New robot rules at Peachtree

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Steve W

OK, since we are so concerned about safety why are we not making sure that all chains are covered and gears covered so that the "pinch points" (flavor of the day a few years ago) are protected.

In the spirit of debate, I can give an answer.

Pinch points are usually small well-defined locations. They a problem for people who are putting body parts into those locations, and are generally safe if the robot is disabled*. If you aren't touching the robot, you're not in danger. However, stored-energy catapult mechanisms can be a problem for people who are merely nearby. They pose a danger over a relatively large space, and it's often possible for such a mechanism to be fired even when the robot is completely powered off.

* If a pinch point can cause injury without the robot being enabled, I'm all for guarding it well.