Design, validation and CE technical file for an SDV
Machine safety
Machine safety and compliance are a core competence of Prohead Engineering. We apply them to production lines as well as to innovative developments in automated warehouses.
About the case
Context:
A large Belgian company introduced a new type of SDV (Semi-Driverless Vehicle) for internal transport. Unlike an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), which navigates fully autonomously, an SDV combines automated functions with limited human operation. This places specific demands on the interaction between people and machine. Before commissioning, both the design and the safety software had to be validated under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and the Belgian Code on Well-being at Work.
Approach:
Prohead Engineering supported the entire process.
- Design acceptance: evaluation of the design with a focus on risk reduction measures, ergonomics and ease of maintenance, according to EN ISO 12100.
- Software validation: review of the safety functions in the control software, aligned with the risk assessment and functional specifications. Carried out in accordance with EN ISO 13849.
- Technical file: compilation of a complete file with analyses, validation reports and supporting documentation for CE marking.
Result:
The project resulted in a conclusive technical file demonstrating both the reliability of the safety software and the conformity of the design. As a result, the company was able to complete the CE marking successfully and put the SDV into service safely.