HOW TO MAKE ROBOTS SAFE.

Both the robot manufacturer and the robot user share the responsibility of training personnel in safe operational procedures and service. Starting with a 'safety-first' attitude can reduce or eliminate conditions that can could contribute to an accident resulting in a personal injury. Safety features must be designed into the robot installation as a primary consideration. People working with robots must be throughly trained in the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment. The most dangerous condition involving robots exists when someone is unaware of the robot's dwell-time, or the temporary period of inactivity when there is no expected motion on the part of the robot. One of the best safety suggestions concerning robots is enclosure of the entire work envelope prohibiting entrance into the hazard area. A cardinal rule that must be enforced is never over-ride or by-pass safety features. All controllers should be located in such a manner as to provide clear, unobstructed operator vision to all points in the robot movement envelope. These and other aspects of robot safety are discussed in the article.