Trade Fair Showcases Robot and Machine Tool Safety

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- North America's largest robot safety Trade Fair will be at the Ypsilanti Marriott on October 25 as part of National Robot Safety Conference XVII, a four day Conference from October 24 through October 27. Sponsored by Ann Arbor based Robotic Industries Association, Trade Fair only passes are available for $25 in advance, $40 on-site.

"This is the robotics industry's biggest trade fair for robot and safety suppliers," said Donald A. Vincent, RIA's Executive Vice President. "It includes top vendors for machine tool safeguarding. There will be about 45 displays and a catered reception at 4:30 (p.m.). Every year we hear about great business connections getting made at the Conference, and the Trade Fair is a big part of that." Several Workshops are held on Monday before the Conference, and Thursday after the Conference. Tuesday and Wednesday (October 25-26) make up the general sessions which draw connections between OSHA, North American safety standards, international standards and technical issues like circuit design and risk assessment.

Session leaders include speakers from OSHA and case studies from actual users. Discussions cover experiences from those who have implemented safety programs compliant with the ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999 Robot Safety Standard, the B11 series for Machine Tool Safety, ISO standards and Canadian standards. On Thursday, a panel of standards authors act as special consultants in a Question and Answer forum.

Official sponsors include (alpha order): ABB Inc., Business Wire, FANUC Robotics America, Inc., Motoman, Inc., Nachi Robotic Systems, Inc., Pilz Automation Safety, Scientific Technologies Inc., SICK, Inc.

Founded in 1974, RIA is North America's leading robotics trade group, representing some 240 robotics manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups, and consulting firms. RIA is the official secretariat for the ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999 Robot Safety Standard and offers in-house training on safety and robotic applications.