Robotics Compliance in the UK
A practical, founder-level reference for understanding which laws and ISO standards apply to robotics companies operating in or selling into the United Kingdom.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
UK SafetyThe parent safety obligation. Broad, principle-based, and enforced through downstream regulations. If your robot can hurt someone, this Act applies — regardless of how “innovative” it is.
Machinery (Safety) Regulations
UKCA HardwareDefines essential health and safety requirements for machinery, including industrial robots and robotic systems placed on the UK market.
ISO 9001 — Quality Management Systems
ISO ProcessNot legally required, but frequently contractually mandatory. Misunderstood by startups and often implemented with unnecessary bureaucracy.
ISO/IEC 42001 — AI Management Systems
AI GovernanceEmerging standard for AI governance. Relevant if your robot uses adaptive or learning systems and you sell to enterprise or government.