Robotic Guarding

The primary standard for industrial robot safety in the U.S. is ANSI/RIA R15.06. This standard outlines the requirements for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of industrial robots and robot systems. Internationally, the ISO 10218 series serves a similar purpose. Adhering to these standards is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring compliance with regulations set by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Calculating the correct safety distance is a critical step in designing a guarding system and is outlined in ANSI/RIA R15.06. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; the calculation is based on several factors including the robot’s maximum speed, the stop time of the robot and the control system, and the body part that could be at risk. This ensures that a person cannot reach a hazardous area before the robot has come to a complete stop.

Hard guarding, also known as passive guarding, refers to physical barriers like the mesh or solid panels you provide. These barriers are designed to physically prevent access to the hazardous area. Soft guarding, or active guarding, uses electronic sensors and devices to detect when a person enters a designated safety zone. Examples of soft guarding include light curtains, pressure-sensitive mats, and laser scanners. Often, a combination of both is used to provide a comprehensive safety solution.

Yes, our guarding systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with a robot’s E-stop system. The guarding equipment acts as the physical barrier, while the E-stop system provides a way to immediately halt the robot’s operation in an emergency. In many setups, the guarding is interconnected with the E-stop circuit, meaning if a gate is opened or a section is compromised, the robot will automatically shut down, adding an extra layer of protection.

While collision is the most obvious risk, robotic systems pose other dangers that guarding helps mitigate. For example, a guarding system can contain flying debris from a part being machined or ejected from a process. It can also prevent a person from being caught between the robot and a fixed object, a hazard known as a crushing hazard. Additionally, it can reduce the risk of injury from ancillary equipment, such as grippers or tooling, which may not be part of the robot’s main arm movement but are still dangerous.