Preface

Robot lighting differs fundamentally from automotive & outdoor lighting: it integrates three core functions — vision recognition fill light, human-machine interaction status indicator, environmental auxiliary lighting, while unified aesthetic integration with robot appearance.

Robots are equipped with motors, drivers, LiDAR, visual cameras; all lights must strictly control EMC electromagnetic interference to avoid navigation drift, distorted imaging. Continuous chassis vibration, frequent collision, humid/oily/dusty environments impose rigid requirements on shock resistance, waterproofing, corrosion resistance, low power consumption & miniaturization.

Ordinary LED strips & outdoor lights without shielding, shock buffer or spectrum matching will cause fatal failures once installed: navigation failure, random light misreport, lens glare blur, housing peeling & corrosion.

This document fully covers classification of robot lights, function definitions, complete selection plans for each robot type, optical/electrical/structural/aesthetic standards, installation maintenance & common selection misconceptions.

1 5 Core Functional Definitions of Robot Lights (Universal for All Robots)

1.1 Vision Perception Fill Light (Mandatory for Robot Navigation & Recognition)

Divided into invisible infrared fill light, visible color fill light, structured light projection source, supporting SLAM mapping, obstacle avoidance, face recognition, object sorting & environmental contour detection.

  • 850nm IR LED: Night pure visual navigation, obstacle avoidance under dim indoor light, slight red glow, high imaging brightness;
  • 940nm IR LED: Completely invisible to human eyes, high-end humanoid & hotel delivery robots for privacy scenarios;
  • High CRI white fill light (Ra≥90): Humanoid robot face recognition, goods sorting & color identification;
  • Structured dot matrix light source: Matching 3D depth camera, precise distance measurement under low light to prevent missed detection of low obstacles.

1.2 Human-Machine Interaction Status Indicator (Visual Communication, Comply with IEC 60204-1 Color Semantics)

Globally unified universal color meaning:

  • Red: Fault, emergency stop, extremely low battery, danger warning;
  • Yellow/Amber: Standby, low battery alert, task pause, obstacle blockage;
  • Green: Normal operation, ready, fully charged;
  • Blue: Waiting for human interaction, service call, mode switching;
  • RGB full-color breathing light strip: Humanoid robot emotional atmosphere, welcome dynamic light effects to enhance appearance differentiation.

1.3 Environmental Auxiliary Lighting (Road Surface & Scene Illumination During Operation)

  • Chassis bottom walking light: Pavement illumination at night, pedestrians identify robot moving route in advance;
  • Front wide-angle operation light: Side cleaning for sweeping robots, aisle lighting for delivery robots, local lighting for humanoid manipulator workbench;
  • Rear warning light: Evasion reminder for multi-robot coordination in factory & mall crowds.

1.4 Aesthetic Ambient Decorative Light (Differentiated Appearance for Consumer Humanoid & Commercial Service Robots)

Face dynamic expression light strip, torso ring breathing light, chassis flowing light strip with gradient/flow/breath dynamic effects, core highlight for smart home & hotel welcome machine product differentiation & user experience.

1.5 Safety Warning Light (Mandatory for Industrial & Heavy Outdoor Robots)

High-frequency strobe warning light to remind personnel to avoid in workshops, parks & construction sites, comply with ISO 10218 industrial robot safety specifications.

2 4 Major Robot Categories: Light Demand + Standard Mounting Positions + Matching Light Models

2.1 Humanoid Bionic Robots (Home Companion, Commercial Reception, Industrial Dexterous Manipulation)

Operating Condition Features

Multi-joint high-frequency swing, narrow mounting space on face, mainly indoor constant temperature; partial commercial models support short outdoor use. Core demands: anthropomorphic interactive atmosphere, face recognition fill light, flicker-free low noise, ultra-thin integration, photobiological safety without eye irritation.

Complete Light Positions & Matching Models

  • Face Eye RGB Emotional Light Strip (Core Interaction)

Spec: Narrow WS2812 micro soft light strip, 24V low voltage, 120° diffuse soft light;

Function: Simulate happy, sad, tired, alert & other dynamic light effects to boost bionic sense;

Optics: Frosted homogenizing PC cover, no harsh bright spots, color tolerance ≤2SDCM.

  • Face Recognition Visible White Fill Light

Spec: Adjustable CCT 3000–5000K, Ra≥92 high color rendering, low-angle diffuse reflection;

Function: Accurate face recognition under dim corridor & night environment without lens glare reflection;

Rigid parameter: Synchronous trigger with camera exposure, flicker-free (PWM frequency ≥2kHz).

