Design Considerations for Safe Human-robot Collaborative Workplaces

This paper deals with the design of assembly stations, where human-robot collaborative tasks are carried out. Based on the assembly process specifications, different control, safety and operator support strategies have to be implemented in order for the human safety and the overall system's productivity to be ensured. The variability of assembly processes (screwing, insertion, fixing etc.), components (small/big/flexible parts), robotic equipment (single arm, dual arm, overhead) and station layouts, dictates different approaches, in terms of human-robot interaction. Enabling technologies involve safety sensors for real time workspace supervision, certified robot control safe functionalities as well as systems for the operator's better integration into the collaborative environment via Augmented Reality and web services. The application of such concepts is examined in three pilot cases.