Robotic workstations improve the functioning of many aspects in enterprises of different profiles. They contribute to increased production efficiency, maintaining satisfactory product quality at a consistent level, as well as improved personnel safety. Especially the last of these issues, however, makes it very important to properly design and implement the selected systems and equipment. Check out what to pay attention to in order to ensure maximum safety of robotic workstations.
Robotic workstations in the company
Robotic workstations are used by companies in industries such as automotive, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. However, this is not a closed list. This is because each time the robot workstations are individually designed and adapted to the needs of the company. They can be used for, among other things, welding, palletizing, milling, welding or painting. They are integrated with systems and equipment already in use at the company. The employees’ task, however, is to supervise and make the appropriate settings on the machines. The machines can be either individual devices or fully automated production lines. Designing production lines is a service that TASKO Inc. specialists can take care of for your company.
Impact of job robotization on safety
The essence of the process, which is the robotization of workstations, is the use of equipment in areas where work is most demanding and potentially dangerous for personnel. Robots are used, for example, in work with heavy loads and high temperatures. One of the main goals that robotic process automation has, therefore, is precisely to improve worker safety. Personnel do not need to be at the equipment in activities such as welding or milling. Instead, mobile palletizing robots carry heavy loads for humans, so that the role of workers is reduced to only supervising and programming the machines.
Robotic process automation will be safe if you bet on solutions of sufficiently high quality and tailored to your needs. A customized design is necessary, which will take into account such issues as the type of goods produced, the equipment that is already in use, or the layout and size of the available space. In this regard, it is not worth looking for savings at any cost. You should bet on specialists with relevant experience, who will propose the best solution, create an individual design and prototypes of the machines, and implement all solutions on site in the given production space.
Types of security of robotic workstations
A robotized production line or machine implemented in the process of automation and robotization to guarantee safety must meet the relevant norms and standards. Machines must meet the requirements of the so-called European Union Machinery Directive. It defines safety standards for machines, which regulate their admission to the market. An important safeguard, therefore, is to meet certain requirements even at the production stage, before the device reaches the customer. Confirmation of quality in this regard is the CE certificate, which says that the equipment complies with EU standards. In addition to this, the Tool Directive is also an important piece of legislation.
In terms of specific machine protection, there are several main types of solutions used. The main document in which to look for information on the subject is EN 60204-1. Individual machines must therefore be properly fenced off and marked. The movements of specific robots should be safely restricted. In the event of a malfunction, machines should be able to be shut down in an emergency. In addition, the operating status of the robots should be indicated by appropriate signals in the form of light or sound. By choosing a customized design from a specialized company, your company will be assured that all safety features and markings have been properly selected and executed in a manner that complies with the law, as well as providing the necessary level of safety for employees.