  • 940nm Infrared Night Vision Fill Light on Both Sides of Head

Spec: Micro ceramic substrate IR array, completely invisible to human eyes;

Function: Autonomous navigation & human tracking at night without damaging facial appearance.

  • Torso Ring RGB Ambient Light Strip (Chest / Waist)

Function: Whole machine status indication (green standby, red fault, blue welcome breathing), integrate decoration & interaction;

Structure: Curved soft light strip fits fuselage curved surface, IP54 dust & splash proof.

  • End-effector Operation Fill Light (Optional for Industrial Sorting Humanoid Robot)

Spec: 2-inch micro square flood light, 4300K warm white, IP67 waterproof;

Function: Local workbench illumination for grabbing small parts & sorting, shock resistant to repeated joint swing.

  • Chassis Bottom Walking Warning White Light Bar

Wide-angle diffuse light to evenly illuminate ground at night for pedestrians to predict moving direction.

Mandatory Selection Threshold for Humanoid Robots

  • Temperature resistance: 0℃~+50℃ indoor standard; commercial outdoor extended version -20℃~+60℃;
  • Vibration resistance: Multi-layer silicone buffer gaskets, solder joints intact after 100,000 continuous joint swings;
  • EMC: Built-in LC filter magnetic ring, shielded wire harness to eliminate interference with fuselage IMU & visual camera;
  • Photobiological safety: IEC 62471 blue light hazard free, no eye fatigue after long-time viewing;
  • Ingress protection: Indoor IP54; commercial outdoor IP65, double seal to prevent condensation rainwater;
  • Appearance: Ultra-thin micro module, frosted homogenizing cover without exposed granular beads breaking bionic appearance.

2.2 Indoor Mobile Service Robots (Food Delivery / Hotel Distribution / Shopping Guide)

Operating Conditions

24h continuous operation in restaurants & malls, frequent collision with pedestrians, wine spillage & humid ground; equipped with large screen, LiDAR & multiple visual cameras, EMC anti-interference highest priority.

Standard Light Configuration

  • Front fuselage surrounding RGB status ring light (Dual function: welcome + fault prompt)

Size: Integrated ring light surrounding front face, flowing gradient dynamic effect;

Color semantics: Green constant speed delivery, yellow slow down for obstacles, red stuck fault, blue welcome call.

  • Front 850nm Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Fill Light Module

Large-area array IR lamp, identify tables, chairs, pedestrians & low children body under 0.1lx ultra-low light.

  • Chassis bottom wide-angle walking illumination light strip

45° downward light, evenly illuminate restaurant & corridor ground at night for customers to detect robot from long distance.

  • Rear amber strobe warning light

High-frequency flash while turning & reversing to remind rear pedestrians to avoid, comply with mall security lighting standard.

  • Storage cabin internal white fill light (Exclusive for delivery robots)

Auto light on when door open, 4300K high CRI to clearly display meals & improve dining experience; IP67 anti-soup spillage & oil stain washing.

Mandatory Parameter Requirements for Service Robots

  • IP65 waterproof, withstand clean water & catering oil stain flushing without dirt trapping gaps;
  • Full-band EMC shielding to avoid light radiation interfering LiDAR positioning drift & screen flicker;
  • Oil & acid corrosion resistance: Acid-base resistant PC lens, flame retardant modified housing, anti-yellowing & coating peeling;
  • Vibration resistance: Single-layer silicone buffer, no open circuit after frequent chassis collision;
  • Wide voltage DC12V/24V, adapt to lithium battery voltage fluctuation.

2.3 Household / Outdoor Cleaning Robots (Indoor Vacuum Robot, Outdoor Floor Scrubber, Lawn Mower Robot)

Subcategory 1: Indoor Household Vacuum Robot

Conditions: Dim household environment, low under-furniture space, water vapor from mopping, frequent collision with furniture; dual navigation of pure vision / LiDAR SLAM.

#### Light Positions & Functions

  • Top ring RGB status indicator (Charging / Cleaning / Fault prompt)

Green steady on standby, blue breathing during cleaning, red fast flash for low battery / winding fault, segmented color tip for zone cleaning.

  • Front infrared structured light fill light module (Mandatory for pure vision model)

Project texture light spots under low bed & dark environment to identify cables, slippers & pet waste, prevent trapping & dirt rolling.

  • Chassis bottom cliff anti-fall infrared emitter array

Downward infrared light detects step drop to trigger emergency brake.

  • Front narrow-angle white auxiliary light (High-end night cleaning model optional)

Under-bed illumination to assist vision identification of dust & debris.

