Industrial robotics is a technology that offers multiple benefits for manufacturing, construction, agriculture and other sectors. However, it also brings risks and challenges for worker and machine safety. In this article, we will explore robotic safety, its updates and the key standards for industrial safety with robotic arms.
Robotic safety is the set of measures and standards that are implemented to ensure that robotic arms and their environments are safe for human operators and for the machines themselves. Robotic safety involves an assessment of the potential risks that may arise from the interaction between robotic arms and humans, as well as possible failures or malfunctions of robotic arms. Robotic safety also involves the design, installation, programming, maintenance and monitoring of robotic arms to prevent or minimise these risks.
The key standards for industrial safety with robotic arms are the technical standards that set out the minimum requirements that robotic arms and their applications must meet to ensure an adequate level of safety. These standards are developed by international or national bodies, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the German Institute for Standardization (DIN). Some examples of these standards are:
- ISO 10218-1:2011 Robots and robotic devices – Safety requirements for industrial robots – Part 1: Robots
- ISO 10218-2:2011 Robots and robotic devices – Safety requirements for industrial robots – Part 2: Robot systems and integration
- ISO/TS 15066:2016 Robots and robotic devices – Collaborative robots
- ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 Industrial Robots and Robot Systems – Safety Requirements
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart O Machinery and Machine Guarding
- DIN EN ISO 13849-1:2016 Safety of machinery – Safety-related parts of control systems – Part 1: General principles for design
These standards define concepts such as collaborative workspace, collaborative modes of operation, safety functions, performance levels or risk categories. These standards also provide guidelines for conducting risk analyses, selecting protective measures, validating safety functions or training operators.
Robotic safety is a dynamic field that is constantly being updated with the development of new technologies and applications. For example, collaborative robots are an emerging trend that allows humans and robotic arms to work together in the same space without physical barriers. This implies new challenges for robotic safety, such as collision detection and avoidance, human-robot communication and coordination, or adaptation to changing environments. Therefore, new standards and specific guidelines are needed to regulate this way of working.
Robotic safety is a fundamental aspect of industrial automation, involving the use of robots to perform dangerous, repetitive or precise tasks. Some key aspects of robotic safety are:
Regular updates of robot software and hardware to ensure proper operation and prevent failures or accidents.
Compliance with safety standards and directives applicable to each robot type and application, such as ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066 or EN 60204-1.
Assessment of safety risks associated with robots and their environment, taking into account factors such as robot speed, force, energy, temperature, noise, electromagnetic emissions.
The implementation of appropriate protective measures to prevent or minimise harm to people, equipment or the environment, such as physical barriers, sensors, emergency stop systems or collaborative safety zones.
The education and training of operators and workers who interact with robots, so that they are aware of their functions, limitations and risks, and know how to act in the event of an emergency.
In conclusion, robotic safety is a fundamental aspect of the efficient and responsible use of robotic arms in industry. Robotic safety involves continuous risk assessment and rigorous application of key industrial safety standards. Robotic safety also involves constant updating with technological innovations and market demands. Robotic safety is ultimately a guarantee of quality, productivity and competitiveness for companies using robotic arms.
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