The safety handshaking protocol used to synchronize the robot and external devices during operation falls under which safety hierarchy?

• A. People Safety
• B. Robot Safety
• C. Tooling and External Device Safety
• D. Work-Piece Safety

Answer: (C)

Safety handshaking protocols establish a controlled sequence between the robot controller and external tooling or devices. By requiring both sides to confirm readiness before motion, they prevent timing hazards where an external device could move or be in a hazardous state as the robot starts. Since this protocol governs the interaction with tooling and external devices—fixtures, grippers, conveyors, safety interlocks—the relevant safety category is Tooling and External Device Safety. It isn’t primarily about protecting people directly, nor about the robot’s own internal safety features, or about safeguarding the workpiece itself. So the protocol is best categorized as Tooling and External Device Safety.