EMO 2019 Ausgabe 2

••• 17 ••• Messewelten Safe collaboration When man and machine work closely together R obotics and automation are among the key technologies for ensuring lasting in- ternational success. Cobots interact directly with humans and give manufacturing com- panies a competitive edge in the market. At EMO Hannover 2019, trade visitors will find countless automation solutions and collaborative robots aimed at enhancing productivity. Automation and digitalisation can be used to make manufacturing processes more ef- ficient. Of particular interest here are co- bots. These collaborative industrial robots work together with humans – without spe- cial protective measures such as fences or demarcated areas. In which processes are cobots already being used? How can col- lisions and any resulting risk of injury be avoided? Robotics manufacturers, suppli- ers of various peripheral components for automation solutions, as well as safety and scientific experts will be providing an over- view of the current situation and giving forecasts for future developments. Makingworking life easier “Humans are indispensable for intelligent production,” says Jochen Vetter, Manager of Robot Safety at a specialised supplier. “Robots can perform physically demand- ing or repetitive activities, leaving the hu- mans to take care of more sophisticated tasks. Automation can thus also provide a response to the demographic shift.” Dif- ferent validation methods have to be ap- plied to human-robot collaboration (HRC). For example, it is imperative that measure- ments are taken to determine the safety risks involved in any possible collisions. The company has developed its own method for this. A system measures the forces act- ing on the human body and compares them with the ISO/TS 15066 limit values for col- laborative robots. “The challenge is to eliminate any bounda- ries between the working areas of humans and machines. In addition to the dangers posed by the robot, human movements must also be taken into account,” says the robotics safety expert. The speed of these is not always predictable, nor are hu- man reflexes or the sudden arrival of other people. “Collisions, however, should never result in injury.” These must be prevented by the use of more reliable control systems and intelligent, dynamic sensors built into the robot. In addition, it is important to set reliable safety standards based on norma- tive principles. Safety is crucial while working with industrial robots. Photo: Deutsche Messe Cobots – successful collaboration between man and robot: EMO Hannover 2019 showcases robotic and automation solutions for manufacturers. Photo: Deutsche Messe ®