Wireless safety system shuts down production line in emergency

Laird has developed a wireless e-stop system—Safe-E-Stop™—that can be integrated with existing hard-wired emergency-stop systems for assembly lines and other production systems. It allows an individual or group of operators to immediately shut down a production line without having to run to a hard-wired e-stop station.

The SIL 3-rated wireless personal safety system is now available through the Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner program with Rockwell Automation distributors.

The system provides continuous status indicators with LEDs and LCDs. The EtherNet/IP port on the machine safety device (MSD) can be used to report the status of actuated wireless e-stops to operations personnel. Up to five personal safety devices (PSDs) can be linked simultaneously to the MSD, which permits multiple operators to work independently or collaboratively to oversee an operation or solve a problem.

If an e-stop on any of the linked PSDs is activated, the MSD commands a stop. All PSDs are notified immediately of the “stop” condition, the machine is shut down, and the system identifies the PSD responsible for the stop. The PSDs have visual and haptic (vibration) warning systems for conditions such as low battery and low RF signal designed to allow workers to move about the area.