ROCKWELL Automation has released a new white paper which examines the major innovations in robotics and robotic systems as well as evolving industry safety standards.
The white paper titled, International Safety Standards Keep Pace with Advances in Robotic Technology and Applications, focuses on four major new robotic technologies. These include cableless teach pendants, human-robot collaboration, robot to robot synchronisation and vision-based safeguarding systems.
According to Rockwell Automation, new international robotic safety standards are being drafted by a team of global experts, including representatives of the U.S. Robotic Industries Association (RIA). Once those standards are confirmed, the RIA is expected to update ANSI/RIA R15.06, which was adopted in 1999, to comply with the new International Organisation for Standardisation criteria for robots and robot systems integration.
ISO 10218-1, the initial updated standard, published in 2006, specifies requirements and provides guidance for the assurance of safety in design and construction of the robot itself, not the entire robot system. Part 2 or ISO 10218-2 is undergoing development and is expected to be published in 2010. It will cover the integration and installation of a robot system or cell, which is said to provide a more comprehensive set of requirements for robot safety.
Rockwell Automation’s safety market development manager, Automation and Software Group, Dan Hornbeck says Robots are among the most critical machines in the automation industry.
“The ability to leverage new safety technology developed in the past few years, including safe speed, safe torque and safe direction, helps us keep workers safer, increase productivity and improve the overall functional safety of an automation system,” Mr Hornbeck said.
The white paper, International Safety Standards Keep Pace with Advances in Robotic Technology and Applications, is available at http://discover.rockwellautomation.com/Safetywp/robotics.
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