New Standard Helps Guide Safe Development of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality Devices

UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) is proud to announce the publication of ANSI/CAN/UL 8400, the Standard for Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality Technology Equipment. The Standard addresses the safety of electrical and electronic virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V. Examples of these devices include VR/AR/MR head-mounted displays, holographic displays, AR/MR smart glasses, handheld VR/AR/MR devices, and interactive virtual simulators.

The Standard aims to help reduce the effects of hazards presented by these devices, including visual opacity; flicker; skin sensitization; heat exposure to the eye; biomechanical stress; and optical occlusion to some extent. It is intended to supplement the requirements addressing the risk of electrical shock, fire, thermal burn, and other general product safety aspects covered by the requirements for wearable equipment in CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 62368-1/UL 62368-1 Requirements for Wearable Equipment. 

 

“Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality is a very important technology with exciting applications... such as engineering, robotics, surgical science, and space exploration.” - ULSE Vice President of Standards Development Dr. George Borlase

 

 

Additional requirements include, but are not limited to, impact tests to determine whether devices can withstand an accidental fall or collision during use, without exposing users to hazardous parts or shattered particles that could cause injury.

"Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality is a very important technology with exciting applications that extend far beyond entertainment into fields such as engineering, robotics, surgical science, and space exploration,” said ULSE Vice President of Standards Development Dr. George Borlase. “As with all new and evolving technologies, these devices present a unique set of safety risks, which this new Standard addresses and mitigates to help VR, AR, and MR technology advance safely"

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