Where do most accidents involving industrial robots occur?

Most accidents involving industrial robots tend to occur within the primary zone of the robot, which is the area where the robot operates and interacts with workpieces, materials, and possibly workers. This area is typically defined as the space in which the robot's movements are automated and where the robot completes its tasks. Since these zones can involve various operations such as lifting, welding, or assembly, they pose inherent risks for individuals working nearby.

Accidents are often the result of inadequate safety measures or lack of operator awareness of the robot's movements. The primary zone may not always have sufficient safety barriers or may have workers inadvertently entering the robot's operating space without proper precautions.

Understanding the risks associated with the primary zone is critical for developing safety protocols for working alongside industrial robots. This includes implementing safeguards such as worker training, safety devices like light curtains or presence-sensing devices, and regular risk assessments of the robot's operating environment.