Intelligent assist devices (IAD) can be classified as dedicated cooperative robots, which have proved to be useful in automotive plants. They are modified versions of passive devices.
Built with complex control algorithms and force sensing capabilities, the IAD can handle both static and dynamic forces. Several IAD’s are available to clients in the market. Gorbel offers a range of products including intelligent lifting devices and other equipment that resemble robot arms.
IAD’s can move a load by cooperating with a human. In addition, they can also perform a part of the task alone such as picking a load. They can function in a similar way as conventional robots. Cobotics developed the first IAD for use in automotive assembly plants. It helped employees for inserting instrument panels and this particular task requires the use of both deftness and considerable force simultaneously.
The IAD, developed by Cobotics, is driven by servo motors and is capable of supplying energy, which poses a possible threat to humans. For this reason, robots manufactured till date do not work concurrently with humans.
Many studies have been made to prove that a robot could cause injury to humans. Studies have also been conducted to comprehend and offer a measurement to assess the threat level.
Source: https://www.gorbel.com/