Introduction to Collaborative Robots

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to work alongside human operators in shared workspaces without the need for safety fencing. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which operate in isolation and are separated from human workers for safety reasons, cobots are equipped with advanced sensors and intelligence to safely interact with humans. As cobots continue to gain popularity in various industries due to their flexibility, efficiency, and ease of integration, ensuring their safe operation becomes a critical concern. ISO/TS 15066 is a technical specification developed to address these safety concerns.

Understanding ISO/TS 15066

ISO/TS 15066 is a technical standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 2016, specifically tailored for the safety of collaborative robots. It complements the existing ISO 10218 standard for industrial robot safety by focusing on the unique interactions between humans and cobots. ISO/TS 15066 provides guidelines and recommendations for designing, deploying, and assessing the safety of collaborative robot systems.

Key Components of ISO/TS 15066

1. **Risk Assessment**: One of the core elements of ISO/TS 15066 is conducting a thorough risk assessment. This involves identifying potential hazards associated with human-robot interactions and assessing the likelihood and severity of these hazards. The risk assessment process helps in implementing appropriate safety measures and ensuring that cobots can operate without causing harm to human workers.

2. **Safety Requirements**: ISO/TS 15066 outlines specific safety requirements that collaborative robot systems must adhere to. These requirements include limiting the speed and force of cobots, ensuring safe distances between the robot and human operators, and using sensors to detect human presence and movement. Compliance with these safety requirements helps minimize the risk of injury during human-robot collaboration.

3. **Physical Interaction Criteria**: A distinctive feature of ISO/TS 15066 is the inclusion of physical interaction criteria, which address the permissible limits of force and pressure that a cobot can exert on the human body. The standard provides detailed tables indicating acceptable levels of force for different parts of the body. This information is crucial for designing cobots that can safely interact with humans, even in close proximity.

4. **Validation and Verification**: ISO/TS 15066 emphasizes the importance of validating and verifying collaborative robot systems to ensure compliance with safety standards. This involves testing the cobot's safety features and functionality under various operating conditions to confirm that they meet the prescribed safety requirements. Regular validation and verification processes help maintain the safety and reliability of cobot systems.

Benefits of ISO/TS 15066

Implementing ISO/TS 15066 has several benefits for industries utilizing collaborative robots:

- **Enhanced Safety**: By adhering to ISO/TS 15066, manufacturers and users of cobots can ensure a higher level of safety for human operators. The standard provides comprehensive guidelines for designing and implementing safe collaborative systems, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

- **Improved Productivity**: With enhanced safety comes increased productivity. When workers feel secure in their interactions with cobots, they are more likely to efficiently carry out tasks, leading to improved workflow and output.

- **Facilitating Innovation**: ISO/TS 15066 supports innovation in robotic technology by providing a clear framework for developing safe and effective cobots. As manufacturers strive to meet these safety standards, they are encouraged to innovate and create advanced solutions that can safely integrate into human-centric environments.

Conclusion

ISO/TS 15066 is a pivotal technical specification that addresses the safety concerns associated with collaborative robots. By providing detailed guidelines for risk assessment, safety requirements, physical interaction criteria, and validation processes, this standard ensures that cobots can safely and effectively work alongside humans in various industrial settings. As the adoption of cobots continues to grow, adherence to ISO/TS 15066 will be crucial in maintaining safe and productive human-robot collaborations.