What are the important considerations when assessing cobot safety?
Light curtains guard perimeters and are available with several levels of resolution, like 14 millimeters (mm) for finger detection and 24 mm for hand detection. The model, SLC4P24-160P44 from Banner Engineering , is a Type 4 light curtain kit with an emitter and receiver array and has a resolution of 24 mm to protect people and machines like cobots (Figure 4). The emitters have a row of synchronized modulated infrared light-emitting diodes.
Receivers have a corresponding row of synchronized photodetectors. The emitters have a 2-meter range, and these light curtains can be installed in lengths from 160 to 320 mm in 80 mm increments. Safety laser scanners and light curtains provide non-contact means for enhancing the safety of collaborative workspaces. However, they can be difficult to use in optically challenging environments
like areas with highly reflective surfaces that can send unwanted light interference, and they can trip because of leaking oil or grease or excessive dust or humidity. Some of these optical sensors include sensitivity adjustments that can help mitigate certain types of interference. Those sensitivity adjustments can also increase response times and other performance compromises. Another solution is to use a safety contact mat together with optical sensing devices.
Figure 4: This Type 4 light curtain has a resolution of 24 mm. (Image source: Banner Engineering)
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