Robotics Industries Association to introduce robot safety standard draft at annual conference

The Robotics Industries Association (RIA) and a group of industry-leading sponsor companies will host the National Robot Safety Conference XXII, September 27-29 at the Indianapolis Marriott East. Attendees at RIA’s 22nd annual event will prepare for the new R15.06 (2011) Robot Safety Standard by previewing the draft during its first public release at the conference. In addition to discussing the draft standard, many new sessions will satisfy experienced users. Those new to safety will benefit from a wide variety of topics presented during the three-day event, including introductory sessions and standards updates.

According to RIA’s director of Standards Development, Jeff Fryman, the R15.06 Robot Safety Committee will complete the first draft and unveil it at September’s Conference. “There is much yet to do, but the end game is coming into sight. We are looking forward to this culmination of work,” said Fryman. The revised edition of the R15.06 robot safety standard is based on the new ISO 10218 standard, which is in its final stages of completion.

The conference will feature new sessions introducing the New R15.06 Robot Safety Standard (Part 1 – The Manufacturer’s Perspective, Part 2 – The User’s Perspective),  Using Robots to Improve Safety and Market Position and Contextual Risk Assessment.

Additional sessions include, an OSHA View on Robot Safety, Safeguarding and Safety Controls. Case studies, a standards committee panel discussion and a safety primer will also be highlights of the conference.

Jim Adams, RIA’s marketing and public relations manager, said, “No other program offers this kind of in-depth coverage on new and practical safety topics. And the tabletop trade fair (September 28) provides attendees with an up close comparison of the latest robots, accessories, safety products and vendors at one time, under one roof.”

“RIA is sensitive to the need for training on a restricted budget,” Adams added. “We have created a number of registration offerings which provide attendees affordable options for all three days, the main conference, workshops or just the trade fair.”

Click here for complete conference information. The discounted early-registration period ends, September 7.

The robots are coming
In the August issue of Modern, executive editor Bob Trebilcock took a look at how robotic materials handling technology is changing the way we move products in the plant and the distribution center. Click here to read more…