ABB Robotics has announced the launch of SafeMove2, the latest generation of its safety certified robot monitoring software. "SafeMove2 delivers flexibility, space savings and cutting edge commissioning tools for greater productivity at a lower total investment cost. This, combined with enhanced safety, enables closer collaboration between robots and factory workers," said a company spokesperson.
Like the original SafeMove, first introduced in 2008, SafeMove2 includes a variety of safety functions, including safe speed limits, safe standstill monitoring, safe axis ranges and position and orientation supervision. The new generation functionality encourages the development of innovative robot applications by integrating safety features directly into the robot controller.
"To be efficient, robots must be able to move at speeds suited to the given application. At high speeds this can present a potential hazard for people working in the immediate vicinity. Historically, fences or cages have been used to separate man from machine in an effort to keep them out of harm's way," said Dr. Hui Zhang, Head of Product Management, ABB Robotics. "SafeMove2 allows robots and operators to work more closely together by restricting robot motion to precisely what is needed for a specific application."
SafeMove2 allows for the creation of efficient and flexible production scenarios, and provides tools that speed the commissioning workflow for faster set-up and validation. It also integrates safety fieldbus connectivity into ABB's IRC5 robot controller family as well as the IRC5 Single, Compact and Paint controllers.
"With SafeMove2 the tools to facilitate collaboration between man and machine are a reality," said the spokesperson. For example, if an operator needs to interact with the robot system, safety sensors can be incorporated into the robot cell to detect the person's presence. After detection, SafeMove will either supervise the robot's speed or monitor it while it is standing still. Once the person clears the zone, the robot can resume operation. The end result is less down time and increased productivity.
For more information contact:
ABB Robotics, Inc.
1250 Brown Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248-391-8622
www.abb.com/robotics