Stop button needed?

[Greg McKaskle]

FIRST incorporated a safety features into the DS, for good reason. An out-of-control robot is capable of causing quite a bit of damage to people and property.

If you construct a USB device that convinces the DS to enable the robot, please be sure that the device enhances safety rather than simply bypassing it. A button that DS and operator believe are an estop, but which launches a web page when pressed is actually more of a danger button, don't you think?

Almost by definition, all safety features are inconvenient at some point -- safety glasses, face shields, rotation guards, etc. In industry, there are usually procedures for operating without them, but all operators should be aware they are not in place and be aware of the additional risk and alternate safety mechanisms.

Greg McKaskle