UVC Disinfection Robots

What UVC disinfection robots can do

The interest in technologies, like robotic devices performing surface and air sanitation procedures using ultraviolet (UVC) radiation, has increased sharply.

Sanitization protocols play a significant role in preventing and containing the spread of infectious diseases — a reality highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

UVC radiation supplements rather than replaces physical disinfection in the commercial environment. This necessitates comprehensive testing and certification services, and UVC disinfection robot evaluations to published safety requirements. Consequently, UL Solutions designed UL 60335- 2-2019, the Outline of Investigation for Robotic Germicidal Equipment, to do just that.

UVC disinfection robots can contribute to safer environments, including:

• Industrial and commercial buildings
• Schools
• Hotel rooms and conference spaces
• Transportation facilities and systems

Advancing the safety of robotic germicidal equipment with testing and certification to UL 60335-2-2019

Without this comprehensive set of requirements as a guide, UVC robots may have to rely on assessment to safety standards for luminaires and other electrical equipment, even though such standards may not fully address mitigating the safety and reliability risks of this innovative technology.

UL 60335-2-2019 provides the first set of requirements that specifically addresses UVC disinfection robots. Its holistic approach includes requirements to evaluate the robot base, ultraviolet light exposure, electric safety, UVC radiation effects, sensors, and other critical safety systems.

Voluntary testing to UL 60335-2-2019 can benefit:

• Companies that make robotic germicidal equipment for commercial and similar use.
• University/research institutions.
• Companies specializing in UVC disinfection products.
• Businesses that wish to include UL certification to UL 60335-2-2019 in their purchase requirements for these product types.

UL Solutions’ safety and performance testing and certification services for robotic germicidal equipment

As a global safety science leader, we apply our deep technical expertise to deliver objective product assessments.

UL Solutions’ experienced engineers can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your robotic germicidal equipment through testing and certification to UL 60335-2-2019, helping you identify and mitigate potential safety risks.

Our trusted reputation and rigorous testing procedures support you in helping you elevate your brand while building credibility and helping bring innovative products to market. The UL Mark is one of the most widely recognized and trusted symbols of safety for consumers globally, giving UL Certified products a path to market acceptance.

Our worldwide presence allows us to provide local services in the local language and access to our collaborative global network of safety, regulatory and engineering experts.

Voluntary certification of UVC disinfection robots demonstrates a company’s commitment to making robotic germicidal equipment that complies with a current and comprehensive set of safety requirements.

The major set of requirements for evaluation include:

• Electrical and mechanical - whole system: UL 60335-1, the Standard for Safety of Household and Similar Appliances, Part 1: General Requirements
• Electrical and mechanical - robotic base: UL 62368-1, the Standard for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment - Part 1: Safety Requirements, and UL 3300, the Outline of Investigation for Service, Communication, Information, Education and Entertainment Robots
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): IEC 61000-4, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – Part 4 Series: Testing and Measurement Techniques
• Remote software update: UL 5500, the Standard for Remote Software Updates
• Control: UL 60730, the Standard for Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use

UL Solutions has also worked collaboratively with the industry to develop requirements for a variety of UV-related products, such as UL 8802, the Outline of Investigation for UV Germicidal Systems, and UL 8803, the Outline of Investigation for Portable UV Germicidal Equipment With Uncontained UV Sources.

Additionally, UL 3300 describes the requirements used to evaluate robot operational safety, prioritizing safe operation in a variety of environments where people are present.