ABSTRACT
Introduction The introduction of robots to many industries has led to improved product quality, increased productivity and the removal of people from hazardous or monotonous work. However, it has become apparent that robots themselves present a new type of hazard for personnel unfamiliar with their movement flexibility and speed of motion. This has led to strict regulations on guarding to protect workers from being struck by the robot during its normal operation. Unfortunately these regulations do not resolve the problem in specific situations which may require or benefit from the operator being in close proximity to the robot arm whilst it is moving (i.e. during programming or maintenance operations). Both of these tasks may involve control of the robot arm via a remote hand-held control device known as a teach pendant.
