Precise, productive, and dependable, robots are valuable industrial workers. But they are also capable of damaging equipment and workers. Safeguarding is a major concern for companies looking to save money and lives.
EMPHASIS ON SAFETY
Safety features have become more and more important as industries automate.
- Avoiding Accidents: Worker safety is paramount. Companies work to keep industrial accidents to a minimum with safety devices.
- New Standards: As companies expand globally, the strict European safety codes are beginning to have more application.
- Saving Money: Companies seek to avoid lawsuits from accidents. Safety can eliminate emergency spending costs.
SAFETY STANDARDS
Most companies in the United States adhere to the ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999 safety standard. While this standard is not required legally, OSHA does refer to it when addressing robots. The ANSI/RIA safety standards provide specific safety criteria about which devices and measurements to implement for each robot configuration.
ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
The extent to which safety standards are followed varies with each company. Robot manufacturers and integrators adhere to certain safety standards when creating work cells. But many companies create an additional safety environment around each cell. Devices such as safety relays, curtains, and mats protect workers and equipment alike.
PROTECT THE ROBOT
Because robots are costly investments, it is in the best interest of every company to protect equipment as well as workers. Vision systems work like eyes to protect and inform the robot - identifying and avoiding dangers. These software-based devices can be taught to react to unusual situations or foreign objects. Some systems, such as Omron's F210 series are programmed to respond to certain situations with certain reactions. The Cognex CPS-1000 People Sensor uses stereovision to distinguish people and objects and take the right action.
