Securing a robotic workplace during industrial fencing deficiencies

With the exception of fully machine-controlled operations, the presence of operators is still unavoidable, even for high-performance machines. Typical examples of such environments are lines using robotic arms that are capable of operating with high weights.

In addition to industrial robots, so-called cobots are used, which have a very limited operational weight but are usually designed to work with humans in the same workspace. There is important to implement measures to minimize the risk of injury. As a precaution, safety zones are usually defined, physical barriers are installed, or training is provided to employees to recognize dangerous situations and how to operate cobots.

The workplace of collaborative robots at one of our customers was previously secured by a protective physical barrier - a fence. However, the customer was experiencing several problems that arose as a result of securing the area with a fence. Common disadvantages include limited access to machine parts, increased time required to set up the machine, limited flexibility to reconfigure the workspace, or limited interaction. Among the limitations we addressed in designing the workspace safety solution were those mentioned below:



These problems were solved by implementing Invanta sensors, which eliminate the limitations of fences. By mounting them at heights, there is no obstruction, no handling is required, and the risk of human error or sabotage is eliminated.

If a human enters the defined area during operation, an immediate emergency stop of the machine occurs.



The construction, installation, and maintenance cost of the Invanta human detection sensor is comparable with fence safety, but the sensor's mounting height allows a larger area to be seen.

Thanks to its adaptability, the customer was able to automate employee safety for a specific work area around the robot - to react quickly to possible dangers, reduce the risk of human error, constantly monitor the work area, and thus increase the efficiency of factory safety and operations.

This can be particularly advantageous for small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.



Thanks to its adaptability, the customer was able to automate employee safety for a specific work area around the robot - to react quickly to possible dangers, reduce the risk of human error, constantly monitor the work area, and thus increase the efficiency of factory safety and operations. This can be particularly advantageous for small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.