It is permissible to enter a robot work cell when the robot is running in automatic as long as a safe working distance is kept from the moving robot.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with supervision
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

Entering a robot work cell while the robot is running in automatic is not permissible. Automatic operation means the robot is executing a programmed path and can move without any human input, so hazards can arise at any moment due to unexpected motion, faults, or reprogramming. A safe working distance alone cannot guarantee protection because an arm or payload can reach into that space more quickly than a person can react, and protective devices can fail or be bypassed. The proper approach is to ensure the robot is fully stopped and isolated from energy and control circuits, the area is guarded, and access is controlled under established procedures. Supervisory presence or a guarded manual mode does not by itself make entry safe during automatic operation; access should occur only when the system is in a safe state and you have followed the required lockout/tagout or equivalent safeguards. Therefore, the statement is false.