Collaborative Robotics Expand in Scope

11.5.2020 // David Miller

The term “cobots” – collaborative robots – has been widely used, but what exactly makes a robot “collaborative”? In this article, David Miller explores the four characteristics of collaborative robotic systems, and explains the collaborative capabilities they offer – some of which can also be retrofitted to preexisting industrial robots.

Miller’s article in Automation World explores how the line between standard industrial robots and cobots continues to blur:

It’s important to note that there is no single, formal definition of what a cobot is. Rather, ISO standards 10218-1 and 10218-2 set forth four potential characteristics of collaborative robotic systems. These collaborative capabilities — safety monitored stop, speed-and-separation monitoring, power-and-force limiting, and hand-guiding—can all be achieved through the use of sensors, control systems, and peripheral devices…

Miller offers considerations for manufacturers and creators of peripherals for industrial robots, as well as safety considerations for factory workers who will share a workspace with cobots in the years to come.

Read the full article on automationworld.com