All robot systems are the same; therefore safety systems can be universal from one robot system to the next.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not always
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

Safety systems must be designed around the specific hazards and risk profile of a given robot system. Robots differ in type, reach, speed, payload, work environment, control architecture, and how they interact with people and other equipment. These differences create unique hazards and necessitate different protective measures and safety controls, such as appropriate stopping methods, interlocks, safeguarding, and safe control modes. Standards and risk assessments guide what needs to be in place for each installation, so a one-size-fits-all safety solution won’t reliably address the specific risks of every system. Some components can be reused if they meet the required safety performance for that particular setup, but each system must be evaluated and validated individually.