Robotics software makes safety fences superfluous

In 'Botfellows Dynamic Safety', dynamic safety zones replace physically demarcated workspaces for humans and (industrial) robots. At Automatica, visitors can look forward to a live demonstration with an industrial robot that operates entirely without safety fences and guarantees high productivity.

The Botfellows - Dr.-Ing. Mohamad Bdiwi (CEO), Sebastian Krusche, Paul Eichler and Jayanto Halim - rely on high-tech solutions in which flexible (dynamically changing, i.e. situationally optimal) safety zones replace rigidly demarcated work areas: Their software dynamically adjusts the movement of lightweight or industrial robots by only reducing their speed - to a standstill if necessary - when people are actually approaching the work area. If the interaction of sensors and cameras detects that there is no risk of collision, the robot or robots work in the intended motion paths and at the regular speed. The results of the Botfellows' research into safe teamwork between humans and robots have passed numerous practical tests; the software solution has now been integrated into a manufacturer's robot control system for the first time.

To this end, the robotics specialists from Chemnitz are cooperating with the Chinese manufacturer Estun. Botfellow's Dynamic Safety is directly integrated (without additional interfaces). Simple implementation and operation was an important development goal: "This is the key to highly flexible automation and ensuring maximum safety.
safety - because our software fits perfectly into the robot controller instead of increasing its complexity," emphasizes Bdiwi.

Thanks to the Botfellows solution, various scenarios can be realized in a shared workspace without separating safety fences:

• Coexistence: humans and robots work in parallel in a shared work area without the need for a safety fence. The robot performs automated palletizing tasks such as stacking and sorting boxes, while the human carries out quality checks or replenishes material nearby.
• Cooperation: Humans and robots share the same work area and take turns with the palletizing tasks. The robot stacks heavy cartons on the pallet while the human adds smaller, delicate products and ensures the stability of the pallet. This enables flexible adaptation to different product types.
• Collaboration: Humans and robots work simultaneously in the same work area and complement each other directly. The robot lifts and passes heavy or awkward boxes while the human precisely positions them on the pallet, fills in gaps and checks the final alignment. This form of cooperation increases the efficiency and ergonomics of the palletizing process.

Botfellows at Automatica: Hall A4, Stand 311