May 11, 2009
ABB Unveils New Robot Safety Controller
By Anuradha Shukla, TMCnet Contributing Editor
ABB Robotics recently introduced SafeMove, a software and electronics-based safety controller integrated in the IRC5 robot controller.
SafeMove enables leaner robot cell solutions by providing safety rated supervision of robot motion. The new controller also enables more collaborative applications facilitating robots and operators to work more closely together.
ABB has included a number of safety functions in SafeMove. Because the new product can easily reduce the need for traditional safety equipment, organizations can save money on installation and maintenance. SafeMove also restricts robot motion to precisely what is needed for a specific application, instead of relying on more inflexible mechanical stops.
Robots typically move at extremely high speeds and often carry loads weighing hundreds of pounds. To protect humans from robots, organizations arrange specially-designed safety fences, roll doors, or turntables. SafeMove can restrict robot motion and thus, this separation can be relaxed.
Feeling much safer with this new controller, operators can work more closely with the robot. ABB expects this capability will make the operation of industrial robots more lean, economic and flexible.
SafeMove can also confine robot motion to three dimensional safe zones adaptable to any need and industrial application. Because these zones can be switched on and off in the work cycle, operators can be sure that a robot working at full speed is at a safe distance from them. Users can also invert a zone so that the robot is not allowed to enter at all.
The robots have become part of safety solutions as safety standards in North America recognize and allow this type of technology, noted Robin Schmidt, chief engineer, ABB Robotics, North America. He expects this will allow the robot and worker to collaborate to improve productivity and reliability. Schmidt added that the motion limiting capability of the SafeMove technology provides the safety rated protection that no other previous solution could offer.
Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Anuradha’s article, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Stefania Viscusi
