FEATURE Machine Safetyy
Distance measurement modules help
robots avoid gripper collisions Mark Weymouth, Managing Director of PLUS Automation, presents an application story about Contrinex’s miniature photoelectric distance sensor modules which help robots avoid gripper collisions
C
ollision avoidance is an absolute priority for automation engineers implementing robotic handling systems.
At worst, a collision can result in injury to a human co-worker, at best, damage infrastructure and other equipment. Either way, the implications are serious for any organisation; an accident is costly and could prove tragic. While anti-collision measures will typically be coded into software routines, this is not always suffi cient.
Controlling the manufacture In a manufacturing cell, robotic handling systems build electromechanical sub- assemblies before presenting them for automated testing. At each stage, parts are transported between operations by compact, multi-fi nger robot grippers, which are programmed individually according to the geometry of both, parts and the production equipment. As the products develop over
time, the routines that control their manufacture also evolve. If confl icts between neighbouring robots aren’t eliminated completely, or if unplanned human intervention occurs, there’s an unacceptable risk of an accident. A cost- eff ective hardware solution is required to provide overriding anti-collision protection if this situation arises.
Customer solution Production engineers specify grippers fi tted with Contrinex MiniDist photoelectric sensor modules as a reliable and cost-eff ective means of measuring the proximity of obstructions in real time. When transporting parts between operations, these miniature distance sensors, embedded in the outward-facing surfaces of the gripper jaws, monitor the position of potential obstructions during travel.
Contrinex’s MiniDist sensors are designed with the needs of OEMs and system integrators in mind and provide an unobtrusive fi t-and-forget solution. These miniature devices weigh only 3.1 grams, and with a compact 4mm x 4mm x 11mm envelope and no external housing, they allow easy integration in tight spaces with insuffi cient room for traditional devices. With sensing distances to 40mm, MiniDist devices off er designers highly- versatile options when specifying equipment. An industry-standard PNP analogue output ensures optimum fl exibility, with an output range of 0.3V to 3V, with scope for in-situ adjustment. Connection is via a 4-wire PVC-sheathed cable with a 2m standard length; alternative options are available on request.
Closeups of a gripper
These highly-versatile miniature sensors meet the customer’s need for reliable operation while preventing accidents. The solution is both highly reliable and cost-eff ective whilst eliminating collision hazards. Production throughput is maintained at or above target levels without compromising the safety of people or equipment.
18 October 2020 | Automation
Closeups of a robot bulb handler
Contrinex sensors Contrinex sensors and more information are available from PLUS Automation. The new MiniDist measurement module is part of a family of tiny inductive and photoelectric sensors. In addition to its small footprint, long-distance sensing capabilities and more, with its IO-Link the module is also ideally suited to Industry 4.0 applications.
CONTACT:
Contrinex/PLUS Automation
www.PLUSAutomation.co.uk
automationmagazine.co.uk
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