Safety devices
Safety fenceless systems
Combination of safety scanners, speed and separation monitoring, and rated robot software that lets a cell operate without full perimeter fencing.
Fenceless designs rely on area scanners or camera-based systems to detect when a person enters a reduced-speed or stop zone around the robot, replacing some or all of a physical fence with a monitored zone. Many robot controllers support a safety-rated speed and separation monitoring function that slows the robot as a person gets closer rather than stopping outright at the first detection.
This approach saves floor space and improves operator access compared to a fully fenced cell, one reason it has grown alongside collaborative and near-collaborative robot applications.
A proper risk assessment still applies, since removing physical fencing shifts more of the safety function onto sensors and software that must be sized and validated correctly for the specific hazard.
Related integrations
Common questions
- What does Safety fenceless systems do?
- Combination of safety scanners, speed and separation monitoring, and rated robot software that lets a cell operate without full perimeter fencing.
- What does Safety fenceless systems work with?
- It works with SICK safety scanner, Keyence safety laser, Safety PLC integration, Universal Robots controllers.
- What should I watch for with Safety fenceless systems?
- Requires a full documented risk assessment before removing fencing. Speed and separation monitoring adds programming complexity. Sensor placement is critical to avoid blind spots.