Feature

Robots and robot controller safety

Industry is integrating increasing numbers of robots factory wide, and an ever-increasing number of manufacturing and logistics processes are now fully automated. The rise of human-robot collaboration is expanding.

03/11/2022 11:51:54

To ensure reliable performance and safety, manufacturers, suppliers, integrators and operators must assess and validate robot compliance against a range of different standards, as well as consider application-specific requirements. At its core sits EN ISO 10218:2011 – “Robots and robotic devices – Safety requirements for industrial robots”, an international standard which covers the safety requirements for industrial robots.

Testing of industrial robots, their robotic systems and control systems should cover the following aspects:
• Heavy loads and high speeds
• Unexpected start-up or behaviour
• Collision with workpieces or the surroundings
• Ejecting workpiece items
• Presence of humans in the critical area

Working alongside humans
If wisely deployed, collaborative robots (cobots) can increase process efficiencies and product quality, as well as relieve humans from physically exhausting and repetitive work...

Read the full article in DPA's November issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.