How EHRP works
Three parts per specification
| Part | Content | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Interfaces, data formats, behaviour | open and free of charge, including for non-members |
| Conformance test suite (CTS) | Digital test specifications, test vectors and validation procedures (informational; no physical hardware provided) | open and free for self-testing |
| Reference implementation | Working implementation showing that the specification can be implemented | open |
A document alone leads to disputes over interpretation. An implementation alone becomes the hidden specification, including its bugs. Only a test suite makes conformity verifiable. That is why at EHRP the conformance test suite is normative, not the reference implementation.
The first reference implementation is planned to be the open humanoid platform pib. It validates interface semantics, software and timing behaviour. It does not validate industrial load classes, service life or ingress protection; that requires industrial reference devices from members.
The path of a specification
- Stage 1ProposalA member proposes a specificationVisibility: members
- Stage 2Working draftA working group drafts the text and the test suite (CTS)Visibility: members
- Stage 3Public reviewThe draft is published for commentVisibility: public
- Stage 4ReleaseThe Technical Steering Committee releases the version, with test suite (CTS) and reference implementationVisibility: public
Release lies with the committee, not with the editors. The chair is to be held for a limited term only; working group leads rotate.
Two cadences
Software and hardware age at different speeds.
| Aspect | Software, data models | Mechanics, electrics |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal (planned) | regularly (planned annually) | every 3 to 5 years, only corrections in between |
| Compatibility | deprecation with transition period | strictly backward compatible, because tooling and production ramp-ups depend on it |
| Testing | automated | test bench, tolerance bands, defined test conditions |
| In addition | public reference test runs | plugfests: manufacturers test their components together for interoperability |
Openness and funding
- Specification: Open and free of charge, including for non-members.
- Conformance test suite (CTS): Informational and free for self-testing as digital documentation, test vector datasets, and open-source validation scripts. EHRP does not provide physical hardware, test benches, or individual testing operations free of charge.
- Official conformity testing: Conducted solely by independent, accredited test centres for a fee. The association is funded by membership fees and licensing of the conformity scheme.
- Conformity mark: Belongs to the association, not to any individual member.
Ground rules
EHRP brings competitors together. Therefore:
- No exchange of prices, volumes, customers or delivery dates.
- Meetings are to follow rules of procedure reviewed under competition law.
- Taking part is reserved for members; the results are open to all. There are no exclusive benefits from the results.
- Position papers sent to authorities and standards bodies are published.
Ready to shape European humanoid standards?
Working groups are actively forming across joint interfaces, safety evidence models, and signal conventions. Research institutions, component makers, robot OEMs, and test bodies are invited to join.