Robot Safety 211

Robot Safety discusses the different ways to prevent robot accidents. Robot accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Most accidents occur because employees bypass the robot's safeguards. There are two kinds of safeguarding systems that protect employees from injury when working with robots. Safety devices stop a robot from operating. Presence-sensing mats, for example, end robot operations when the pressure or weight of an employee is detected. Safety barriers prevent employees from accessing or entering dangerous robot work areas. For example, perimeter fences block employee access to areas where robots are working. Employees must receive training on the robot and wear protective clothing when near the robot. The robot must be installed and maintained as intended by the manufacturer and by authorized personnel only. All robot operators require a certain level of experience and training to work with the robot