Robots and Safety: a craft we emphasize at RoboJob
How do you make a robot or cobot safe for operators?
Robots and safety: the discussion never gets old. Safety will always come first in a production environment, as our human capital is the most valuable of all. Here are five key indicators of a safe robot.
Why does robot safety matter on the shop floor?
You can't imagine today's manufacturing shop floor without at least one or two robots working alongside the operators. Robots have been around for decades and they take over many heavy burdens, such as repetitive tasks or handling heavy parts. But we do need to ensure that operators aren't harmed by their robotic colleagues.
As the global market leader in CNC Automation, RoboJob has invested significantly in the safety of operators. Some of our safety features are even unique for an industrial robot or cobot. Let's take our DIY cobot Coby CNC as an example.
What are the key indicators of a safe robot?
1. Accuracy
Coby's accuracy enables a very small margin of max. 2.5 mm between the gripper finger and the workpiece. Grippers have to be set as predefined by our software. No room for fingers here.
2. A slowed-down gripper with a limited stroke
Should someone stick a finger in a closing gripper, he or she will have enough time to retract it, as the opening and closing of the gripper is slowed down. On top of that, the grippers only have a limited stroke, so no harm can be done to an unsuspecting operator.
3. A minimal chuck stroke
The chuck is a risk that operators have been familiar with for the past century. Chuck suppliers have successfully minimised this risk by keeping the stroke as small as possible. But we provide something extra, so please continue reading.
4. Robotised loading of the chuck
Nowadays, you can completely robotise the placing of a workpiece into a chuck. The chuck only starts closing once the workpiece is positioned perfectly inside it. Should someone intervene for some reason or touch the cobot, it instantly freezes.
5. An automated machine door with a safety mechanism
The door of any machine should be automated with an internal or external safety mechanism. Examples are a safety edge detection system on the door rail or a servo-driven door with built-in crush control.
How does RoboJob build safety into its products?
We dedicate plenty of time to safety during the design of our products. You can find more information on our website or in the safety manual that comes with every Coby.
Our industry is innovative, accessible and beneficial for its members. We're here to keep it that way.
Want to see these safety features in action? Request a demo and our specialists will show you how safely a RoboJob system works alongside your operators.
Frequently asked questions about robot safety
What makes a cobot safe to work alongside operators?
A safe cobot combines several measures. RoboJob's Coby CNC works with a margin of max. 2.5 mm between the gripper finger and the workpiece, a slowed-down gripper with a limited stroke, and it freezes instantly when someone touches it.
What happens if someone touches the Coby CNC cobot during operation?
The cobot instantly freezes. This allows operators to intervene safely when needed.
How does RoboJob prevent injuries caused by the gripper?
The opening and closing of the gripper is slowed down, so there is enough time to retract a finger, and the grippers only have a limited stroke. In addition, the grippers are set as predefined by RoboJob's software, leaving a margin of max. 2.5 mm between finger and workpiece.
How should the door of an automated CNC machine be secured?
The machine door should be automated with an internal or external safety mechanism, such as a safety edge detection system on the door rail or a servo-driven door with built-in crush control.
Where can I find safety information about Coby CNC?
Every Coby comes with a safety manual. For specific questions about the safety of your RoboJob system, you can contact our team.