Safety Case for UR Teach Pendant with Approval Switch

The UR Teach pendant can be operated with one hand

The one-handed ergonomic operation allows you to press the UR Freedrive push button with the little finger while the index finger holds the approval button. As a result, one hand is free to guide the robot. It is suitable for both right and left-handed people.

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Increasing safety requirements in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10218-1

Adjusting the UR robot with an approval button and an integrated Freedrive button increases the safety requirements for industrial robots in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10218-1. According to the professional association, every robot, whether industrial robot or collaborative robot, must meet the current robot standard DIN EN ISO 10218-1. It states that every robot requires an operating mode selector and an approval button.

In industrial robots, this has been a standard functionality on the robot control panel for years. However, the new providers, as well as Universal Robots (UR), which are designed for easy operation and cobot operation, have so far omitted the approval button as standard.

In the case of an MRK application that is already installed and running, this is entirely permissible from the point of view of the standard. However, this is not the case with all UR applications. A cobot doesn't simply become an MRK application. For these applications, which often represent a coexistence of robot and human, there is a solution with the SaCA Safety-Case control panel.

This topic was also discussed again and again at UR. The various scenarios are described in detail in a white paper by Andreas Schunkert. Here, too, it is always important to remember that a cobot does not automatically enable an MRK application. Details on how to use the consent button in UR Cobots can be found in the Universal Robots white paper

Setting up the UR cobots

For setup mode, it is necessary to hold down the 3-stage approval button. The aim is to keep the button in the middle position, as the person will reflexively cringe or let go when in danger. This triggers the approval button and the robot stops immediately. This protects humans from a possible collision with the robot.

The challenge in developing an approval button suitable for Universal Robots (UR) was the new possibilities of this globally present cobot - the Freedrive. Freedrive is a functionality in which, when pressed, the UR robot can be moved with the robot's other hand. This makes it possible to “teach” positions manually. In itself, a very good functionality that allows the cobots to be programmed quickly and easily.

From a safety point of view, it is now becoming more difficult: 1st hand on the Freedrive, 2nd hand on the robot and 3rd hand on the approval button. Unfortunately not that easy to implement. For this reason, the Freedrive and the approval button have been integrated into one handle on the SaCa Safety Case control panel. In this way, the approval button can be held with the index finger and the Freedrive can be pressed with the little finger if necessary. The second hand then guides the robot. The central position of the handle makes the control panel ergonomically suitable for both left and right handed users.

Using the SACA control panel

Retrofitting the SaCa safety case is also easy and uncomplicated. The prerequisite for this is that the UR robot is at least from the 3rd generation and that the controller has software version 3.2.18654 or higher. The SaCA control panel with handle is a plastic case that is inserted and screwed into the existing UR Teach pendant.

By retrofitting the UR Teach Pendant with the SaCa safety case, including the 3-stage approval button, the requirement for an approval device after DIN EN ISO 10218-1 fulfilled. The one-handed ergonomic operation also makes it possible to press the button for Freedrive mode. As a result, one hand is free to guide the robot. If a longer program is written, the SaCA can also be used on almost any surface thanks to its 3-point edition. This means that the SaCA with UR Teach pendant is safe and convenient to program.‍

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Features and benefits

• Increases compliance with safety requirements for industrial robots in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10218-1
• Certified 3-stage approval switch
• Freedrive push button integrated into the handle
• Easy, safe and reliable one-handed teaching
• The panel stands securely thanks to the 3-point support with rubberized feet
• Protection of the UR Touch screen with all-round plastic housing
• No need to change the components of the UR robot

The delivery of the SaCA Safety Case includes

• Grip with 3-stage approval switch and Freedrive push button
• 5m cable and protective hose, the electrical connection cable was designed with strain relief
• Wiring diagram and assembly instructions

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Options and compatibility

The SaCa Safety Case approval button is available both for the new e-series (emergency stop center top) as well as for the older model CB series (emergency stop right).

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