given to inform passengers that the elevator is in exclusive operation mode, preventing them from accidentally boarding the car.
Policy 3A system is in place to ensure safety in the unlikely event that someone rides with you.
No matter what measures are taken, there is always a chance that a person and an AMR will end up in the same elevator car. For this reason, the door open button and emergency stop switch inside the elevator car are kept active at all times, even while the AMR is in the car, so that people can use them if they sense danger.
Conclusion
Stable operation of inter-floor transportation using AMR and elevators in cooperation with each other can only be achieved when both technical specifications and safety requirements are considered.
It is especially important to incorporate safety design from the early stages of a project, because if you focus solely on the technical aspects, you risk discovering later that safety requirements cannot be met, resulting in significant rework.
IDEC Factory Solutions is an SIer that can provide comprehensive support, from safety support to control panel production and AMR system construction.
If you are considering introducing AMR or are facing issues with transport automation in a multi-story factory, please feel free to contact us. We will propose a safe and efficient automation plan that is optimal for your site.
