Collaborative robots work safely beside humans

The latest evolution of robots, known as collaborative robots, can work side by side with humans to serve their needs and, in doing so, reduce fatigue, improve results, and increase the level of control and process integration. But how is it possible for humans and robots to work together?

According to the AURA (Advanced Use Robot Arm) project presented by Comau, the safety required for a real and continuous cooperation between humans and robots can be guaranteed through the integration of different technologies.

The AURA robot features a skin that protects force, perception, and torque sensors. This cooperative apparatus also relies on the integration of a vision system and a laser scanner.

This combination of technological equipment allows operators to move safely in the work area they share with the robot while controlling its action either directly—via manual guidance or the possibility to change its trajectory by touching it—or indirectly—via interaction with the sensors applied on the robot and in the entire work area. The collaborative robots understand what is happening around them, just like humans, and behave accordingly, states the manufacturer.

The robots can be used in such heavy-industry applications as handling, machine tending, and the assembly of heavy parts. Traditional robots can be turned into collaborative robots, so that even high-payload machines can be used for heavy activities. One example is the manipulation applications that take place during the final assembly of a car, such as the positioning of the dashboard, seats, or batteries. Other applications include bending, machining, and machine tending.

Every operation takes place without protective barriers, which saves costs associated with redundant hardware and factory layout. The robot’s ability to engage in real-time interaction with the surrounding environment implies that production downtimes are almost reduced to zero, states the company.

The integration of different types of sensors allows custom configuration by gradually regulating the complexity of the machine, the accuracy of its control system, and the positioning of the machine in the factory layout. Thanks to the integration of technologies that manage the work area, there is no need for vibration control, so the collaborative robots can be mounted in every position.

Comau LLC

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