One of the key arguments for implementing automation and robotics solutions into a company is the increase in employee safety. However, in order for this to happen in reality, it is necessary to apply the required standards, as well as to adapt the chosen technology to the applicable standards and guidelines. We outline how these issues play out in the context of using a machine such as a palletizing robot.
Palletizing workstations
Modern palletizing stations are used in the palletizing process, as well as palletizing robots. Palletizers are machines equipped with special arms for handling individual products. They can be adapted to lift items of specific shapes, as well as weight. Palletizing robots place them on pallets and put the pallets away at a location from which they can be picked up by an operator. The most commonly used mobile palletizing robot, however, is the so-called AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) truck. Its design allows a pallet to be placed on it. It can independently move around a given space thanks to 3D cameras, sensors and high-tech control systems, among other things. Properly programmed, it is able to avoid obstacles and determine alternative routes on the fly.
Robot palletizing
The implementation of the described solutions allows streamlining production, improving quality, as well as increasing safety during one of the most important, and physically demanding for workers, processes related to the production chain. Robots for industry are able to work without fatigue, and with repeatable accuracy. Errors are eliminated, complaints are reduced, and the entire process takes place faster than would be possible if all tasks relied solely on human labor. However, safety issues should not be overlooked. Palletizing is work with high loads, and under high time pressure. High levels of fatigue and the risk of accidents negatively affect human safety. This is one of the main reasons why robot palletization is being adopted more and more widely, not only in the largest manufacturing companies.
Palletizing robots vs. workplace safety
Palletizing robots mean that workers no longer have to handle the most physically demanding tasks. Human supervision is necessary, but it comes down to quality control of the processes, as well as changing the settings of the equipment used. It is also necessary to properly program the robots. This will enable them to change their route independently, preventing collisions and simplifying the path between jobs. This can realistically improve the safety of all employees using the production floor and participating in the palletizing process. Staff, meanwhile, can grow and move into positions that require more technical knowledge, which will not rely solely on physical strength.
What safety standards apply to palletizing robots?
The basis in terms of safety on the shop floor, whether robots are used or not, should always be health and safety regulations, which specify, among other things, the use of personal protective equipment. In addition, in the context of palletizing robots, entrepreneurs are guided by ISO standards. According to them, in the common area, that is, where both machines and people work, the equipment should be equipped with detection systems. In individual spaces, the robot must also not use its maximum speed. In addition to this, experts recommend general attention to work culture and adapting the hall for optimal use. The better the paths between individual workstations and the space available for specific machines and people, the less likely potentially dangerous situations such as collisions with robots will occur.