3.2.4 · Supervisory function

What it requires

3.2.4 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 requires: autonomous mobile machinery: remote supervisory function that only allows stopping, starting or moving to a safe position, with full information for the supervisor. It is a new requirement compared with Directive 2006/42/EC and applies to machinery placed on the market from 20 January 2027.

What changes compared with Directive 2006/42/EC

New section.

When it applies

Autonomous mobile machinery or related products.

What the instruction manual must reflect

Only if the machinery belongs to this category: the specific information and instructions required by the section.

Official text

Where relevant, autonomous mobile machinery or related products shall have a supervisory function specific to the autonomous mode. This function shall allow the supervisor to remotely receive information from the machinery. The supervisory function shall only allow actions to stop and to start remotely the machinery or related product or move it to a safe position and a safe state to avoid causing other risks. It shall be designed and constructed to allow those actions only when the supervisor can see directly or indirectly the machine’s movement and working area and the protective devices are operational. The information the supervisor receives from the machinery when the supervisory function is active shall enable the supervisor to have a complete and accurate view of the operation, movement and safe positioning of the machinery in its travel and working area. This information shall alert the supervisor of the occurrence of unforeseen or dangerous situations present or impending, which require the intervention of the supervisor. If the supervisory function is not active, the machinery shall not be able to operate.

Source: Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, OJ L 165, 29.6.2023, Annex III, 3.2.4. The sections ‘What it requires’ and ‘What the instruction manual must reflect’ are our own summary and do not replace the official text.