CE-E robot : a day with CE-E the robot.
Date: 2015-03-18
Institutions: Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry
Subjects: EC conformity marking, European standard, approximation of laws, consumer protection, harmonisation of standards, quality control of industrial products, safety standard, toy industry

Ref. Ares(2013)3767988 - 19/12/2013

CE-E ROBOT

A day with CE-E the robot

Entreprise and 
Industry

CE-E ROBOT

A day with CE-E the robot

European Commission © 2013

You’re  probably  wondering:  what  does  this  little  robot  do  all 
day? He whizzes around the shops making sure that the toys 
sold there are safe.

Nothing too sharp, otherwise 
someone could get hurt.

Nothing too tiny, otherwise 
a toddler could swallow it.

Nothing made out of a material 
which could be bad for you.

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At least, that’s if he wakes up on time…

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“Dear oh dear oh dear!” cries CE-E, running around the shop. “It’s 
9 o’clock. The shop will be opening soon and I haven’t checked 
any toys yet!”

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CE-E cups his hands over his mouth and shouts:  
“Teddy, Froggy, Rob the robot and Lucy. Time for an inspection!”
The toys stand in a line. CE-E inspects them one at a time.

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“Ouch!” winces Teddy as CE-E gives his nose a pull. “Good, it’s 
firmly attached,” nods the robot. “Children won’t be able to rip 
it off. Well done! You’re a teddy made of quality stuff.”

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“Froggy,” asks CE-E, “you don’t look very well-built to me. Are you 
sure children can play with you without hurting themselves?” 
“Absolutely!  I’m  really  sturdy  and  extra  strong,”  replies  Froggy, 
rocking back and forth.

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Next,  CE-E  turns  to  Lucy  the  doll:  “Can  you  remind  me  why 
toddlers can’t play with you?” “Because I have tiny accessories 
which they could swallow,” replies Lucy, quick as a flash.

“Give me five, my robot buddy!” says CE-E to Rob the red robot. 
“Where are your instructions? Rob proudly reveals the piece of 
paper from behind his back. The light on top of his head flashes 
with satisfaction.

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CE-E is drawing a big tick on his screen, when he catches sight of 
Rob’s feet. He can hardly believe his eyes: Rob is standing on some 
pack-ag-ing!  “It’s  to  make  me  look  taller,”  Rob  stammers,  turning 
even redder than usual.

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“Rob, you must remember that once you have opened the packaging 
it needs to be placed out of the reach of children. If not, children could 
get hurt,” replies CE-E, taking the packaging away.

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CE-E  instructs  the  toys,  walking  around  in  circles,  talking, 
talking,  and  talking  some  more…  Suddenly,  they  hear  a  loud 
“BOOM!”  The  robot  has  fallen  flat  on  his  face!  He  tripped  on 
some blocks which were lying on the ground.

“Kids, that’s why I’m always telling you to put your toys away, 
because if you leave them on the ground it could be… owww…
painful,” he sighs.

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THE END

“Even though I’m made of metal, I sometimes think that I should 
wear protective clothing to do this job. Do you wear protective 
clothing  when  you’re  on  a  scooter,  a  skateboard  or  a  bike? 
This robot thinks you should!”

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SAFETY TIPS

When choosing a toy

 > Always buy toys from trustworthy shops and online outlets

They take care about the toys they sell and will usually accept returns. Rogue traders, 
however, tend to ignore health and safety needs and may also deal in fake toys. Carefully 
check toys purchased online, toys given to children as gifts, and toys bought second-hand. 

 > Read all warnings and instructions 

Be aware of age and safety recommendations – take them seriously. Never buy toys that do 
not have the CE mark displayed on the toy or its packaging. Although the CE mark is not 
meant as consumer guidance, it is a commitment from the toy maker that the toy complies 
with all EU safety rules, which are amongst the strictest in the world. 

 > Choose toys suitable for the child’s age, abilities and skill level 

Toys that are not meant for a child’s specific age group may injure the child. 
Be sure to follow the age recommendation — particularly the 0 to 3 symbol 
(see right) and the words “not suitable for children under 36 months” accom-
panied by the indication of the hazard. 

 > Do not buy toys with small detachable parts for children under 

3 years of age

As these children tend to put toys in their mouths and they may choke on small parts. 

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After buying a toy

 > Follow carefully the instructions for proper toy assembly and use

Keep the instructions and information that are packaged with the toy in a safe place. 

 > Keep an eye on children as they play

Make sure that all toys are played with as intended and are suitable for the age and abili-
ties of the child. With certain toys – such as scooters, roller skates and bikes – helmets and 
other safety gear should always be worn.

 > Check toys from time to time

For breakage or wear that could cause injury and affect the health and safety of the child. 
Remove broken toys immediately.

 > Remove all packaging

And always keep the instructions. Make sure children do not play with plastic packaging as 
there could be a risk of suffocation.

 > Teach your children to put away their toys to avoid accidents

Don’t leave toys out on the stairs or on the floor in busy areas of the home. 

 > Always report a safety problem with a toy to the manufacturer 

or the retailer where you bought it.

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NB-03-13-615-EN-N

DOI 10.2769/8757