Why the Deadman Switch is Important for Robot Safety
When operating a robotic system, it is imperative to know the location and function of the deadman switch. This is an on/off switch on the back of the teach pendant and will guard the person operating the robot during training or teach mode. Contact Robots.com representatives today to better understand how to use this or other safety features on your robotic system.
When you are programming a robot, working with a robot, or training someone on a robot, you always operate it in teach mode. During this time, you are using the teach pendant to communicate with the robot, and that is where the deadman switch is located.
The deadman switch is an ON/OFF switch on the back of the teach pendant. The purpose of the deadman switch is to guard the person operating the robot during the training process, or any other time the robot is in teach mode. The servo power to the robot only remains on while the teach pendant is being held and the deadman switch is pressed in. If the deadman switch releases any time while the robot is in teach mode, the power to the robot is shut off automatically.
An important safety feature, the deadman switch is imperative to protect the trainer, student or programmer during manual manipulation or block operation of the robot system. Since the teach pendant is not used during production, and all human workers are away from the robot’s zone of operation during that time, the deadman switch is not needed at that time.
Are you interested in learning more about the deadman switch or any other safety features for robotic systems? If so, you should contact Robots.com. We provide solutions from several different robotics companies, including KUK, ABB, Motoman, and Fanuc. Our staff will work with you to help you find the best robotic system for your facility, along with the best safety package.
For more information, contact Robots.com today online or at 877-762-6881.
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