Fenceless Robots Take on New Shapes and Forms

Industrial robots are typically locked behind cages for the sake of the safety of human workers. The introduction of small, force-limiting collaborative robots was a revolution in robotic technology as it allowed humans to work directly alongside a robot without the need for safety fencing. Now, as robotic technology has progressed, fenceless robots are taking on a number of different sizes and forms beyond the typically small and safe collaborative robot.

Fenceless robots deploy a number of sensors and safety protocols to safely work alongside humans. Often, the applications these robots are deployed in applications uniquely suited to their capabilities, which brings about a number of benefits for manufacturers.

The Benefits of Fenceless Robots

The most immediate benefit of fenceless robots is the time and cost saved from building and erecting fences and safety equipment. This equipment can sometimes be extensive, and eliminating it reduces integration and installation costs. Further, the lack of a fence allows workers to more efficiently interact with robots for collaborative processes as well as maintenance.

Fenceless robots take up significantly less space on the factory floor. This allows for far greater flexibility in robotic cell layout. When production needs change, this also makes it quicker and easier to reconfigure and relocate robots. Generally speaking, fenceless robots are a flexible solution with streamlined installation, configuration and operation.

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Types of Applications that Require Fenceless Robots

There are many different types of applications that may benefit from a fenceless robot, depending on the type of collaboration, force and movement that’s required from the robot.

In one example, a manufacturer needed to automate the insertion of spark plugs into an engine block. The manufacturer thought they needed a collaborative robot to work alongside a human for this process, but the excessive reach requirements called for a more specialized fenceless robot with greater size than typical collaborative robots. With a limited range of movement and low force, the fenceless robot ended up being an ideal solution for this application.

Fenceless robots are best for applications that call for performance parameters outside of what a collaborative robot can safely handle, just as in the example where significant reach was required.

Collaborative robots were revolutionary when they first emerged, but now the need for fenceless robotic systems has expanded beyond what collaborative robots typically can automate. Fenceless robots are taking on new applications and driving the industry forward.