Industrial Robotics Market Growth is Driven by Electronics Manufacturing

Global sales of industrial robots rose 16% in 20161, bringing the world market value up to $13.1 billion. Industrial robot sales are expected to grow at a faster rate in 2017, and sustain this rapid rate of growth through 2=020.

While industrial robot sales grow consistently, the dynamics of this growth are changing. For decades, the automotive industry was the major driver of growth in industrial robots. But in 2016, the electronics manufacturing industry accounted for nearly as many robot shipments as the automotive industry.

Remarkably, industrial robot sales jumped 41% in the electronics industry in 2016. As robots become smaller, cheaper and more precise, these manufacturers are increasingly adopting robots to combat the enormous demand for batteries, chips and displays.

How Does Industrial Robot Technology Impact Electronics Manufacturing?

Robots allow for miniaturization, increased throughput and reduced lead times for electronics manufacturers. Industrial robots are inherently more precise than humans, and have a major impact on assembly work that revolutionizes the rest of the electronics supply chain.

Industrial robots can place parts faster and more accurately, clearing the way not only for smaller electronics, but also faster production and higher throughput. This, in turn, allows manufacturers to optimize their supply chains by reducing lead times and by moving production closer to the product’s destination.

Industrial Robot Applications in Electronics Manufacturing

Industrial robots perform a wide variety of tasks in electronics manufacturing. Many of them involve advanced vision systems and sensors to accommodate for task variations and careful handling of delicate parts. Common applications include:

• Assembly
• Inspection and Testing
• Packing
• Dispensing

Robots are used to handle display screens, assemble connectors and other subassemblies, apply adhesives and sealants, perform inspections and tests, and even populate and coat circuit boards. They play a vital role from the start of production right up through to the point of delivery.

Industrial robots are increasingly important in the electronics manufacturing industry, enabling not only major supply chain changes but revolutionized production processes. 2016 saw incredible growth in industrial robotic sales in the electronics manufacturing industry, and adoption rates will likely increase.

Traditionally, the automotive industry has been the major force behind the growth of industrial robotics. But now, the electronics industry is on par with the automotive industry and adopting a wider range of robotic solutions than ever before.

Robot Safety Standards Development for Mobile Robots: Where We’re At and Where We’re Going

For nearly three decades, the Robotic Industries Association (RIA) has led the development and updating of the U.S. National Standard R15.06 on Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots and Industrial Robot Systems (the “Industrial Robot Safety Standard”). Historically, and 

even today, most robots sold are of the “traditional” type: Permanently mounted, and requiring the installation of “safeguards” to keep people away from the robot’s hazardous zone (known as the “restricted space”).  An automotive welding robot is a good example of this type of robot system. People are kept safe by being kept apart from the robot system.

Meanwhile, the safety considerations around mobile industrial equipment were addressed in standards such as the Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation’s (ITSDF) B56.5 Safety Standard for Driverless, Automatic Guided Industrial Vehicles and Automated Functions of Manned Industrial Vehicles (the “AGV Safety Standard”). 

The Problem with Today's Robot Standards

The proliferation of mobile, automated systems has complicated things. New technology has blurred the lines between R5.06- and B56.5-governed equipment, while also revealing the shortcomings of each set of safety standards.

What if you mount an industrial robot arm to an AGV? Or, what if the mobile unit has a greater degree of autonomy than a traditional AGV has?  For these types of "mobile robots," which standard should take precedence and under which circumstances?  The R5.06, the “Robot Safety Standard,” or the B56.5, the “AGV Safety Standard”? 

The R15.08 Committee and the Future of Robot Safety Standards

An exploratory group compared the two existing standards and, in the summer of 2015, recommended that a new standard be developed to describe safety requirements for mobile robots and mobile robot systems. 

The goal was to fill in gaps and resolve overlaps between the safety requirements described in the R15.06 and B56.5. The R15.08 committee was formed to carry this out.

Since then, the R15.08 committee has met several times to explore the boundaries and content of the two earlier standards (R15.06 and B56.5), agree on scope for the new work, develop an outline, and begin drafting content. 

The R15.08 group met in San Jose, CA, on November 13 – 14, 2017.  The goal of this meeting was to review and discuss a nearly complete first draft of Part 1 of the proposed R15.08 standard on Safety Requirements for Industrial Mobile Robots and Mobile Robot Systems.

Part 1 describes requirements for the Mobile Robot and as addressed to robot manufacturers. Work on Part 2 will begin next, describing safety requirements for a system of mobile robots, addressed to system integrators (installers).   

Part 1 and Part 2 will be published together, with a target publication date of early 2019. Later, Part 3 will be drafted to provide guidance to users.

Introduction to ISO 13849-1 Safety Standard

The ISO 13849-1 safety standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a universal standard meant to help build safety systems in machinery with sufficient reliability. For machine builders and users, ISO 13849-1 is a guide for safe operations.

This safety standard replaced the older EN 954-1 standard and has made many improvements, although the categories used for defining system structure are the same. For safe operation of machinery, there are a few things you should know about ISO 13849-1, starting with “Part 1: General Principles for Design.”

What Does ISO 13849-1 Apply to?

ISO defines the first part of ISO 13849-1 as follows:

“ISO 13849-1:2015 provides safety requirements and guidance on the principles for the design and integration of safety-related parts of control systems (SRP/CS), including the design of software. For these parts of SRP/CS, it specifies characteristics that include the performance level required for carrying out safety functions. It applies to SRP/CS for high demand and continuous mode, regardless of the type of technology and energy used (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, etc.), for all kinds of machinery.”

Essentially, ISO 13849-1 uses a statistical analysis to determine the probability of failure and danger over time of components and circuitry to find a performance level (PL). The PL can then be used in risk assessments to ensure the proper safety devices have been implemented.

Why is ISO 13849-1 Important?

ISO 13849-1 is important because designing safety features into machinery is one of the best ways to ensure safety over the lifetime of equipment. It is a proactive measure for maintaining a safe work environment.

Manufacturers and integrators both have a major responsibility when it comes to operational safety. A safe environment protects workers, machinery and bottom lines alike – a worthy investment for anyone in the industrial sector.

Safety has never been more important in today’s factory setting. The robotics industry has a remarkable safety track record, but robots still present unique dangers to workers. With industrial robots expanding across the globe, safety standards have helped keep the workplace safe.