Human–robot-collaboration: Innovative processes, from research to series standard

Abstract

Sensitive robots are an innovative technology of tomorrow´s production. The Human–Robot-Collaboration (HRC) with its variable combination of unique skills represents a future-oriented form of work. Yet, there is a lack of experience in process realization, safety requirements are often not given and economic efficiency is still missing. There are a lot of innovative process solutions in research but industrial conditions are less considered. In this work, the approaches for the realization of standardizable HRCs for assembly operations in the automotive sector will be outlined. The aim is to present simple ways from the idea to series production by considering permitted limits. Based on an industrial application, innovative collaborations are realized with only few hardware and software components. In this context, standard compliant safety is ensured through internal system features and adjusted component designs. Additionally, an approach for HRC safety through real-time monitoring of the endeffector area is presented. As an outlook there is a guideline for HRC realization.