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A hazard analysis system for robotic work cells
Author(s) -
Aghazadeh Fereydoun,
Chapleski Robert,
Hirschfeld Robert
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
human factors and ergonomics in manufacturing and service industries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.408
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1520-6564
pISSN - 1090-8471
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1520-6564(199823)8:4<323::aid-hfm3>3.0.co;2-5
Subject(s) - robot , hazard , hazard analysis , work (physics) , system safety , engineering , computer science , safety engineering , intrusion , simulation , risk analysis (engineering) , computer security , artificial intelligence , reliability engineering , mechanical engineering , medicine , chemistry , organic chemistry , geochemistry , geology
Robotic work cells have proliferated in recent years, but safety guidance in the area of safety sensing devices has not kept pace. This article presents a hazard analysis technique to be used as a tool to evaluate and improve the safety of existing or new robot workstations. It is based upon a study of robot safety practices in industry. The hazard analysis was developed by first identifying robot‐related hazard factors: person–machine communication, the work environment, and decision making. Next, operational modes were specified to isolate types of worker intrusion into the work space. In addition, the study defined four robot sensor zones on the perimeter, inside the work zone, on the robot, and on the worker. Finally, a complete description of expected robot safety responses was created by combining operational modes and sensor zones into a matrix. Using these tools, the hazard analysis was compiled to address infractions of sound safety practices, intrusion into robot work zones, inadvertent operation while in an unsafe mode, and unplanned robot movement. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.