In robot safety, guarding primarily refers to what?

• A. A governmental regulation
• B. Software-only safety checks
• C. Physical barriers that prevent access to the robot's hazardous area
• D. Guarding can be replaced by training alone

Answer: (C)

Guarding mainly refers to physical barriers that prevent access to the robot’s hazardous area. Fences, cages, safety enclosures, and gates with interlocks create a tangible boundary so people cannot reach the robot while it’s in motion or energized. This physical boundary is the first line of protection because it directly stops exposure to the danger zone. Regulations may require guarding and other protective measures exist, but guarding itself is about the barrier, not a regulation, software-only checks, or training alone. Software checks and training are important complements, but they don’t replace the need for a physical boundary that keeps people out of the robot’s hazardous area.