End-Effector Airbags to Accelerate Human-Robot Collaboration in Industrial Scenarios

In this video we present a new safety module for robots to ensure safety for different tools in collaborative tasks. This module, filled with air pressure during the robot motion, covers mounted tools and carried workpieces. In case of a non or very slow moving robot, the safety module is able to pull back and the tool is uncovered. In our experiments we found out that we can increase the velocity up to 1 m/s with a common industrial sharp edged gripper while satisfying the requirements of the ISO/TS 15066 and retain the full functionality of the tool.