"Nachi Robotic Systems Inc. has combined effective, safe and user friendly collaborative robot technologies to achieve a high level of operator safety while maximizing production output," said a company spokesperson. Nachi Robots are capable of operating in four collaborative modes during a process; these modes can be run in concert or autonomously depending on application requirements. "Whether users are interested in Safety-Rated Monitored Stop, `Direct Teach' Hand-Guided Programming, Speed and Separation Monitoring or Power and Force Limiting technologies, Nachi has a solution to optimize the manufacturing process by providing collaborative robot solutions," said the spokesperson. Nachi collaborative robot technologies satisfy the robot safety requirements of ISO 10218-1 international standard.
Using the first method of collaboration, Safety-Rated Monitored Stop, the robot can be stopped in a safe position allowing the operator to load, unload, or add parts and perform other tasks without shutting off robot motor power. Safety-Rated Monitored Stop can improve cycle time by avoiding tedious restart procedures while also minimizing additional tooling costs. Nachi Robots utilize the robot monitoring unit (RMU), a Category 4 ISO 13849-1 PLe certified safety device to prevent motion during the Safety-Rated stop period. RMU has been certified as a safety device by TUV and complies with international safety standards for industrial robot collaborative use.
The second mode of collaboration helps simplify programming and reduce set-up time by allowing the operator to program the robot using the Hand Guided method called "Direct Teach." Nachi has developed a safety enabled Direct Teach joystick that connects to the robot allowing the user to move the robot to program points without a teach pendant. Points and programmed paths can be taught without extensive robotics knowledge, simplifying set-up and reducing programming time. Additionally, Nachi Robots can utilize Safety-Rated Monitored Stop in combination with hand guidance during automatic operation, allowing the operator to manipulate the robot along its taught path or a modified path. "Combining methods of collaboration can add flexibility to operations with inherent variability in processes," said the spokesperson.
Speed and Separation Monitoring is the third mode employed to allow safe and direct collaboration between humans and robots. Safety rated sensors detect human presence and the robot's speed is limited proportionally to the distance between robot and human. The robot will operate at full speed when the human is in the green zone, reduced speed in the yellow zone, and completely stop once a human enters the red zone.
"The fourth mode of collaboration is what defines a typical `collaborative robot' as it is commonly known," said the spokesperson. The ability to limit motor power and force during an application eliminates the ability of the robot to harm a human worker. After performing a risk assessment, collaborative applications can be performed without the need for additional safety fencing. "Using the Nachi RMU, limited power output motors and reduced operating speeds operators can work side-by-side with robots without fear of harm to the operator. If the robot contacts a human or other object it will simply stop upon making contact without causing injury or damage," said the spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Nachi Robotic Systems Inc.
42775 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, MI 48375
248-305-6545
www.nachirobotics.com