Beautiful things happen when robots and humans work together. This airbag makes sure that it continues to stay that way

Robots are machines that can greatly help reduce labor processes in work environments. But when it comes to safety, The Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics doesn’t want to take risks, so they developed a robotic airbag to keep human workers safe.

When robots and humans work together, there’s no doubt that any company will benefit from the increase in output and work efficiency. However, how safe can this work relationship be? Remember, robots are still machines and when operated at high velocities, they can still pose health safety risks to its human co-workers.

Hannes Höppner and Roman Weitschat made the airbag for robot end effectors made with an air cushion pad filled with compressed air. This cushioning is what gives human that extra safety precaution against potential harm and collisions. There are also sensors to detect possible collisions. The airbag automatically opens up when the robot starts working.

The Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics