330103-00-08-10-02-00 If humans want to be able to intervene in cobot applications at any time, they must be able to trust that they will always be protected from danger. Professionals agree that there are no safe robots, only safe robot applications. Therefore, it is important to consider the entire robotic application – that is, the robot with its end actuators, devices and the objects it carries. Because collaborative robots always use only intrinsically safe design measures. It is the responsibility of security experts to analyze and eliminate the remaining risks that remain in personalized applications.
One-stop supply – a total solution for security
In doing so, SICK not only supports the automation industry through its broad portfolio of hardware and software components, including complete security systems, but also sees itself as a consulting services provider in consulting and engineering design. In close cooperation with the customer, safe robotic applications are enabled, which optimizes workflow and reduces downtime. Since the system can be easily adapted to the appropriate robotic application and manufacturing environment, the automation solution also ensures greater flexibility and future security.
Risk assessment for secure start-up
When creating freely accessible collaborative robot applications, an efficient risk assessment cannot be330103-00-08-10-02-00 carried out at the outset. Robot manufacturers, equipment integrators, and equipment operators must first document machine limitations and identify potential hazards before they can conduct a risk assessment. To this end, SICK’s 250 certified security experts can provide support and advice on assessment and analysis, and recommend measures to reduce risk, on a global scale. The requirements of the Machinery Directive and binding international standards such as ISO 10 218-2 / TS 15066 specify the level of protection for safe cooperation between man and machine.
The next step is to create a security concept. The team of experts defined the protection objectives and selected the corresponding measures to reduce the risk to achieve the desired safety and productivity. Once all safety functions have been defined and tailored to workflow and machine functions, a concrete safety design is created. SICK offers complete systems for Safe Robotics Area Protection, such as sBot Stop and sBot Speed, for appropriate applications. They consist of a safety laser scanner, a safety light curtain or a multi-beam safety grating that puts the robot in a safe stop or a safe deceleration state upon approach. The Flexi Soft Security controller ensures secure communication between external devices and the robot controller. High security levels are achieved by guaranteed Performance Level (PL) d.
Users can then save time and money by simply installing and commissioning pre-selected hardware and software co330103-00-08-10-02-00 mponents as well as prefabricated and tested control logic. The final step is verification and confirmation during final acceptance and stamped “VERIFIED SAFETY” by SICK
