Understanding Safety in Industrial and Collaborative Robots

July 2023

Robot technology has become an integral part of many industries. There are as many as 1.3 million industrial robots being used worldwide.

Robots and cobots are revolutionising the manufacturing process and transforming the way work is done. These advanced machines have more than proven their efficiency and accuracy over the years. They have made workplaces a lot more productive.

As the technology involved in robotics increases, so does the need for robust and stringent safety measures. It’s important to understand safety in industrial and collaborative robots.

 

Industrial robots are large, powerful machines designed to perform repetitive tasks with speed and precision. Collaborative robots (often called cobots) are designed to work alongside humans and assist them with mundane tasks.

Let’s take a look at the basics of robotics safety, the key regulations in place, and how to negotiate human-robot interactions. Here’s your guide to staying safe when working with robots.

Basic Safety Principles for Industrial and Collaborative Robots

There are many safety principles in the realm of industrial and collaborative robots.

These principles act as guidelines to minimise risks and create a secure working environment.

Risk Assessment

Thorough risk assessments are one of the fundamental safety principles. They involve a thorough investigation of the work site to identify any potential hazards.

They will evaluate the associated risks to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place. Factors such as the robot’s speed, force, and workspace must be considered during the assessment.

Mechanical and Electrical Safety

There are stringent mechanical and electric safety standards for a reason. They are a preventative measure to ensure that robots are safely designed and manufactured.

They should be robustly constructed. They also need to have their moving parts adequately shielded. Regular inspections and maintenance are an excellent way to ensure your robots remain up to scratch.

Emergency Stop Systems

Emergency stop systems are another crucial safety feature. They enable operators to quickly halt a robot’s motion in an emergency.

These buttons should be easily accessible and clearly labelled throughout the robot’s workspace.

Interlocking Safety Devices

Devices like safety gates and light curtains are beneficial. They can detect nearby personnel and ensure the robot stops to avoid accidents.

Safe Speed and Force Limitations

Industrial and collaborative robots can have both their speed and their force limited.

The speed and force of the robots should be set at levels that minimise the risk of injury. Robots always have the potential to collide with human workers or other objects in the workspace. It’s important to minimise the damage these collisions can cause.

Training and Education

The best safety measures are always preventative. You can have all the reactive protocols in the world, but the best remedy for an accident is to ensure that one never occurs in the first place.

Training and education of workers is the best way to ensure this. Go over your safety protocols with your staff regularly. Make sure they know them inside and out.

Regular training sessions should be conducted to keep operators up to date on new safety standards.

 

Documentation and Warning Signs

Clear and comprehensive documentation, including operating manuals and safety guidelines, should be provided by robot manufacturers.

Warning signs and labels should be prominently displayed on the robot and in its vicinity to alert personnel of potential risks.

Safety Standards and Regulations for Robotics

Safety legislation and standards play a critical role in ensuring the safe operation of robots in industrial and collaborative settings.

These standards provide guidelines and best practices to mitigate risks and protect human workers.

In the United Kingdom, adherence to safety C-type standards is crucial to maintaining a safe working environment and complying with legal requirements.

ISO 10218-2:2011

ISO 10218-2:2011 is a crucial safety standard. It focuses on ensuring the safe operation of industrial robots and cobots. It is internationally applicable, ensuring consistent compliance worldwide.

The standard presents comprehensive guidelines for the design, integration, and operation of robotic systems.

It exists to guide companies throughout the design and integration process. Companies that use robots and cobots for their work need to take their guidance on board.

The standard emphasises the importance of carrying out thorough risk assessments. It also places significant emphasis on the design phase for robots.

Protective Measures and Safety Devices

Safety standards in the UK require various protective measures and safety devices for robotic systems.

These measures can include:

• Physical barriers
• Light curtains
• Safety interlocks
• Emergency stop buttons
• Protective clothing

Such devices are essential for preventing physical contact between humans and robots and enabling quick intervention in emergencies.

Compliance and Conformity

Companies must comply with these standards and regulations to run a safe workplace.

Compliance is more than just following the rules. It involves regular inspections and testing of robotic systems. This is to ensure their continued safety and functionality.

Companies need to stay up to date on any revisions and amendments to safety standards. They should implement any required changes to remain compliant.

Safe Human-Robot Interaction in Industrial Environments

Collaborative robots are there to support human workers. Workers and managers alike need to understand the importance of ensuring that human-robot interactions are safe.

Several key considerations must be taken into account.

Safety Training and Awareness

Safety training is the most effective way to ensure safe human-robot interactions.

Workers should receive regular and comprehensive training. This helps them understand robot capabilities and safety protocols. Workers should be able to recognise potential hazards and develop good situational awareness.

These are the most important things to keep a workplace safe.

Clear Communication and Signalling

Clear communication is also vital. The robots and cobots should be well-signalled and have in-built communication functions to let human colleagues know what is happening.

These can include warning lights, alarms, or voice prompts. All of these can be used to indicate robot movements and potential risks. All of this helps workers to be more aware of robot activities.

It gives them the chance to react appropriately and ensure their safety.

Collaborative Workspace Design

The workplace should be designed with safety in mind. The design and layout need to facilitate safe interactions between humans and robots.

There are many ways to achieve this. Physical barriers are the best way. They help to keep humans and robots completely separate where possible. This greatly decreases the chances of an accident.

Safety zones and separate work areas are also great ways to keep your design safe. They reduce the risk of collisions or contact and help keep robots working and human workers safe.

Use of Sensing and Monitoring Systems

Certain technologies can also be utilised here. Sensing and monitoring systems are great for keeping human workers safe.

Proximity sensors can enable your robots and cobots to detect and react to the presence of humans in their vicinity. They will automatically adjust their movements or speed to avoid any potential collisions.

 

Future Trends for Safety in Industrial and Collaborative Robots

There are a few exciting developments on the horizon for robotic safety. Advanced sensor technologies are likely to improve workplace safety. 3D vision systems, in particular, are an exciting advancement.

These systems will allow robots to scan their surroundings. They will be able to take full stock of their environments and react to any potential hazards accordingly.

Advancements in AI will also help. With AI integration, robots and cobots would be able to learn from past interactions and update their safety protocols. They will be able to adapt as incidents arise and ensure that similar scenarios don’t recur.

Find Industrial Robot Application Safety Solutions Today

Safety in industrial and collaborative robots is a vital aspect of running a smooth and efficient workplace. Dealing with robots can be confusing at times. Let someone else help you out.

At SP Automation & Robotics, we specialise in the design and integration of automation and robotic solutions. We work with a wide range of industries and have been doing so since the late 80s.

We have a wealth of experience in delivering innovative and customised automation solutions. These solutions can enhance productivity and safety in your workplace.

We are knowledgeable in collaborative robotics and their role in the workplace. We can integrate safe, productive, and efficient collaborative robots for a wide range of industries and applications.

To find out more about the SP Elements SP-EZPal Palletising System, visit the SP Elements webpage here.

 

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