Robotic Manipulator Safety

When deploying robotic manipulators, it is imperative to prioritize safety procedures to mitigate risks and ensure secure operations. The following guidelines delineate key safety measures when working with robotic manipulators.

Work Area Safety

• Maintain a clean and well-organized work area. Cluttered or inadequately lit spaces can impede the proper functioning of sensors and hinder precise manipulation.

• Avoid operating robotic manipulators in hazardous environments, such as those containing corrosive substances, extreme temperatures, or sharp objects that may damage the manipulator.

• Ensure that only authorized personnel are present in the vicinity during manipulator operation to prevent interference and ensure a safe working environment.

Electrical Safety

• Ensure the manipulator’s power system adheres to electrical safety standards. Regularly inspect and maintain power components to prevent malfunctions.

• Implement safeguards to protect the manipulator from adverse environmental conditions, such as exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures.

• Regularly inspect power cables and connections, promptly replacing damaged components to minimize the risk of electrical issues.

Manipulation Safety

• Implement collision detection systems to prevent unintended contact with objects, humans, or other equipment during manipulation tasks.

• Define and enforce safety zones around the manipulator’s workspace to minimize the risk of unintended interactions with personnel or other objects.

• Regularly calibrate and test the manipulator’s sensors and systems to ensure precise and reliable performance during manipulation tasks.

Emergency Response

• Install an emergency stop mechanism to swiftly halt manipulator operation in unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

• Clearly mark and communicate emergency stop locations within the manipulator’s operational area.

• Conduct regular emergency response drills to ensure personnel are familiar with procedures for handling unexpected situations during manipulator operation.

Data Security and Privacy

• Implement robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard the manipulator’s control systems and data from unauthorized access or manipulation.

• Ensure compliance with privacy regulations when collecting, storing, or transmitting data captured by the manipulator’s sensors.

Human Interaction Safety

• Integrate sensors and communication systems to detect and respond to the presence of humans in the manipulator’s vicinity.

• Clearly communicate the manipulator’s operational status and intentions using visual and audible signals to alert nearby individuals.

• Establish protocols for safe human-robot collaboration, particularly in shared workspaces where manipulators are in operation.

Residual Risks

Despite the implementation of safety measures, certain residual risks may persist. These include:

• Impairment of sensor functionality.

• Risk of collisions during complex manipulation tasks.

• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

• Unintended human interactions due to unforeseen circumstances.

Robotic manipulators are sophisticated technologies that demand correct usage to avoid accidents and ensure a secure environment. Please adhere to proper procedures diligently, prioritizing both precision and safety.

Autonomous Robot Safety

When deploying autonomous mobile robots, prioritizing safety procedures is essential to prevent accidents and ensure secure operations. The following guidelines outline key safety measures when working with an autonomous mobile robot:

Work Area Safety

Maintain a clean and well-lit work area. Cluttered or poorly illuminated spaces can impede the proper functioning of sensors and navigation systems.

• Avoid operating autonomous mobile robots in explosive atmospheres, such as areas with flammable liquids, gases, or dust. The robot’s components may pose a risk in such environments.

• Keep bystanders and unauthorized personnel at a safe distance during robot operation to prevent interference with autonomous navigation.

Electrical Safety

• Ensure the robot’s power system adheres to electrical safety standards. Regularly inspect and maintain power components to prevent malfunctions.

• Implement mechanisms to protect the robot from adverse weather conditions, such as rain or wet environments.

• Regularly inspect power cables and connections and replace damaged components promptly to minimize the risk of electrical issues.

Navigation Safety

• Implement obstacle detection and avoidance systems to prevent collisions with objects, people, or other robots.

• Define and enforce safety zones within the robot’s operational area to minimize the risk of unintended interactions with personnel or other equipment.

• Regularly calibrate and test the robot’s navigation sensors and systems to ensure accurate and reliable performance.

Emergency Response

• Install an emergency stop mechanism to quickly halt the robot’s operation in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

• Clearly mark and communicate emergency stop locations throughout the robot’s operational area.

• Conduct regular emergency response drills to ensure personnel are familiar with procedures for handling unexpected situations.

Data Security and Privacy

• Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect the robot’s control systems and data from unauthorized access or manipulation.

• Ensure compliance with privacy regulations when collecting, storing, or transmitting data captured by the robot’s sensors.

Human Interaction Safety

• Integrate sensors and communication systems to detect and respond to the presence of humans in the robot’s vicinity.

• Clearly communicate the robot’s operational status and intentions using visual and audible signals to alert nearby individuals.

• Establish protocols for safe human-robot collaboration, especially in shared workspaces.

Residual Risks

Despite the implementation of safety measures, certain residual risks may persist. These include:

• Impairment of sensor functionality.

• Risk of collisions in crowded or dynamic environments.

• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

• Unintended human interactions due to unforeseen circumstances.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) are advanced technologies that require correct usage to avoid accidents and ensure a secure environment. Learn and follow the proper procedures diligently; prioritize both quality and safety.

Robot Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the ROVO3 tracked robot platform.

Pre-Operation Checks

Before each operation, perform the following checks:

• Verify that the emergency stop buttons are functioning correctly on both the robot and remote controller

• Inspect the tracks for damage, wear, or debris

• Check that all mounting hardware is secure

• Verify battery charge level is sufficient for planned operation

• Ensure all sensors are clean and unobstructed

• Test the communication link between the robot and remote controller

Track System Maintenance

• Regularly inspect track tension and adjust as needed according to manufacturer specifications

• Check for wear on track pads and sprockets

• Remove debris, mud, or foreign objects from the track system after each use

• Inspect drive sprockets for signs of wear or damage

• Lubricate moving parts as specified in the manufacturer documentation

Electrical System Maintenance

• Inspect all cable connections for wear, damage, or corrosion

• Check power connectors and terminals for secure connections

• Verify CAN bus connections are properly seated

• Inspect the battery for physical damage or swelling

• Clean electrical contacts periodically to prevent oxidation

Battery Maintenance

• Follow the manufacturer’s charging guidelines

• Do not overcharge or deep discharge the battery

• Store the battery at recommended charge levels when not in use

• Keep battery terminals clean and free of corrosion

• Monitor battery health through the BMS (Battery Management System)

• Replace batteries that show signs of degradation or reduced capacity

Sensor Maintenance

• Keep LiDAR lenses clean and free of dust, dirt, or fingerprints

• Clean camera lenses with appropriate lens cleaning materials

• Verify sensor mounting positions remain calibrated

• Check sensor cables for wear or damage

• Test sensor functionality periodically

Software Maintenance

• Keep the ROS2 software stack updated with the latest patches

• Regularly backup configuration files and maps

• Monitor system logs for errors or warnings

• Verify autostart services are functioning correctly

• Test emergency stop functionality after software updates

Storage and Transport

• Store the robot in a dry, temperature-controlled environment

• Protect sensors from dust and physical damage during storage

• Charge the battery to recommended storage levels (typically 50-60%)

• Secure the robot during transport to prevent damage

• Use original packaging or appropriate protective cases when shipping

Maintenance Schedule

Task	Frequency	Notes
Pre-operation checks	Before each use	Required
Track inspection	Weekly	More frequent in harsh conditions
Sensor cleaning	Weekly	As needed based on environment
Cable inspection	Monthly	Check for wear and damage
Battery health check	Monthly	Monitor through BMS
Firmware updates	As released	Test in safe environment first
Full system inspection	Quarterly	Comprehensive check of all systems

Warning

Always power off the robot and disconnect the battery before performing any maintenance on electrical or mechanical systems. Only qualified personnel should perform repairs or modifications to the robot.