What Is A Robot Work Cell?
Also referred as robotic workcell or workcell, it is a complete system that includes the robot, controller, and other peripherals such as a part positioner and safety environment.
Or simply speaking, it is a workstation which consists of at least one robot and its controller along with the safety measures.
Types of Robot Work Cell
Generally, robot cell design comes in two cell types: steel and aluminium. Aluminium is lightweight, and it is easy to modify or extend with no need for welding or painting. Steel has a rugged appearance, and it is used for heavy works, for example, the metals processing industries.
Things to Be Considered Before Design A Work Cell:
- Determine what job the work cell will be doing.
- Develop an outline of the tasks
- Choose robots with the right applications to do the job
- Select a positioner to move the product down the line
- Create a layout to efficiently and safety complete the task
Robot Work Cell Safety
A robot usually works with other machines in a manufacturing cell, mainly used to used to perform unsafe, hazardous, highly repetitive, and unpleasant tasks. They have many different functions such as material handling, assembly, arc welding, resistance welding, machine tool load and unload functions, painting, spraying, etc.
Thus, when considering safety, attention should be given not only to the individual machines and robots, but also to their interactions during job processing, including the following aspects(excerpted from OSHA):
- Risk Assessment
- Safeguarding Devices
- Awareness Devices
- Safeguarding the Teacher
- Operator Safeguards
- Attended Continuous Operation
- Maintenance and Repair Personnel
- Maintenance
- Safety Training
For detailed information about robot work cell and robot systems safety, please kindly refer to OSHA regulations.
