Some new robotization problems related to the introduction of collaborative robots into industrial practice

Abstract

The appearance of collaborative robots is a natural stage of development of industrial robotics. Research aimed at enabling the work of robots and people in the common area (collaborative workspace) have been conducted for several decades. However, only recently the research results are implemented in industrial conditions. This is mainly due to the introduction of lightweight robots of low payload, which are equipped with special construction solutions and functions in the control area. Thanks to this, these devices can safely collaborate with people in a common workspace. The application of a collaborative robot in the robotization project of an industrial process creates new technical problems and more. The robots themselves, as well as robotic installations, must continue to comply with the applicable safety requirements, in accordance with the relevant directives. Introduction to the use of collaborative robots also creates new legal problems. The article presents the current state of development of collaborative robots in the technical, legal and standardization aspect. The presented material is based mainly on information from the Polish market.