Preparing the published article.
Robot Safety for Machine Tending Applications
The dangerous part is usually the machine, not the arm.
Hazards beyond the robot
| Hazard | Source | Typical safeguard |
|---|---|---|
| Clamping | Machine door and chuck | Interlocked guard with trapped key |
| Spindle or press movement | Machine cycle | Safe stop plus interlock |
| Ejection of parts or coolant | Process | Shielding and splash guards |
| Robot motion into the machine | Programmed path | Safe zone limits |
Practical rules
- Assess the interaction, not the robot alone: door open means both machine and robot safe.
- Define what happens if the robot faults while the door is opening.
- Never allow a reset that restarts the machine without a separate start action.
- Record the measured stopping time of the machine as well as the robot.