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Safe in the (robot) arms of Mitsubishi Electric

Safe in the (robot) arms of Mitsubishi Electric

The SafePlus option helps convert hundreds of industrial robots into cooperative solutions


Collaborative and cooperative robotic solutions that work together with humans are on the rise, as they can support operators on the factory floor and improve their output. Mitsubishi Electric has significantly increased the availability of this technology with the release of the MELFA SafePlus robot safety system. This latest option can convert any of the more than 160 MELFA FR series intelligent industrial robot models into a cooperative system.


Key features of the SafePlus option include robot positioning and monitoring functions, as well as Blue Danube Robotics’ AIRSKIN® cover, a pressure-sensitive safety skin that further helps reduce the robot’s force and stop if a collision occurs.


As human-machine interactions become more sophisticated and popular, robots must be able to work safely with human operators in an uncaged environment. To achieve this, cooperative robots must immediately detect any intrusion into their workspace and adapt accordingly, either slowing down or stopping. Removing protective covers helps maximize available factory space and increases productivity for individual production cells


The latest MELFA SafePlus solution offers a number of new features to make it safer, easier and more efficient to transform Mitsubishi Electric’s industrial robots into cooperative machines that no longer require safety cages. The technology can be applied to both horizontal SCARA and articulated arm robots used in a wide range of industries.


Mitsubishi Electric’s MELFA SafePlus solution includes safety control functions that allow the robot to adapt to different conditions. For example, robots implementing SafePlus can avoid certain operational areas when occupied by humans (Limited Range Control), stop (Safe Stop) or reduce their speed when human operators are nearby (Reduced Speed ​​Control); once the area is clear, the robot can return to its normal high-speed operation.


Further improvements have increased the robots’ ability to work safely in close proximity to humans and with other space constraints, MELFA SafePlus can now take human-machine collaboration to a new level. As a result, emergency stops are reduced and machine uptime is maximized, positively influencing productivity.


Increased reliability and flexibility


The latest version of SafePlus offers more than safety monitoring and collision detection functions, which are fundamental for cooperative operations. Editing of safety logic, monitoring of speed and positioning contribute to higher safety performance.


The position monitoring function not only controls the position of the robot, but also external movements in up to eight designated areas around the machine. This allows the robot arm to adjust its behavior in real time based on what is happening nearby. For example, the robot can reduce its speed, not move towards the obstacle, or stop. Previously, SafePlus allowed the robot to reduce its speed when operators were present by defining a speed monitoring zone with equal x, y and z safety distances, now it is possible to create asymmetric areas, where the safety distances differ. In fact, objects that lie in directions where the robot is not moving do not pose an obstacle. Therefore, the safe distances in these directions can be minimized, safely reducing the emergency stop time and allowing applications in tighter spaces.


In addition, end users have the flexibility to easily build and use safety systems tailored to their intended applications. Safety monitoring conditions and operating parameters can be configured directly in the robot controller, without the need for dedicated safety CPUs. Mitsubishi Electric has also increased the number of dual safe I/O inputs and outputs in the system, helping to create more reliable and flexible safety systems.


Increase touch sensitivity


In addition to the new functionality in SafePlus, Mitsubishi Electric has also optimized the safety monitoring and collision detection functions.


The safety measures used by SafePlus have been certified by the leading independent and impartial certification body, TÜV SÜD, to ensure compliance with international IEC and EN standards, such as EN 61800-5-2 on safe movement and EN 60204 on safety stop. These third-party tests are a testament to Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to providing its customers with high-quality, reliable solutions.


The company has also enhanced the system’s collision detection capabilities by applying AIRSKIN safety cushions to its FR series robots that integrate with SafePlus. The solution, compliant with ISO 13849 (PLe) and IEC 62061 (SIL3) safety standards, features a soft structure designed to reduce impact from the moving robot arm.


In addition, different activities can be programmed if safety sensors on the surface of the lid detect some pressure, e.g. due to a collision with an object.


Barry Weller, Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, said: "Mitsubishi Electric's FR series offers high performance for industrial applications. By combining it with MELFA SafePlus, users can use these robotic arms for new tasks and use them in more environments.


“Our latest safety solution is a major step forward for safe, automated, cooperative work applications. By delivering greater flexibility, reliability and ease of use, our technology helps manufacturers increase productivity and uptime, even in tight spaces, by promoting safer, more productive interactions between humans and robots.”

The engineeringshop.nl and the engineers of Mol Industrial Automation are happy to help you if you have any questions about the application of a MELFA robot in your application.

Robin Mol
robin.mol@mol-ia.nl
0229-714212


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