Collaborative robots, or cobots, are becoming increasingly popular in industrial and commercial settings due to their low price and ease of use. While cobots are typically safe to operate, a few safety considerations should be taken into account when using them. This guide will look at the vital safety features to consider when using cobots and outline some best practices for avoiding accidents. Let’s get started.
What are cobots, and what do they do?
Cobots, or collaborative robots, are a relatively new type of robot designed to work alongside humans. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which are often large and dangerous, cobots are compact and safe to interact with. They can be programmed to complete complex tasks based on various input parameters, making them highly flexible and adaptive.
Moreover, because they rely on human intervention for guidance and control, they can easily be repurposed to perform different daily tasks. For these reasons, cobots are becoming increasingly popular in various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.
Whether helping to assemble cars or assisting surgeons during surgery, cobots have emerged invaluable workforce members. In short, they’re changing how we work today by automating repetitive or dangerous tasks and giving people more freedom to focus on other essential responsibilities.
The benefits of using cobots
There are many reasons why you might want to consider using cobots in your business or workplace. First and foremost, they can help to improve productivity and efficiency by automating tasks that would otherwise need to be completed by hand. It can free up your employees’ time to focus on more important responsibilities.
Cobots can also help to improve safety in the workplace by performing tasks that are dangerous or repetitive. For example, if you have a cobot handling hazardous material, your employees will be less likely to come into contact with it and sustain an injury. In addition, cobots can be programmed to work for long periods without getting tired, meaning they’re less likely to make mistakes that could lead to accidents.
Finally, cobots are relatively affordable and easy to use, making them an excellent option for businesses of all sizes. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, cobots typically range in price from $5,000 to $25,000. In addition, they’re designed to be user-friendly and can often be operated with little to no training.
How to ensure safety when working with cobots
While cobots are safe to work with, you should take a few precautions to ensure that accidents don’t occur. First, ensure that the area around the cobot is clear of debris before starting a task, and it will help to prevent injuries if something falls or breaks during the job.
Ensure secure any materials that the cobot will be handled correctly. It will help to prevent them from falling and injuring someone. Never try to repair a cobot while it’s running. If something goes wrong, shut off the power and contact a qualified technician for assistance.
Finally, always supervise the cobot while it’s working, which will allow you to intervene if something goes wrong and prevent accidents. Following these simple safety guidelines can avoid accidents and ensure that your cobot is used safely.
Tips for avoiding accidents with cobots
You can do a few key things to avoid accidents when using cobots. First, ensure that the area around the cobot is always clean and free of debris, which will help prevent accidents if something falls or breaks during the job.
Second, always properly secure any materials that the cobot will be handling, which will help prevent them from falling and injuring someone. Third, never try to repair a cobot while it’s running. If something goes wrong, shut off the power and contact a qualified technician for assistance.
Finally, always supervise the cobot while it’s working, which will allow you to intervene if something goes wrong and prevent accidents. Following these simple safety guidelines can avoid accidents and ensure that your cobot is used safely.
Common hazards associated with cobots and how to avoid them
There are a few common hazards associated with using cobots. The main hazard is that cobots can cause injuries if they’re not used properly. To avoid this, always ensure that the area around the cobot is clear of debris before starting a task. It will help to prevent accidents if something falls or breaks during the job.
If you are setting your cobot to work with hazardous substances or materials, it is important to set stops so it can be programmed to stop working in certain situations.
