WIA-RA CertificationWIA-RA CertificationThe world's first certification system applying WCAG-style accessibility (POUR) to physical robots — filling the gap between safety (ISO) and digital accessibility (WCAG).
ISO is a trusted international standard responsible for robot safety. However, "can people with disabilities and older adults actually use it (accessibility)" is still a standards gap. WIA-RA is an open standard that complements ISO to fill that gap.
Robot ISO standards excellently define "does it avoid causing harm (safety)". However, accessibility is out of scope by design, and ISO 10218 does not apply to non-industrial robots. "Can everyone actually use it" is still a gap in the standards — WIA-RA does not replace ISO but complements it to fill that gap.
ISO 10218/13482 are international standards responsible for physical collision and contact safety. WIA-RA respects these and adds a layer on top.
Adapts WCAG's POUR principles for physical robots. Adds accessibility on top of safety to complete a "robot for everyone" — becoming the first adopter of the world's first open standard.
The 4 principles (POUR) of the international web accessibility standard WCAG, adapted for robots — each item is defined with requirements · test methods · pass criteria.
Voice, captions, sign language, braille, haptics — anyone can perceive status and guidance.
Reach range, E-stop, operating force, voice control, assistive input devices.
Plain language, multilingual support, predictable behavior, error recovery.
Assistive-technology compatibility · .wia accessibility manifest · update regression prevention.
Certification notation = Grade (A/AA/AAA) + Track (T1/T2/T3). e.g. WIA-RA AA · T1
Minimal accessibility — essential items such as core guidance voice, E-stop access.
Standard accessibility — contrast, multilingual support, operating force, assistive-technology compatibility.
Highest — sign language, braille, .wia manifest, automated regression prevention.
Valid for 2 years · 60% for renewal. Robots supporting vulnerable populations qualify for the Hongik-ingan Track (free).
Submit via wiasoom@smilestory.ai or the application form
Confirm robot type and modality
T1 self-declaration / T2 documentation / T3 testing
Independent decision · conflict-of-interest firewall
Badge, certification ID + public registry
T2·T3 assessments are performed by WIA-RA certified auditors. Auditors are trained through the rise.smilestory.ai certification course and registered — the same model as ISO 27001's internal auditor / external certification body.
Self-assessment of your own robots · maintaining T1 self-declaration · internal accessibility audits. No authority to make formal certification decisions (independence principle).
Performs T2 documentation review · T3 test verification and certification decisions. First-generation experts auditing robot companies nationwide and abroad.
WIA-RA is a private voluntary certification operated by SmileStory Co., Ltd. / WIA Standards. It is not a statutory or government-authorized certification like ISO or KC, and carries no legal force. Its value comes from "being first to claim the previously-empty robot accessibility standard" and its adoption network. We ensure it is never presented or promoted in a way that could be mistaken for a government or internationally authorized certification.