INDUSTRY 4.0/IIOT/ROBOTICS FEATURE
the robot isn’t moving. To protect operators, before
starting a cobot or recovering from an emergency stop, there must be an intentional act to enable the robot. For example, when an operator activates an e-stop, the robot shouldn’t be able to re-enable automatically, but should first need verification from a second operator. During the design and safety
setup, hand guiding must only be allowed if the robot has stopped, there has been intentional mode selection and speed and force monitoring are active. If hand guiding is activated without a stop command or safety input, this should initiate a safety stop and fault. For the automatic operation of a cobot, the operator must make an
intentional mode selection that requires all safety devices and conditions to be validated. For validation, a safety assessment review should be made of the
surrounding areas and equipment, and a safety remediation service performed if necessary. Safety service groups should make an onsite inspection of the safety of equipment, confirm certifications, verify safety parameter settings and finally document the completion of the validation. Specific safety considerations: 1) Machine tending – For maximum safety, manufacturers should use a
safety-rated gripper to protect operators against injury. They should also investigate whether the product presents any dangers (such as extreme heat or sharp edges). 2) Material handling – Applications that benefit from cobots include
picking, packing, palletising and sorting. For safety considerations, the wide use of these applications makes them a site-specific solution. Operators and other workers often move other materials around the cobot, so additional planning is needed to avoid hazardous contact. Safety-rated grippers are currently rare: manufacturers tend to use
pneumatic grippers, with potential safety issues relating to impacts and the loss of power or suction. Application designers must also investigate whether the product presents any dangers that could cause problems if it was dropped. 3) Assembly –Applications that use cobots often involve special tooling
and close collaboration with operators, while also requiring high-speed operation zones. The variety of custom end-of-arm tooling makes these applications especially complex. If multiple robots are involved, application designers must carefully co-ordinate the safety solutions for each one. For all three of the above areas, it’s very important to review the entire
area for the risk of an operator being trapped or clamped by the robot and nearby equipment, and for any heavy or hazardous products. Other
considerations for these areas include: ● Should the safety controls of other machines be linked to prevent one
from operating when another is in a safety stop condition? ● As cobots can be moved from machine to machine and from
application to application, how is their safety validated? ● Are there warning zones for the operator that indicate hazards or
operation interference? In summary, manufacturers who want a successful cobot application that
will boost efficiency and productivity must first carry out a thorough risk assessment, and then implement any necessary safety measures.
Omron
industrial.omron.co.uk
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