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HAZARDOUS AREAS & SAFETY THE FUTURE OF INTERACTING SAFELY


systems. This allows spatial data to be processed fast enough to generate motion control in a way that conventional solutions relying on commodity hardware cannot. Unlike traditional solutions that enable cobots to stop when they detect an obstacle, some newer cobots can determine the best way around an obstacle without having to pause. This advance in technology means cobots will


spend much less time stopping to avoid collisions, and more time being productive. It also means that several cobots will be able to work together independently, performing different tasks without any collisions. Another exciting area of development is touch


Neil Ballinger, head of EMEA at EU Automation, shares the latest in collaborative robots and what the developments mean for co-workers


probably not the first person that comes to mind when you think about human- machine collaboration. But, in recent years, Kasparov has been a stark advocate for people working closely with technology — a trend reflected in industrial facilities around the world with the rise of collaborative robots. Universal Robots released the UR5 in 2008,


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a collaborative robot that could safely operate alongside employees, but a lots changed since then. Gone are the days where industrial robots mean caging or fencing — robots and colleagues can work safely in a variety of manufacturing environments. With safety technologies ever improving, what is the current state of cobot safety, and what do manufacturers need to know before adding a cobot to their workforce?


Safety — the basics In 2016, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) released guidelines regarding collaborative robots and human safety, which were last reviewed in 2019. These regulations lay out how manufacturers can take advantage of the wide range of safety equipment available to ensure the safety of their workers. Some of the key points for manufacturers to familiarise themselves with include the addition of emergency stop buttons, the


arry Kasparov, the world chess champion beaten by IBM supercomputer Deep Blue in 1997, is


incorporation of safety light curtains and force and speed limits. Once familiar with the standards, the next


step is to perform a comprehensive risk assessment. The risk assessment can be undertaken using the same methodology as for non-collaborative robots, but it must also address some added conditions. It must identify any reasonably foreseeable contact between the robot and an operator, determine the contact type (transient or quasi-static) for each body part affected and predict the frequency and duration of contact. The risk assessment must be specific to the


end-effector, as each one can have very different safety implications. A collaborative robotic arm equipped with a welding tool, for example, requires stricter safety procedures than one equipped with a simple probe. Manufacturers must continually assess their


safety measures to ensure that all identified risks are being effectively mitigated. So, who should be involved? Those with the best insight into the risks of robotics are often the workers themselves, who may see dangers that manufacturing managers might not. These managers can learn a lot from conversations with shop floor operators, as well as open a two-way dialogue that ensures their safety concerns are addressed.


Technology that improves safety To make safely introducing a cobot easier for manufacturing businesses, robot manufacturers are developing cobots with faster processors and integrated vision


8 DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 | PROCESS & CONTROL


sensing technologies, which increase both the applicability and safety of cobots. Using the latest sensors, actuators and software, cobots are now capable of experiencing physical sensations that allow them to feel and identify the object being touched. Early research from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering simulated human touch using embedded tactile sensors with conductive fluid, resulting in a robot that could differentiate between the texture of wool and cotton. In-built tactile sensors could allow cobots to


function in demanding applications that require the handling of delicate materials safely and precisely, such as healthcare. It will also allow for defect detection, as the cobot will be able to recognise problems with the texture of the object. As this technology develops, it will allow closer collaboration between humans and cobots, as they perform increasingly complex tasks together while still maintaining safety standards.


Future safety standards Collaborative robot technology has made huge leaps forward in the last few years. However, the current ISO regulations focus heavily on stopping or slowing the cobot in the presence of a human. Because recent advances suggest that this is no longer necessary if the cobot can problem-solve and determine a safe and collision-free route, we may soon see updated regulations. Being aware of the current developments in the field will help manufacturing managers both meet current and prepare for future safety standards. Industry will also need solid maintenance and repair procedures to ensure cobots function as intended, and that they can order replacement safety parts or perform troubleshooting quickly when needed. Chess grand master Garry Kasparov has


made peace with artificial intelligence and noted “you have to put the right machine in the right space to do the right task”. This rings true in current manufacturing processes. By staying up to date with technology, manufacturing leaders can add robot colleagues to their workforce collaboratively and safely.


EU Automation www.euautomation.com/uk


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