#### Selection Threshold for Household Vacuum Robots

  • IP54 water vapor resistance for mopping;
  • Ultra-low power consumption to avoid small-capacity battery drain quickly;
  • Micro SMD module for slim fuselage without protrusion;
  • No harsh high-frequency flicker to avoid disturbing sleep at night.

Subcategory 2: Outdoor Working Robots (Park Floor Sweeper, Auto Lawn Mower, Outdoor Inspection Robot)

Conditions: Open-air sun exposure, heavy rain soaking, gravel impact, winter frost, road deicing salt corrosion, high vibration intensity.

#### Complete Light Configuration

  • Front & rear high-power walking flood light (5000K pure white)

Long-distance pavement illumination at night for pedestrians to identify equipment far away.

  • Red & yellow dual-color strobe anti-collision warning light (Top of fuselage)

Visible from long distance under strong outdoor light & rainy weather, compliant flash frequency 40–80 times/min.

  • Side wide-angle infrared night vision fill light (Auto return & boundary identification at night)

High-power 940nm IR array without red glow, no interference with park surveillance cameras.

  • Scratch resistant status light strip at chassis bottom, IP68 deep water immersion protection.

#### Mandatory Indicators for Outdoor Robots

  • IP68 double O-ring + air balance valve, no internal fogging under heavy rain & ponding;
  • Corrosion resistance: Grade 3 hard anodized aluminum housing / weather-resistant PC, 500h neutral salt spray, anti-deicing salt & mud corrosion;
  • Full temperature range -40℃~+75℃, stable lighting under summer sun exposure & northern winter low temperature;
  • Double-layer silicone shock absorption buffer, no solder desoldering under gravel bump & chassis impact;
  • Thickened tempered glass lens, resist high-speed impact scratch from branches & gravel.

2.4 Industrial Collaborative / Warehouse Handling Robots (Mechanical Arm, AGV Logistics Forklift, Sorting Robot)

Conditions

Factory dust, cutting oil stain, workshop temperature fluctuation, strong electromagnetic interference from motors, heavy object collision, comply with ISO 10218 & GB/T 39463 industrial robot safety standards.

Light Classification & Mounting Positions

  • Fuselage 3-color stack warning light (Red/Yellow/Green standard industrial signal)

Red: Servo fault, safety door open; Yellow: Standby material shortage; Green: Normal auto operation, comply with IEC 60204 industrial light semantics.

  • End-effector machine vision high CRI white fill light

Ra≥95 high color rendering, diffuse ring light eliminate reflection on metal workpieces, accurately identify parts, barcodes & color defects; Food production line upgrade IP69K high-pressure hot water wash without glass structure.

  • AGV logistics vehicle front & rear walking light + integrated strobe warning light

Long-distance warning in workshop aisles for forklift crossing avoidance, IP65 dust & cutting fluid spray proof.

  • Chassis bottom contour light strip (Multi-robot warehouse coordination to distinguish running lanes)

#### Mandatory Selection Standards for Industrial Robots

  • Highest EMC grade: Multi-stage LC filter, metal braided shielded wire harness, resist strong electromagnetic interference from inverters & motors;
  • Ingress protection: General workshop IP65; Food/pharma workshop IP69K resistant to 80℃/100bar high-temperature high-pressure water washing, seamless glass-free design;
  • UL94 V-0 flame retardant, no open flame at 750℃ glow wire, meet production line fire protection standard;
  • Grade 3 composite shock buffer, no solder detachment under high-speed reciprocating movement of mechanical arm;
  • Oil & cutting fluid corrosion resistant, no housing whitening or lens atomization.

3 Full Dimension Core Selection Parameter Standard for Robot Lights (Optical / Electrical / Structural / Aesthetic / Environmental)

3.1 Optical System (Distinguish Fill Light / Interaction / General Illumination)

3.1.1 Interactive RGB Ambient Light

  • LED chip: WS2812B / APA102 24V low voltage SMD, color tolerance ≤2SDCM;
  • Cover: Frosted homogenizing PC to eliminate granular bead & soft glare-free light;
  • Dynamic control: PWM dimming ≥1kHz, smooth breathing/flow/gradient without visible flicker;
  • CCT/Color: Full gamut adjustable, main wavelength deviation of R/G/B ≤5nm.

3.1.2 Vision Fill Light Source

  • Visible light face recognition: Adjustable 3000–5000K, Ra≥90, low-angle diffuse reflection to prevent lens glare;
  • Infrared night vision fill light: 850nm (high indoor brightness) / 940nm (privacy no red glow) ceramic substrate high-power array;
  • Structured light source: Uniform dot matrix projection, match 3D depth camera ranging algorithm.

