Human robots interactions: Mechanical safety data for physical contacts

Abstract

In a world that relies heavily on technology, the industry invests heavily to developing solutions that focus on the positive interaction between people and machines and the isolation of physical or immaterial infrastructure as a method of protection. An approach based on strategy must be followed to change the paradigm of human machine interaction, researchers must look to the machine as a co-worker and as such it may not pose a risk to other colleagues. So the challenge for designers and machine developers must therefore turn to “minimization of force” as a key to reach the safety of the machine/equipment. Considering these questions and having into account that existing data about this issue is scattered, focused in specific applications and cannot easily be transferred to different or more complex applications the International Technical Committee ISO/TC 199—Safety of machinery decided to create a Study Group—ISO/TC 199 SG01—with a purpose of prepare an International Standard that would support the design, development and use of machines that will interact with people.