Law and regulation
More robotics projects fail because of regulation than because of technology. A device that is convincing in the brochure may simply not be lawfully placed on the market in the EU – and this is often noticed only once the procurement request is already under way.
This section covers the legal framework within which inspection robotics is operated in Europe. At its centre is CE marking: it is not a seal of approval but the manufacturer's declaration that all applicable legal acts are complied with. Which ones these are depends on the device – for an inspection robot, regularly machinery law, electromagnetic compatibility, radio equipment law and battery regulations at the same time.
One date operators and suppliers should know: on 20 January 2027 the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces the previous Machinery Directive. For the first time, it brings its own requirements for cybersecurity and for machines with self-evolving behaviour. For devices placed on the market after this cut-off date, the new framework applies directly.
In parallel, the AI Act (EU) 2024/1689 applies, whose timetable and structure were substantially reshaped by an amending regulation of July 2026. How the two sets of rules interact is currently one of the most important open questions in practice for systems with AI components.
Further topics: the obligations that arise when a device is imported from a third country – whoever imports it takes on extensive manufacturer obligations. The requirements for radio modules under the Radio Equipment Directive. The transport of lithium batteries, which are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods. Explosion protection and how it differs from IP ingress protection. And the question of when a retrofit becomes a substantial modification that legally makes the operator the manufacturer.
Throughout, we refer to the primary sources. Legal texts are unwieldy but verifiable – summaries are not.
Starting point: CE conformity in robotics gives an overview of all applicable legal acts and shows how to check a declaration of conformity in six steps.
Change log (1)
- 5 October 2026 Initial publication First publication of the English version.
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These articles are available in German.
- Importeur oder Händler – wer haftet wofür beim Bezug aus einem Drittland
- The AI Act and inspection robots – what the Omnibus amendment has changed
- Chemical and process industry – what is possible outside the zones
- Explosion protection and mobile robotics – recognising zones, determining limits
- Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 – what applies to robotics from 20 January 2027
- CE conformity in inspection robotics – a guide for operators and importers