Robotics in Manufacturing

Safety devices

Two-hand control stations

Dual-button control stations that require an operator to use both hands to start a robot cycle, keeping hands clear of the point of operation.

Two-hand control requires simultaneous press of two separated buttons to initiate a robot motion or press cycle, physically keeping the operator's hands away from the danger zone at the moment the machine starts. Both buttons typically need to be pressed within a short time window and held until the hazardous motion begins.

This method is common on load stations where an operator manually places a part before the robot proceeds, functioning as a point-of-operation safeguard for that specific station rather than a substitute for perimeter guarding of the whole cell.

Anti-tie-down and anti-repeat features are standard requirements, preventing an operator from taping down one button or holding both through repeated cycles without releasing them first.

Common questions

What does Two-hand control stations do?
Dual-button control stations that require an operator to use both hands to start a robot cycle, keeping hands clear of the point of operation.
What does Two-hand control stations work with?
It works with Safety PLC integration, Pilz safety controller, E-stop relays.
What should I watch for with Two-hand control stations?
Requires anti-tie-down and anti-repeat safety logic. Only protects the specific station, not the whole cell. Button spacing and timing window must meet applicable standards.

Attribution

Integration notes on this page are reviewed for consistency with the site's published networking, vision, and EOAT pages.

Edited by Mike Ramsey / Reliable Media.Editorial process