3.1.3 Walking Operation Illumination

  • Indoor: 4300K warm white, soft non-glare;
  • Outdoor / Industrial: 5000–5700K pure white, long-distance clear vision & strong rain-fog penetration;
  • Beam angle: 120° wide flood light as main; 30° narrow spot light for long-distance warning.

3.2 Electrical & EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility (Top Safety Priority for Robots)

  • Wide voltage driver: DC9–32V universal, adapt to lithium battery charge-discharge voltage fluctuation; Industrial model extended to 9–85V;
  • Built-in constant current IC with overheat / overcurrent / reverse connection protection, cut off power within 0.1s on short circuit to prevent fire;
  • Mandatory EMC configuration: Input LC filter circuit, magnetic ring, double-layer tinned shielded wire harness;
  • EMI radiated disturbance comply with CISPR15, no interference with LiDAR, IMU, vision & screen;
  • EMS anti-interference: ±8kV air ESD, ±2kV electrical fast pulse, surge impact resistance;
  • Photobiological safety: IEC 62471, no blue light hazard, no eye fatigue after long-time human-machine coexistence.

3.3 Ingress & Dust Protection Rating

  • IP54: Indoor humanoid, household vacuum robot, dust & daily splash resistant;
  • IP65: Delivery robot, indoor commercial equipment, high-pressure spray & oil splash proof;
  • IP68: Outdoor lawn mower / floor scrubber, heavy-duty industrial AGV, double O-ring + air balance valve, no fogging under short-term deep water immersion;
  • IP69K: Food & pharmaceutical mechanical arm, withstand 80℃ / 100bar high-temperature high-pressure water washing, seamless glass-free design.

3.4 Vibration Resistance & Structural Material Standard

Housing Material Grading

  • Indoor consumer model: Modified flame retardant PC/ABS, lightweight low cost; Disadvantage: Easy aging & yellowing under long outdoor exposure;
  • Commercial service / outdoor robot: 6061-T6 aviation aluminum, Grade 3 hard anodizing 20μm, wear & impact resistant; Coastal upgrade Grade 5 marine anti-corrosion anodizing 30μm;
  • Heavy-duty industrial equipment: 7075 aluminum + 316 stainless steel hardware, oil resistant, no cracking under long-term vibration.

Lens Material

  • PC/LEXAN: Indoor & humanoid face, impact resistant lightweight, forbidden for long outdoor & chemical corrosion scenarios;
  • Tempered borosilicate glass: Outdoor, industrial, floor scrubber, UV & acid-base resistant, anti-gravel impact scratch, light transmittance ≥93%;
  • IP69K food model: Thickened modified PC without glass, eliminate risk of broken glass mixing into materials.

Shock Absorbing Buffer Structure

  • Grade 1 Light Anti-vibration (Household vacuum, indoor humanoid): Single-layer silicone sleeve;
  • Grade 2 Medium Anti-vibration (Delivery robot, warehouse AGV): Double composite silicone buffer;
  • Grade 3 Heavy Anti-vibration (Outdoor lawn mower, industrial mechanical arm): 3-layer hard & soft composite shock absorbing rubber + metal isolation gasket, pass 10–200Hz triaxial 1000h vibration test.

Fasteners

316 stainless steel screws & clamps preferred for all scenarios; 201/304 only for short-term dry indoor temporary use, rust & seize within 3 months under salt spray environment.

3.5 Weather & Corrosion Resistance Standard

  • Temperature range classification:
  • Indoor normal temperature: 0~50℃;
  • General commercial: -20~+60℃;
  • Outdoor / northern low temperature industry: -40~+75℃;
  • Salt spray test:
  • Dry indoor: 48h neutral salt spray no corrosion;
  • Commercial / mild outdoor: 200h;
  • Outdoor park / coastal: 500h;
  • Chemical / food workshop: 1000h acid & alkali salt spray resistant;
  • Anti-aging: 5000h UV ultraviolet, light transmittance attenuation ＜10%, no housing whitening & coating peeling.

