How can you increase safety and efficiency in robotics?

1 Choose the right robot

The first step to increase safety and efficiency in robotics is to choose the right robot for your specific application and environment. There are different types of robots, such as industrial, collaborative, mobile, service, and social robots, each with their own features, capabilities, and limitations. You need to consider factors such as the size, shape, weight, speed, power, sensors, actuators, controllers, and communication modes of the robot, as well as the task complexity, frequency, duration, and variability. You also need to evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of the robot, and compare it with other possible solutions, such as human workers, manual tools, or alternative machines.

2 Follow safety standards and regulations

The second step to increase safety and efficiency in robotics is to follow the relevant safety standards and regulations that apply to your industry and location. Safety standards and regulations are designed to protect the health and well-being of humans and animals, as well as the environment and property, from the potential hazards of robots. They cover aspects such as risk assessment, hazard identification, safety measures, emergency procedures, training, documentation, and certification. Some examples of safety standards and regulations for robotics are ISO 10218, ISO 15066, ANSI/RIA R15.06, and OSHA 29 CFR 1910. You should consult with the authorities and experts in your field to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.

3 Implement safety features and protocols

The third step to increase safety and efficiency in robotics is to implement safety features and protocols that can prevent or reduce accidents and injuries involving robots. Safety features and protocols are technical or organizational solutions that can enhance the safety performance of robots and their interactions with humans and other elements. They include things such as safety guards, barriers, fences, interlocks, switches, sensors, alarms, lights, signs, labels, codes, passwords, rules, policies, and instructions. You should design and install safety features and protocols according to the specific risks and requirements of your robot and its application and environment.

4 Optimize robot performance and reliability

The fourth step to increase safety and efficiency in robotics is to optimize the performance and reliability of your robot and its components. Performance and reliability are measures of how well and how consistently your robot can perform its intended function and meet its specifications. They depend on factors such as the quality, durability, compatibility, calibration, and synchronization of the robot's hardware and software. You should use appropriate methods and tools to monitor, test, evaluate, and improve the performance and reliability of your robot and its components. You should also perform regular maintenance, repair, and upgrade activities to prevent or fix any faults or defects that may affect the robot's functionality and safety.

5 Integrate robot with other systems and processes

The fifth step to increase safety and efficiency in robotics is to integrate your robot with other systems and processes that are relevant to your application and environment. Systems and processes are the sets of elements and activities that interact and cooperate to achieve a common goal or outcome. They can be technical, such as machines, devices, networks, software, or data, or organizational, such as people, teams, departments, or workflows. You should use appropriate methods and tools to connect, coordinate, and communicate your robot with other systems and processes that can support, complement, or enhance its operation and performance. You should also ensure that your robot can adapt to changes and variations in the systems and processes that it interacts with.

6 Educate and train robot users and operators

The sixth step to increase safety and efficiency in robotics is to educate and train the users and operators of your robot and its related systems and processes. Users and operators are the people who interact with, control, or supervise the robot and its activities. They can be employees, customers, clients, patients, or visitors, depending on the type and purpose of the robot. You should provide adequate and appropriate education and training to the users and operators of your robot and its related systems and processes. You should cover topics such as the features, functions, benefits, and risks of the robot, the safety standards and regulations that apply to the robot, the safety features and protocols that are implemented for the robot, the performance and reliability indicators and measures of the robot, the methods and tools to monitor, test, evaluate, and improve the robot, the methods and tools to integrate the robot with other systems and processes, and the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the users and operators of the robot.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?