With increased adoption of Industry 4.0, the use of industrial robots in manufacturing is gaining ever greater popularity. The factories of the future are more likely than ever to use robots.
Deployment of robots is also rapidly increasing in other areas too, including the chemical and medical industries.
New Challenges
Serious problems will arise if robot designers fail to understand - or mitigate for - Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) with robots behaving unexpectedly such as performing frequent re-starts or executing unprogrammed or unexpected movements.
In addition, there may be interference to functional-safety systems, such as false triggering of a safety mechanism, leading to unnecessary equipment stoppages, or failure of safety protection to operate as required. All these safety issues may be hazardous for workers especially those working near a robot.
What Can Be Done?
Robotics engineers must meet applicable equipment directives covering both electromagnetic compatibility and functional safety. These specify requirements and guidelines for inherent safe design, protective measures, and information for use of robots. They describe basic hazards associated with robots and provide requirements to eliminate - or adequately reduce - the risks associated with these hazards. Functional safety cannot be guaranteed without reference to and compliance with applicable EMC standards.
The Solution: EMI Suppression Filters
EMI suppression filters are one of the most common and cost-effective ways of attenuating noise and interference signals. If EMI filters are not used, the device may require much more extensive shielding and redesign. A benefit of proactively addressing EMI concerns is that an EMI filter can often be easily integrated into the design of a device - without significantly impacting the overall dimensions, weight, and cost of a product.
The Schaffner Product Family
Schaffner has a wide range of products, perfectly designed for robotic applications with approval and safety certifications. The long list of success stories in the robotic area demonstrate the knowledge and expertise at Schaffner. Customers value quick customization and support for specific approvals as well as the engineering skills required to design a filter when very limited space is available. Quick response time for prototype testing thanks to a qualified product, excellent product performance and first-class support are additional key success factors. Finally, customers benefit from a great track record Schaffner has in the robotic market.
Schaffner: A Partner you can rely upon
The history of Schaffner, together with our expertise and success mean our products and technology perform at the highest level, while our customer service and support result in long-term shared success.
