What is the difference between ISO 26262 and SOTIF?

In the automotive industry, ensuring the safety of vehicles is of utmost importance. Two widely recognized standards that address different aspects of automotive safety are ISO 26262 and SOTIF (Safety of the Intended Functionality). Although both standards aim to enhance automobile safety, they focus on distinct areas and have unique requirements.

ISO 26262: Functional Safety

ISO 26262 is an international standard that specifically deals with functional safety in road vehicles. It provides guidelines for the development of safety-critical electrical and electronic systems, addressing potential hazards caused by system malfunctions or failures.

The main objective of ISO 26262 is to minimize risks related to hardware and software malfunctions, ensuring that safety measures are implemented throughout the entire product lifecycle. It emphasizes a systematic approach to identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing suitable safety mechanisms.

SOTIF: Safety of the Intended Functionality

While ISO 26262 focuses on functional safety, SOTIF complements it by addressing the safety risks associated with the intended functionality of autonomous vehicles. It considers scenarios where the vehicle might operate correctly but still present hazardous situations due to limitations or uncertain behavior.

SOTIF recognizes that even if a system functions as intended, there can be various external factors such as environmental conditions, sensor limitations, or human interactions that may lead to safety risks. It aims to identify potential hazards arising from foreseeable misuse or unforeseeable events and establish appropriate measures to mitigate these risks.

Differences between ISO 26262 and SOTIF

While ISO 26262 primarily focuses on functional safety analysis and implementation of safety measures during the product development process, SOTIF addresses the safety risks associated with the intended operational design domain (ODD) of autonomous vehicles.

ISO 26262 provides a detailed framework for hazard analysis, risk assessment, and safety management, highlighting the importance of functional safety measures. On the other hand, SOTIF guides manufacturers in identifying potential hazards that may arise from system limitations and interactions beyond the scope of ISO 26262.

It is important to note that ISO 26262 compliance is a prerequisite for ensuring functional safety, while SOTIF complements it by considering aspects beyond functional malfunctions and expanding the safety scope to unforeseen situations within the intended operational design domain.

In conclusion, ISO 26262 and SOTIF are both significant standards contributing to the overall safety of vehicles. While ISO 26262 focuses on functional safety measures, SOTIF addresses the additional risks associated with the intended functionality of autonomous vehicles. Manufacturers should adhere to both standards to enhance safety throughout the product lifecycle and provide robust protection against potential hazards.