Safety light curtains can be used in collaborative robot protection zones

With the rapid popularization of collaborative robots (Cobot), more and more companies have begun to introduce human-machine collaboration in assembly, handling, packaging and other positions. In this “human-machine coexistence” production environment, safety issues have become particularly critical. Although the collaborative robot itself has force control and obstacle avoidance functions, its own perception alone cannot completely replace external protection.

At this time, the safety light curtain has become an important part of ensuring “human-machine collaboration safety”. It can not only achieve non-contact, high-sensitivity area protection, but also demarcate an “intelligent safety zone” for the collaborative robot, truly ensuring the safety of operators while improving production efficiency.

So how is the safety light curtain used on collaborative robots? Let’s take a look.

First, define the collaborative area and realize intelligent shutdown
Set up safety light curtains around the collaborative robot’s working area. Once someone enters the designated area, the robot will automatically slow down or stop operating to ensure that people are not accidentally injured by the robotic arm. When the person leaves, the system can automatically resume operation without human intervention.

This mode is very suitable for scenarios such as logistics sorting and precision assembly that require high continuity of collaboration. The light curtain forms an “invisible fence” that does not give any opportunities for risks.

Second, hierarchical defense and more flexible protection logic
High-end light curtains can set multiple sensing areas. Combined with PLC programming logic, the robot can respond differently according to the different intrusion areas. For example:

The outer area is triggered → the robot slows down

The inner area is triggered → the robot stops suddenly

Such “progressive protection” allows the robot to make the most reasonable response in different situations, without frequent shutdowns, without losing safety guarantees, and taking into account efficiency and risk control.

Third, improve personnel trust and operating comfort
The original intention of collaborative robots is to allow people and machines to work “collaboratively”, but if there is a lack of clear safety boundaries, the operator will be under great psychological pressure and dare not approach, which will affect the efficiency of collaboration.

After installing the light curtain, the staff can clearly perceive the safety boundary, and even in high-beat production, they can approach and operate with confidence. This “psychological sense of security” is often one of the guarantee factors for on-site efficiency.

Fourth, it is more adaptable to the safety standards of future smart factories
With the implementation of international safety standards for collaborative robots such as ISO/TS 15066, external auxiliary safety systems have become a key part of evaluating the safety of collaborative environments. Light curtains are a mature solution that complies with CE certification and ISO standards.

Not only that, it can also be linked with other safety devices (such as safety relays and safety modules) to build a complete human-machine collaborative safety system, helping companies to successfully pass third-party safety assessments and certifications.