What are the primary safety and communication features of the NexBot Safety FLR022-008 cobot?
This article details the key safety systems, including force and torque sensing on all joints, and the PROFINET communication protocol for the NexBot Safety FLR022-008 robot arm.
Related Products
Article
The NexBot Safety FLR022-008 Collaborative Robot Arm is engineered with multiple layers of safety and robust communication to enable effective and secure human-robot collaboration. This document outlines the primary features that define its operational capabilities in a shared workspace.
Answer
The principal features of the NXB-ROB-FLR022-008 are its advanced safety systems and its industrial communication protocol, which work together to ensure safe operation without the need for traditional physical caging.
1. Advanced Force and Torque Sensing
A core safety feature of the FLR022-008 is the integration of high-sensitivity force and torque sensors on all six of its axes (J1 through J6). This system provides constant feedback on the external forces being applied to any part of the robot arm.
- Collision Detection: If the robot arm makes contact with an operator, a fixture, or any unexpected obstacle, the sensors immediately detect the change in force.
- Protective Stop: Upon detection of a force exceeding a pre-configured, safe threshold, the robot's control system initiates an immediate protective stop. This response is critical for preventing injury to personnel or damage to equipment. This functionality is a hallmark of the NexBot C-5 series of collaborative robots.
2. PROFINET Communication Protocol
The NXB-ROB-FLR022-008 utilizes PROFINET for its primary communication interface. PROFINET is a high-speed, industrial Ethernet standard that provides reliable, deterministic communication between the robot controller and other devices on the factory network, such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and safety controllers.
- System Integration: PROFINET allows for seamless integration into larger automated systems, enabling the robot to be a component in a complex production line.
- Safety Integration: It supports safety-rated communication (PROFINET PROFIsafe), allowing safety signals to be transmitted over the same network as standard control data. This simplifies wiring and ensures that emergency stops and other safety functions from the master control system are executed by the robot with high reliability.
3. Physical and Environmental Protection
The robot is designed with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP54.
- Dust Protection: The IP54 rating indicates that the robot arm is protected against ingress from solid objects and has protection against dust in quantities that could interfere with its normal operation.
- Water Protection: It is also protected against splashing water from any direction. This level of protection makes the FLR022-008 suitable for use in industrial environments where dust and light moisture are present.
Key Features Overview
- Cage-Free Operation: Advanced sensing allows the robot to work safely alongside human operators.
- Force & Torque Sensing: Integrated on all 6 axes for immediate contact detection and protective stops.
- Industrial Communication: Native PROFINET protocol for robust and safe system integration.
- High Precision: A repeatability of ±0.03 mm ensures accuracy in demanding tasks.
- IP54 Rating: Provides protection against dust and water splashes, ensuring durability in common industrial settings.
- Payload and Reach: A versatile 10 kg payload and 1300 mm reach make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from machine tending to assembly.
Related Topics
- Performing a Risk Assessment for Collaborative Robot Applications
- Configuring PROFINET I/O on the C-5 Series Controller
- Best Practices for Setting Force and Torque Limits