COVER STORY
that cobots are safe to use due to their collaborative nature, but they still pose potential hazards to human workers, such as collisions, entanglement, or even crushing. The assessment should include factors such as the task that the cobot is performing, the environment it is working in, and the potential interactions with human workers.
Safety solutions for the modern factory
Simply shutting down the equipment entirely is not an option for modern equipment in many cases, operators must interact with the machine including programming/teaching, set-up and maintenance tasks. This interaction between the equipment and the machine is often overlooked at the design stage, leading to makeshift solutions or giving the operators a motivation to work around the safety devices. Thankfully, leading industrial safety solution provider Euchner has developed the technology to address these challenges and make the interaction with complex machinery much safer, at the same time helping to increase the facility’s overall effi ciency.
The box of a thousand possibilities The Euchner Multi-Functional Gate Box (MGB2) modular solution is an innovative safety system that provides reliable safety measures for complex machinery in various industries such as palletisers, robot cells and any other application where human interaction with the machinery is essential. This safety system is designed to provide the highest levels of safety for both the operator and the equipment while
improving effi ciency and reducing downtime.
One of the most signifi cant benefi ts of the Euchner MGB2 modular solution is its fl exible modular construction, which allows users to customise the safety system to meet their specifi c requirements using off -the-shelf modules. This system can be easily integrated into existing machinery, making it a cost- eff ective solution for upgrading safety measures.
Handles, locking units, escape release,
fi eldbus connections and multiple function modules, including selector switches, electronic key exchange and emergency stop push-buttons make up the system to meet the needs of the application. Available in a classically-wired OSSD version or with industry-leading fi eldbus connectivity allows for seamless integration, installing the devices sitting directly on the machines’ existing safety- fi eldbus, the Euchner MGB2 modular eliminates the need for expensive remote (decentralised) safety IO points, reducing the amount of wiring and installation time.
The MGB2 modular off ers a sub- module version of the popular ‘key-in- pocket’ solution from Euchner, CKS2 RFID key system can be seamlessly integrated into the MGB2 slots, making it the perfect solution for complex automated systems such as palletisers and machinery adopting perimeter guarding solutions. The CKS2 can be used as a safe lockout system, authorisation system, or electronic trapped key system. No complicated confi guration or complex key management is required allowing unlimited fl exibility.
Industry 4.0
New Euchner CTS Interlock with innovative FlexFunction
Industry 4.0 is transforming the manufacturing industry. It involves the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artifi cial intelligence (AI) and automation to create smart factories that are more effi cient, productive and sustainable. The benefi ts of Industry 4.0 are numerous, including improved effi ciency, reduced costs, increased fl exibility and better quality control. Industry 4.0 is changing the way that factories operate and is bringing about a new era of industrial production that is more connected, intelligent and responsive to customer
automationmagazine.co.uk
The Euchner Multi-Functional Gate Box (MGB2) is a modular solution
needs. Considering the interaction of the operator to the machine can be instrumental in determining the overall performance of equipment at any given time, it makes sense to include the technology into the door interlocks themselves. Euchner leads the way in this fi eld and includes Industry 4.0 technology into many of its products including the new Euchner CTS Interlock with the innovative FlexFunction, to give insight into the way the systems are operating and ensuring production issues are highlighted promptly, but also preventing manipulation of the safeguards themselves. Information including the status of the interlocks, the number of times the devices have been locked/unlocked as well as product identifi cation information is all readily available to the factory automation platform. Engineers can use this information to highlight areas of unreliability to put corrective actions in place.
In conclusion, the integration of innovative safety technology is crucial when designing and operating complex machinery that requires human interaction. Safety technologies like Euchner’s Multi-Functional Gate Box (MGB) can help prevent accidents, reduce injuries and increase productivity. With the growing demand for more effi cient and sophisticated machinery, safety must be prioritised at the design stage to ensure the wellbeing of all.
CONTACT:
Euchner
www.euchner.co.uk
Automation | May 2023
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