Certifying an Entirely New Class of Products

The challenge

Inxpect started working with UL Solutions in 2017 for certification of their first radar sensor for security applications under UL 639, the Standard for Intrusion-Detection Units. After this first step, the company’s focus shifted to using smart radars to help ensure safe interactions between people and machines in manufacturing, construction, mining and logistics. In 2018, they launched the LBK System: the first, and still only, radar sensor certified for safety uses under the European Machinery Directive.

However, this presented a challenge since no UL standard in the field of safety sensors had ever referred to radar as a sensing technique. 

The solution

UL Solutions succeeded in outlining the path to successfully certify the LBK System under a new Certification Requirement Decision (CRD): an ambitious plan requiring a strong commitment from both UL Solutions and Inxpect. The process was completed in less time than normally needed for such an innovative device, leading to certification by UL Solutions, of the LBK System under the new CRD of IEC 61496-3 Certification Requirement Decision – Additional Considerations for Protective Devices Responsive to Diffuse Reflection of Radar (PDRDRR) as a Type 3 ESPE (Electro-Sensitive Protective Equipment), becoming the first radar system with a UL Listing as a safety device, and the first UL Certified device under the new CRD specification.

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