4 Full-scenario Robot Selection Reference Table

|Robot Type|Core Light Combination|Preferred CCT / Light Source|Minimum Waterproof|Vibration Grade|Standard EMC & Anti-corrosion Configuration|

| ---- | ---- | ---- | ---- | ---- | ---- |

|Humanoid Companion Robot|Face RGB mood strip + face fill light + 940nm IR night vision|4300K Ra92 for face; 940nm IR|IP54/IP65|Grade 1 Single buffer|Built-in filter magnetic ring, flame retardant PC, low blue light photobiological safety|

|Food Delivery / Hotel Distribution Robot|Front ring RGB interaction light + 850nm IR obstacle avoidance + cabin fill light + rear strobe|4300K warm white for cabin; 850nm IR|IP65|Grade 2 Double shock absorption|Double shielded wire harness, oil & acid resistant PC lens|

|Household Vacuum Robot|Top ring RGB indicator + structured IR fill light + chassis cliff IR|No main illumination, 850nm IR|IP54|Grade 1 Micro buffer|Ultra-low power consumption, no high-frequency flicker|

|Outdoor Floor Scrubber / Lawn Mower|Front & rear high-power walking light + red-yellow strobe warning + 940nm night vision IR|5500K pure white|IP68 with balance valve|Grade 3 Heavy shock resistance|316 stainless steel hardware, 500h salt spray, tempered glass lens|

|Industrial Mechanical Arm / AGV|3-color stack warning light + high CRI machine vision fill light + walking warning light|Ra≥95 white for vision|IP65/IP69K|Grade 3 Composite shock buffer|Multi-stage LC filter, UL94 V-0 flame retardant, cutting fluid corrosion resistant|

5 Standard Installation & Daily Maintenance Specification

5.1 Mandatory Installation Rules

  • Interactive light strip fits fuselage curved surface, reserve 0.5mm expansion gap to avoid wire pulling during joint swing;
  • Mount rubber anti-corrosion gasket between metal light housing & robot frame to eliminate galvanic corrosion white spots from water & mud conduction;
  • Reserve sufficient loose buffer margin for wire harness routing, route away from motors & high-temperature heating modules; all wires adopt tinned shielded cable;
  • Vision fill light is coaxial synchronized with camera, angle matched with lens FOV to prevent picture glare & reflection;
  • Wire outlet of outdoor / industrial light faces downwards to reduce rain & oil seepage along cable into light cavity.

5.2 Daily Maintenance to Extend Service Life

  • Wipe lens with clean water daily for catering & industrial oil pollution environments to avoid long-term oil stain atomizing light transmission layer;
  • Clean O-ring sealing groove every 3 months for outdoor & coastal equipment, thinly coat special silicone grease; motor oil forbidden (accelerate silicone hardening);
  • Clean lens only with fresh water + microfiber soft cloth, dry wiping with sand will cause permanent scratch;
  • Disconnect light power supply during long shutdown to reduce aging of drive circuit standby;
  • Inspect sealing gap for residual water after each production line high-pressure washing for IP69K industrial food lights.

6 Correction of Common Industry Selection Misconceptions

  • Misconception: Ordinary LED strips can be directly installed on robots without EMC shielding

Fact: Robot motors & LiDAR generate strong electromagnetic radiation; unfiltered lights cause navigation drift, camera image flicker & random light misreport, critical functional failure of whole machine.

  • Misconception: Brighter interactive light & more complex dynamic effects equal higher-end humanoid robot

Fact: Over-bright RGB light causes eye fatigue, strong light disturbs residents at night home scenario; peak brightness must be controlled with soft homogenizing cover, comply with photobiological safety standard.

  • Misconception: Indoor robots do not need waterproof, IP54 covers all scenarios

Fact: Soup splash on delivery robot, water vapor from mopping vacuum robot, outdoor rain exposure for commercial humanoid robot; only IP65 ensures long-term stable operation, IP54 fogging & short circuit under short-term dampness.

  • Misconception: PC lens is better than glass as it cannot break after drop

Fact: PC yellowing & atomization under long UV exposure & oil corrosion with continuous light transmittance decay; tempered glass lens mandatory for outdoor, industrial & long-term commercial use.

  • Misconception: All robots support 12V lights without wide voltage driver

Fact: Lithium battery voltage fluctuates widely (9–28V) during charge & discharge; narrow 12V light burns driver under high voltage & flickers dim under low voltage, DC9–32V constant current wide voltage driver mandatory.

  • Misconception: Thin fog from temperature difference means poor waterproof performance of light

Fact: Sealed light with air balance valve generates short-term thin fog under hot & cold alternation, dissipate automatically within 10–30 mins after power on as normal physical phenomenon; permanent accumulated water & non-dissipated fog equal aged O-ring sealing failure.

  • Misconception: Same light module can be used interchangeably for industrial, humanoid & delivery robots

Fact: Humanoid prioritize soft interactive aesthetics & low blue light; delivery oil splash resistant IP65; industrial anti-strong EMC, flame retardant IP69K; outdoor heavy shock wide temperature; structure, optics & protection standards completely incompatible, short-term failure after mixed use.