Safety as a Key Challenge in Robotics

October 23, 2023
system mocowania ramion robotycznych

Human health – both physical and mental – is a crucial element in every technological field. Safety for workers is also a top priority in automation and robotics. The significant technological advancement and the growing use of intelligent machines require designers and engineers to pay special attention to this matter. How should we approach it? Read the article to learn more.

The Basics of Safety in Robotics

First and foremost, it is essential to emphasize that the primary aspect of safety in robotics is to protect workers and their surroundings. Any violation of this principle may result in legal and ethical consequences. It's crucial to be aware that, despite undeniable productivity benefits, automating production processes also brings new potential threats. What are they?

Consider cybercrime, for instance. Devices are just as vulnerable to attacks as any other IT system. Hackers may unlawfully take control of a machine and use it for destructive purposes, contrary to the will of the employees. Software irregularities in automation and robotics can also be catastrophic, causing a robot to act unpredictably and endanger safety. It is difficult to fathom the consequences of a mistake in the code of an intelligent machine assisting a life-saving operation due to a programmer's oversight.

Therefore, all systems used in automation and robotics must be designed with potential risks in mind. This requires skillful design, the implementation of suitable safety measures for employees and their environment, as well as regular device monitoring and maintenance.

Risk Assessment in Robotics and Automation

Risk assessment allows for the identification of potential hazards and the planning of actions and mechanisms aimed at minimizing them. This process should precede the design and implementation of systems in robotics and automation.

In the context of risk analysis, it is crucial to consider safety-related threats associated with the operation of the machine and its use by employees. The mechanization of work creates a range of opportunities for hardware failures, programming errors, and the risks stemming from the interaction between humans and machines. The task of designers and programmers is to prevent these risks.

How to Minimize Risk in Robotics and Automation

Ensuring a high level of safety in robotics requires complex actions on many fronts. Employee education plays a significant role as it enables the correct operation of the machines and an understanding of potential hazards. Similarly important is the use of advanced emergency systems and safety measures, as well as regular technical inspections. Systematic servicing is essential for any company utilizing automation and robotics technology. Although all this may seem like a considerable challenge, it also presents an opportunity to raise employee safety standards. Achieving the highest level of safety can be attained through the use of professional technological solutions. Contact us and order the best industrial robots for your company!

Note: The above translation has been done using a combination of the original text and context for clarity in English.

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Izabela Patro
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