Veo Robotics to Showcase FreeMove Safety System at IMTS

Veo Robotics Inc. announced this week it will be exhibiting its FreeMove system at the International Manufacturing Technology Show, or IMTS, this month.

Waltham, Mass.-based Veo Robotics said it is building comprehensive sensing and intelligence for industrial automation to collaborate with humans safely. The company described FreeMove as a 3D safeguarding system for industrial robots that powers dynamic human-robot interactions.

Veo said FreeMove provides manufacturers dynamic speed and separation monitoring to automatically trigger a robot to stop as human co-workers move closer to the robot during operation. As a result, manufacturing teams can prioritize safety and productivity without sacrificing one for the other.

Veo to demonstrate close collaboration

At its booth, Veo Robotics plans to demonstrate how FreeMove's sensors and software enable employees on factory floors to get close enough to robots to make adjustments, move parts, or perform any other necessary action. Then, once they’ve moved a safe distance away from the robot, it automatically resumes its task.

“As manufacturers have been challenged by the pandemic, supply chain constraints, and labor shortages over the last few years, they've only increased the number and use of industrial robots within their facilities,” stated Patrick Toner, director of product marketing at Veo Robotics.

“FreeMove is the only product currently available with the safety design needed to now unlock the true power of human-robot collaboration on their facility floors,” he added.

Source: Veo Robotics

FreeMove addresses a growing need

Human-robot collaboration is rising for six out of 10 manufacturers over the past year as facilities turn to automation to supplement workers, according to Veo Robotics. The company said its advanced computer vision and 3D sensing have enabled standard industrial robots to work safely alongside humans.

FreeMove has been certified for compliance from TÜV Rheinland with ISO 13849 for PLd, Category 3. It enables human-robot collaboration with industrial robots rather than power- and force-limited (PFL) robots, which means manufacturers don’t have to sacrifice reach, speed, or payloads, the company said.

IMTS 2022 will take place Sept. 12 to 17 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Attendees can see FreeMove enable cage-free industrial robot interaction North Building, Booth 236239. They can make appointments to meet by contacting Veo before the conference.

Veo currently partners with the world’s major robot manufacturers, including FANUC, Yaskawa, ABB, and KUKA.