1853/RFQ/SC - Area Scanners for Safe Robot Systems

Tender description

This is formal request for quotation with information, instructions and guidance following consideration of which the proposal submission should be completed and returned by all potential suppliers who wish to quote. The University of Nottingham's Centre for Aerospace Manufacturing is commissioning a reconfigurable manufacturing cell called "Omnifactory". It contains a number of different industrial robots, which need to be guarded to protect people from the hazards associated with moving machinery. The reconfigurable nature of Omnifactory means that barrier-less robot cells are required, to cut down on reconfiguration time, and it is preferred that hard-wiring of equipment is avoided where possible, instead using ethernet-based communication for signals, including safety signals. The tender document outlines the requirements of safety equipment to scan the floor area and slow, stop, or restrict the motion of the industrial robots, by monitoring the proximity of people and equipment. There are four industrial robots to be protected, two near walls and two in free space.