Are collaborative robots truly safe? An in-depth explanation of FAIRINO's safety.

Are Collaborative Robots Really Safe? A Thorough Explanation of FAIRINO's Safety Features

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are rapidly gaining popularity as robots that can work safely in the same space as humans. However, many manufacturing professionals still ask the following questions.

Are collaborative robots really safe?
FAIRINO is low-priced, but is its safety adequate?

This article explains the safety of collaborative robots and FAIRINO's safety features, based on the latest safety standards, market trends, and practical examples.

Why Are Collaborative Robots Said to Be Safe?

Collaborative robots are designed to work in close proximity to humans, based on dedicated international safety standards.

Representative safety standards

• ISO 10218-1/-2: Safety requirements for industrial robots
• ISO/TS 15066: Technical specifications for speed, force, and contact limits during collaborative operation

These standards define four modes: safety-rated monitored stop, hand guiding, speed and separation monitoring, and power and force limiting. These modes ensure that robot movements remain within safe limits.

Furthermore, safety standards are being strengthened, with ISO 10218 being revised and ISO 15066 integrated in 2025.

Can Accidents Still Happen with Collaborative Robots? Risk Is Not Zero

While safety standards are in place, accidents caused by inadequate safety measures or non-routine operations can still occur.

For example, the following risks have been pointed out.

• Unexpected movements during non-routine operations
• Sensor malfunctions
• Risk of contact due to human inattention

However, data also shows that accidents can be reduced by over 90% with proper risk assessment.

Is FAIRINO Safe? Is the Safety Sufficient Despite the Low Price?

Conclusion: FAIRINO has obtained numerous international safety certifications and offers sufficient safety as a collaborative robot.

FAIRINO's Acquired Safety Certifications

FAIRINO has obtained the following international certifications.

• ISO 10218: Industrial robot safety
• ISO 13849: Safety-related parts of control systems
• ISO 15066: Collaborative robot safety technical specification
• CE / KCs / NRTL / RoHS 2.0 and other international safety standards

Despite its low price, FAIRINO meets safety standards comparable to those of major manufacturers.

Detailed Explanation of FAIRINO's Safety Features

1. Automatic Stop Upon Human Contact: PFL, Power and Force Limiting

FAIRINO collaborative robots are equipped with a force limiting function that detects contact and stops the robot, allowing operation without safety fences in appropriate applications.

2. Collision Avoidance with Advanced Sensors

FAIRINO detects the position of people nearby and reduces speed or stops when necessary.

3. Safe Low-Speed Mode During Direct Teaching

FAIRINO is equipped with a hand guiding mode that allows operators to teach movements by hand while operating at a safe low speed.

4. Error Detection Through High-Precision Control

FAIRINO can detect even subtle insertion failures, contributing to a significant reduction in defect rates. Actual implementation cases report the following results.

• Defect rate improved from 9.0% to 0.2%
• Production volume doubled

Does FAIRINO Operate Safely in Real-World Applications?

In actual implementation cases, even when FAIRINO is operated for over 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, the following results have been reported.

• No major troubles
• Stable operation with ±0.3mm accuracy

Furthermore, support is available within Thailand.

Low Price Does Not Mean Dangerous. Why FAIRINO's Safety Is Ensured

The reasons why FAIRINO offers strong safety despite its low price are as follows.

1. Cost Reduction Through In-House Production of Core Components

Motors, reducers, and other core components are produced in-house, reducing external procurement costs.

2. Design Focused on Essential Safety Functions

FAIRINO avoids excessive specifications and reliably implements the essential safety functions required for collaborative robots.

Cobot Safety Is Determined by How It Is Implemented

The safety of collaborative robots is established through the combination of design for safe use and proper risk assessment.

Required steps

1. Identification of hazards
2. Risk evaluation
3. Setting speed and force limits
4. Placement of sensors and safety devices
5. Training and documentation

If these steps are performed correctly, collaborative robots can demonstrate extremely high safety.

Summary: Is FAIRINO Really Safe?

FAIRINO complies with international standards, and its safety is sufficiently proven.

With proper risk assessment and operation, collaborative robots can be used extremely safely.

FAIRINO can be considered a collaborative robot with sufficient safety despite its low price, based on the following points.

• Comprehensive acquisition of international safety standards
• High-precision force control and stop functions
• Stable operation with domestic support
• Safety and productivity confirmed in implementation cases

Shodensha (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is an authorized partner of FAIRINO and can handle sales and maintenance in Thailand. You can also visit our showroom for live demonstrations and hands-on experience, or conduct verification tests at our test center. Please feel free to contact us.