Automation and robotics are becoming more commonplace because they offer several benefits. They help companies improve quality and consistency while bringing costs down. Human errors decrease, safety improves, and productivity amplifies. Companies spend large sums of money to see these improvements and must protect their investments. Many individuals find Selecting Protective Components for Robotics difficult, however. What should they know when purchasing these items?
What are Dynamic Protective Components?
As the name suggests, protective components keep machines from harm. They prevent damage from environmental contaminants, repetitive motions, excessive force, and pinching. As innovations are seen, the industry continues to evolve, and business owners must be aware of new products as they become available. What are some popular dynamic protective components offered today?
Safety Controllers
Sensors remain popular today, and it’s easy to see why. They monitor their surroundings and determine if hazards need to be addressed. One sensor might detect movement in the area, while another is tasked with determining if there are objects in a machine’s path. Other sensors monitor temperature changes, electrical malfunction, and proximity.
When a sensor detects a hazard, it alerts a safety controller. The controller determines what action must be taken to remove the hazard. With the help of sensors and safety controllers, business owners can reduce accidents and protect their automation and robotic systems.
Emergency Shutoff Buttons
Emergency stop buttons have been standard in many sectors for decades. They remain vital today because they perform an essential function. When pushed, the button instantly halts a machine’s operation to protect workers and machines from harm. Initially, a worker had to press the button to stop the machine’s operation. Today, workers can remotely control emergency shutoff buttons, so they don’t need to be close to the machine being stopped, which may provide them with additional protection.
Light Curtains
Imagine an invisible safety fence around a machine. A light curtain serves as this fence. The curtain establishes a barrier using infrared light beams that surround a machine. When a person or object interferes with one or more light beams, the receiver notes the interference and triggers the established safety response. An alarm may sound, the machine may stop, or another action may occur.
Safety Mats
Safety mats protect stationary automated machinery from harm. When a person steps on the safety mat, the machine takes evasive action, ensuring that the person doesn’t move too close to the machine and suffer an injury. When a robot lands on the safety mat, the machine also takes action to prevent damage to both the machine and the robot.
Risk Assessment
Regular risk assessments are essential in machinery-related areas. Manual assessments are standard, but many companies today also incorporate artificial intelligence and automation into these assessments. Thanks to advances in the industry, some machines can now complete ongoing risk assessments and immediately alert workers to any safety concerns. The machine may also be able to make necessary changes to address these concerns.
The abovementioned items are a few of many offered today. All work to protect expensive equipment from harm while keeping workers safe. Business owners should monitor the dynamic protective equipment industry, as advances are being made every day. Remaining vigilant ensures companies have access to the latest items that will benefit their organizations.
