DECEMBER 2017CIOAPPLICATIONS.COM8IN MYVIEWHUMAN-ROBOT COLLABORATION: WORK SAFELY AND INNOVATE TOGETHERCAROLE FRANKLIN, DIRECTOR OF STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT, ROBOTIC INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATIONounded in 1974, Robotic Industries Association (RIA) is the only trade group in North America organized specifically to serve the industry. Member companies of the group include leading robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, research groups, and consulting firms.The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) drives innovation, growth, and safety in manufacturing and service industries through education, promotion, and advancement of robotics, robotics-related automation technologies, and companies delivering integrated solutions.Impact of Latest Innovations in Robotics Technology on the IndustryIn the past, industrial robots and robotic systems were kept physically separated from the people working nearby. For example, a fence would keep people away from the robot while it was operating, and a system of sensors would turn off the robot's power if a person entered the area. The person would need to intentionally restart the robot once he or she had left the robot's hazardous area.Now, with the advent of collaborative robotics, this paradigm is changing. Collaborative robotic systems are ones in which it may be possible for a person to work near the robot while it is operating and still be safe (a collaborative mode known as "power- and force-limiting"). Or, the collaborative system might place a temporary hold on the robot's operation if a person approaches too near, with an automatic restart once the person moves away again (a collaborative mode known as "safety-rated monitored stop"). FCarole Franklin
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