Robots aren’t automatically “safe” or “unsafe.” What matters is the application—the task, the workspace, and how people will work around it. That’s what today’s standards reflect. ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 shifted the focus from labeling robots as inherently safe to evaluating risk for each robot workcell. In practice, every setup should undergo a safety/risk evaluation—whether you’re using an industrial or collaborative robot—and then safeguards are added to reduce hazards to acceptable levels.
Industrial and collaborative robots can reduce risk in different ways. Common approaches include:
Explore how these approaches are used in each type of robot system below.
Epson AX-Series collaborative robots use power & force limiting to enable applications that need high user interaction while maintaining safety standards.
Collaborative robots limit the power and force a robot exerts. By limiting these outputs, the potential impact of the robot on people or equipment is also limited.
Robots equipped with the optional SLS/SLP license provides safety-rated speed and position monitoring that, with proper risk assessment, can allow humans and robots to interact without a safety fence.
Industrial Collaborative robot systems use a combination of software and hardware to detect when users are present. This allows for high performance when no users are present and speed and separation limiting when users enter the workcell.
Epson Industrial robots are powered by the next generation of high-performance controllers. Featuring SafeSense technology with an EN/ISO 13849 safety rating, they are easily integrated into modern industrial robotic safety systems.
Physical barriers separate users and equipment while the robot workcell is operating allowing the system to work at full speed. When a user enters the workcell, safety circuits disable power and stop the robot from moving.
Epson robots offer a range of software tools to match your application needs. Collaborative robots can be programmed with powerful no-code options—great for getting started quickly—though more complex projects may require additional setup and error handling.
No code software for simple applications. Also available, a customizable Python development environment when you need a bit more control.
Works with:
Collaborative Robots
No-code software with optional add-ons that extend into Epson’s full development environment, RC+. Start simple, then scale up as your project grows.
Works with:
Industrial Collaborative Robots
Full development environment featuring SPEL+, Epson’s programming language. Built-in tools help you build and maintain complex, high-performance workcells faster.
Works with:
Industrial Robots