Which device is designed to interrupt machine operation when pressure is applied?

• A. Teach Pendant
• B. Light Curtains
• C. Safety Fences
• D. Pressure Mats

Answer: (D)

Pressure mats are floor sensors that interrupt machine operation when pressure is detected. Placed in front of a robot cell, they act as a safety interlock: stepping on the mat changes its electrical state and sends a stop command to the controller, halting the machine. Releasing the mat usually requires a reset or restart, depending on the safety circuit design. This directly matches the idea of stopping activity due to applied pressure.

A teach pendant is a handheld control device for programming or manual operation, not driven by pressure on the floor. Light curtains detect when a beam is interrupted across a zone, stopping the machine for intrusions rather than because of direct pressure. Safety fences provide a barrier and may use door interlocks, but they don’t stop equipment simply because pressure is applied on the floor.