Introduction to ISO 13849-1 Safety Standard

The ISO 13849-1 safety standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a universal standard meant to help build safety systems in machinery with sufficient reliability. For machine builders and users, ISO 13849-1 is a guide for safe operations.

This safety standard replaced the older EN 954-1 standard and has made many improvements, although the categories used for defining system structure are the same. For safe operation of machinery, there are a few things you should know about ISO 13849-1, starting with “Part 1: General Principles for Design.”

What Does ISO 13849-1 Apply to?

ISO defines the first part of ISO 13849-1 as follows:

“ISO 13849-1:2015 provides safety requirements and guidance on the principles for the design and integration of safety-related parts of control systems (SRP/CS), including the design of software. For these parts of SRP/CS, it specifies characteristics that include the performance level required for carrying out safety functions. It applies to SRP/CS for high demand and continuous mode, regardless of the type of technology and energy used (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, etc.), for all kinds of machinery.”

Essentially, ISO 13849-1 uses a statistical analysis to determine the probability of failure and danger over time of components and circuitry to find a performance level (PL). The PL can then be used in risk assessments to ensure the proper safety devices have been implemented.

Why is ISO 13849-1 Important?

ISO 13849-1 is important because designing safety features into machinery is one of the best ways to ensure safety over the lifetime of equipment. It is a proactive measure for maintaining a safe work environment.

Manufacturers and integrators both have a major responsibility when it comes to operational safety. A safe environment protects workers, machinery and bottom lines alike – a worthy investment for anyone in the industrial sector.

Safety has never been more important in today’s factory setting. The robotics industry has a remarkable safety track record, but robots still present unique dangers to workers. With industrial robots expanding across the globe, safety standards have helped keep the workplace safe.

Food Automation: Processing and Packaging Becomes Highly Automated

The way our food is prepared, processed and packaged has become a highly automated process. In recent years, robotic and automation equipment has steadily found its way into most food processing and packaging facilities, and this trend is expected to continue over the next few years.

According to BCC Research, the food processing and packaging market will be valued around $31.5 billion by 2020, growing at a 4.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Separately, the food processing market and the food packaging market will be worth $14.2 billion and $17.3 billion in 2020, respectively.

This steady growth marks an important shift in the way food processing and packaging plants operate, requiring new equipment and new investments as well as highly trained employees.

How Prevalent is Food Automation in Processing and Packaging?

According to a survey from the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, 94% of food packaging operations are using robotics already. As for food processing, approximately a third of companies are using robotics.

Robotic automation is already deployed in high volumes in the food processing and packaging industry, but the survey also revealed that half of companies in this industry plan to increase automation levels in the next three to five years.

This increase in automation will be accompanied by the hiring of new employees with more technical skills and higher spending on capital equipment.

What Effect is Food Automation Having in the Processing and Packaging Industry?

Robotic automation capabilities have expanded in recent years. Industrial robots have become more flexible and more efficient with better programming and better sensors. This increase in robotic capabilities, along with the increase in overall automation levels, is allowing processing and packaging plants to introduce new products on the same assembly lines.

In fact, four out of five packaging and processing plants already deal with more than 100 product types, with a majority expecting that number to increase in the next few years.

Food automation has had a big impact in the processing and packaging industry, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. But it’s still just one example of robotic automation transforming and improving the production capabilities of an entire industry.

Robot Simulation Software: The Value for Manufacturers

Robot simulation software is making robotic automation a viable option for nearly any manufacturer. It's used during the quoting and concept stage to provide proof of design, proof of process and to maximize a robot user's automation investment.

There are many reasons most robotic system integrators use some form of robot simultion software in their integration projects. But what are the benefits to manufacturers? Why should a manufacturer be interested in robot simulation software?

The Importance of Robot Simulation Software

Simply put, robot simulation software minimizes the risks associated with automation. Much of the integration process is completed before anything is assembled on your factory floor. A proper simulation helps ensure you’re receiving the best system for your application.

Computing capability is constantly improving, as well as becoming cheaper, making robot simulation more and more important to finding a system that will help you stay competitive in your industry.

3 Benefits of Robot Simulation Software

A manufacturer benefits in many ways from advanced robot simulation software. However, there are three main ways a manufacturer directly and immediately benefits:

1. Proof of Design

Often times, robotic systems are not one-size-fits-all. Robot simulation software helps fine tune and customize robotic design to ensure the system will fit seamlessly with existing production processes and equipment. If loading or unloading your automation system creates bottlenecks, it defeats the entire purpose of automation.

2. Proof of Process

Robot simulation software can prove the effectiveness of an automation system. With accurate, detailed simulation you can be sure a robotic system will meet your cycle time and efficiency goals.  Without this simulation, you're taking a big risk that the proposed system will operate correctly for your application.

3. Maximize Your Investment

Once a simulation is complete, the end result is typically downloadable software programming for your robotic application – so the real system will match the simulation exactly. Robot simulation software ensures potential flaws aren’t designed into the system and your robotic system functions precisely as anticipated. You maximize the return on your investment when you get the best possible automation system.

There are many other benefits to leveraging a system integrator with advanced robot simulation software, but the three mentioned above are some of the most important for protecting your investment and finding the highest levels of productivity.