ABSTRACT
Machines that have a “feed” are often performing powerful actions, such as shaping, cutting, blending, pressing, grinding, and pulverizing. Saws, planers, wood chippers, printing presses, welders, and industrial mixers come to mind, all with moving mechanisms that could make short work of a body part or even a whole body. Robots are doing a lot of material feeding, such as placing a wooden or metal part into a jig ahead of a fabrication action, such as drilling. Like other machines, robotic systems should have safeguards that keep users and passersby in a safe position. Control panels and computers used to operate robotic systems can be located such that their operator remains outside the robot’s range of motion. Although worthwhile, safety signs warning users about placing their hands in harm’s way are no replacement for an inherently safe mechanical solution that eliminates exposure to a hazard.
