Rover Ops Track: Autonomy, Field Maintenance and Drones · Module 3 of 4 · about 15 min
Robots and drones, safely
Industrial robots move fast and hard, and they do not know you are there. OSHA notes that many robot accidents happen during maintenance, programming and setup, not normal operation, when people are inside the robot's reach. The industrial robot safety standard ISO 10218 covers guarding, safeguarded spaces and safe speeds.
Basics: never enter a robot cell without following lockout, use teach pendants with an enabling switch and keep speed reduced when people are near. Collaborative robots are designed to work near people, but they still need a risk assessment.
Commercial drone flights in the U.S. fall under FAA Part 107. The pilot needs a Remote Pilot Certificate. The drone must weigh under 55 pounds, stay within visual line of sight and generally fly at or below 400 feet above ground level, with extra rules and waivers for night and flights over people.
In the field, drones survey sites, inspect structures and track stockpiles. The pilot runs a preflight check, confirms airspace, briefs the crew and keeps a log. Batteries are lithium packs and need the same fire care as any other battery.
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Module quiz
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