The collaboration between SICK and Universal Robots has led to the creation of a groundbreaking safety solution known as the End of Arm Safeguard (EOAS), designed specifically for collaborative robots (cobots). This state-of-the-art product is aimed at enhancing the smooth and secure interaction between human workers and robots. The EOAS is the first of its kind, combining SICK’s extensive sensor technology expertise with Universal Robots’ advancements in robotic systems. This innovation is mounted directly onto the cobot’s arm, ensuring safe and efficient human-robot collaboration.
Innovative Technology for Safe Collaboration
EOAS Design and Functionality
The EOAS solution is certified under ISO 13849 and incorporates advanced laser technology to establish a protective field around the robot’s tool, effectively covering a fixed hazard range of up to 400mm. The system detects human presence within this field and immediately triggers a stop, halting the cobot’s movement until the protective field is clear again. This efficient, time-of-flight technology ensures rapid reaction times of less than or equal to 110 milliseconds, thereby balancing enhanced safety with optimal production efficiency. As a result, workers can engage confidently with cobots, knowing that safety mechanisms are in place to halt operations if necessary.
In terms of installation, the EOAS is designed for user-friendly setup with a straightforward plug-and-play configuration. The entire installation process takes approximately 15 minutes. It is compatible with Universal Robots and integrates seamlessly into existing operations through the EOAS URCap software. To facilitate quick and effective EOAS implementation, SICK and Universal Robots have also developed comprehensive tutorials and provided continuous software updates. This ensures that the system remains up-to-date and capable of delivering its intended safety benefits.
Core Functionality and Enhanced Productivity
The core functionality of SICK’s EOAS lies in its Safeguard Stop mechanism, which employs an invisible, infrared protective shell consisting of 40 laser beams. This setup allows human workers to engage in close proximity operations with cobots without compromising safety. By mounting the sensor directly onto the cobot’s arm, unnecessary stops are minimized, thereby improving productivity. The advanced safety measures do not only protect workers but also ensure that the collaborative robots can operate with minimal interruptions, contributing to more efficient workflows and higher overall productivity.
Additionally, the EOAS’s seamless integration ensures that it works harmoniously with existing systems. It helps eliminate any physical and psychological barriers that might otherwise impede human-robot cooperation. This is particularly important in environments where the close collaboration of humans and robots is essential to the workflow. By providing a reliable safety mechanism, the EOAS helps to foster a more productive and harmonious working environment.
Broad Industry Applications
Versatility Across Multiple Sectors
The EOAS solution is versatile and applicable across a wide range of industries, including but not limited to pharmaceuticals, electronics, semiconductors, food and beverage, cosmetics, automotive, packaging, plastics, and metals. It is particularly useful for tasks such as pick-and-place operations, machine tending, and various handling and assembly processes. This broad applicability indicates that many sectors can benefit from the enhanced safety and efficiency promised by the EOAS, leading to safer work environments across diverse industries.
In the pharmaceutical industry, for example, the EOAS can be employed in sensitive environments where human-robot collaboration is essential for maintaining productivity while ensuring precision and safety. Similarly, in the electronics and semiconductor sectors, where delicate handling of components is required, the EOAS provides a safe and efficient means to enhance productivity without compromising worker safety. The ability to apply the EOAS across such a broad spectrum of industries underscores its potential to revolutionize the way humans and robots work together.
Expert Endorsements and Implementation
Matthew van den Braak, SICK UK’s product manager for robotic and mobile platforms, highlighted the EOAS’s capacity to ensure worker safety and minimize risks associated with collaborative robotics. He emphasized the strong partnership with Universal Robots in developing the EOAS and the rigorous field-testing that bolstered its reliability. The synergy between the two companies allowed for an advanced safety solution that effectively removes both physical and psychological barriers in human-robot interaction, making workplaces safer and more collaborative.
David Lievesley, technical support engineer at Universal Robots, also praised the EOAS for its seamless integration with their cobot safety systems. He noted that the EOAS adds an additional dimension of safety, particularly in smaller environments where space constraints may heighten the need for precise safety measures. This combined expertise ensures that the EOAS not only meets but exceeds safety requirements, solidifying its place as a top choice for businesses looking to improve safety in their robotics operations.
Future of Collaborative Robotics Safety
Continued Development and Industry Impact
The EOAS by SICK and Universal Robots marks a significant milestone in the field of collaborative robotics, dramatically enhancing the safety and efficiency of human-robot interaction. Its practical, robust safety measures, ease of installation, and extensive industry applications ensure that cobots can operate securely alongside human workers without disrupting productivity. As the demand for cobot applications continues to grow across various sectors, safety solutions like the EOAS will play a crucial role in facilitating this expansion.
Looking ahead, the development of similar safety technologies will likely become a focal point for companies operating in the robotics industry. Innovations that prioritize safety without compromising on efficiency are essential for the continued growth and acceptance of collaborative robots in diverse industrial settings. The EOAS has set a new standard for what can be achieved when expertise in sensor technology and robotic advancements come together, paving the way for future innovations in collaborative robotics safety.
Next Steps for Industries Adopting EOAS
The partnership between SICK and Universal Robots has led to the development of an innovative safety solution named the End of Arm Safeguard (EOAS), crafted specifically for collaborative robots, or cobots. This cutting-edge product enhances the seamless and safe interaction between human workers and robotic systems. The EOAS represents a significant advancement as it is the first of its kind to merge SICK’s vast knowledge in sensor technology with Universal Robots’ pioneering progress in robotic systems. By being mounted directly onto the robot’s arm, it ensures secure and efficient collaboration between humans and robots. The integration of EOAS into cobots offers a heightened level of protection, aiming to revolutionize how humans and machines work together. This safeguard is a testament to the forward-thinking approach of both companies, prioritizing safety and efficiency in industrial environments. The EOAS sets a new standard in the realm of human-robot interaction, making it a pivotal development in the field of robotics.
