A collaborative robot is a machine designed for collaboration. Whether a specific installation is collaborative depends on the operation mode selected and the outcome of the risk assessment.
Safety-rated monitored stop
The robot stops all motion when a person enters the collaborative workspace and resumes after the person leaves. It is simple to validate and suits stations where the operator loads parts only occasionally.
Hand guiding
The operator moves the robot by hand using an enabling device. Speed and force are limited by the controller. This mode is common for teaching and for manual positioning tasks.
Speed and separation monitoring
A safety scanner or laser keeps a calculated distance between the person and the moving robot. The robot slows down as the distance decreases and stops if the minimum separation is breached. It allows continuous production while people work nearby.
Power and force limiting
The robot limits contact force through torque sensing or padding. This is the mode most people think of when they say cobot, and it requires the most careful validation because acceptable force depends on the body region and the end effector geometry.
- Sharp edges on the gripper can invalidate a force-limited design
- Payload and tool center of gravity change the achievable safe speed
- A secondary hazard such as a press or a hot surface needs its own protection
We provide the force and speed configuration data for every LY-C model, and our engineers can review your risk assessment draft before shipment.
