Robot safety tips

Let’s quickly look at some safety tips related to working around robots:

• We are using fairly high-current batteries and drive systems. Be very careful with wiring and look out for shorts, where the positive and negative wires are touching. It is not a bad idea to put a fuse between the battery and the power supply of about 10 Amps to protect against accidental shorts.
• Be careful when the robot is operating. It may suddenly change direction or get stuck. I have a policy of not sitting down, having my hands in my pockets, or using a cell phone when the robot’s motor drives are activated. You need to be paying attention.
• Beware of the pinch points in the robot arm – you can get a finger caught in them quite easily (as I have learned). Don’t put your fingers inside the joints with the power turned on.
• Have a checklist for setting up the robot, starting all the software, and turning on the hardware. This will stop you worrying...