Advances in machining and robotics have increased operational efficiency in virtually all manufacturing sectors. Production and profits would plunge if operations were done by hand alone. History has shown us that the advantages of machines are undeniable. It’s why the number of industrial robots has grown from 60 million in 2009 to more than 380 million in 2017 worldwide, according to the International Federation of Robotics.
But these automated systems can create potentially dangerous hazards for workers who operate and/or interact with them. Facilities can and should protect workers by implementing safeguards at these critical points of interaction. Recent changes in regulations and protocols by national and international governing bodies like OSHA, British Standard European Norm (BS EN), and the Robotics Industries Association (RIA) reflect a conscious effort to protect employees working these advanced machining technologies.