Safety in the Industrial Robot Environment

Abstract

Safety requirements differ for applications with or without a human interface. The extent of human interface with the robot must be determined. Design of the robot, guarding, access, and access control are important considerations. The work envelope is critical and its protection involves perimeter detection systems using visual barriers or warning signs as a first step, with added precautions taken using redundant electronic devices. Control system failures and mobile robots present special problems. These aspects of the system require extensive design, engineering, and programming, thus only concepts of each system are discussed allowing safety advocates to introduce the concept and audit the overall robot design.