Sander will lessen health risks for humans in dangerous work environments and reduce worksite fires from combustible dust hazards
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—Aerobotix and FerRobotics, two leading robotics companies based in the U.S. and Austria, today announced they have partnered to create the first Class II, Division 1 (C2D1) End of Arm Tool (EOAT) automated sander. This innovation meets industry demand for a hazardous-environment solution. Consequently, it achieves time and cost savings while enabling much safer work environments. This special orbital sander builds on the industry-proven Active Orbital Kit (AOK) with patented Active Compliant Technology. As a result, it reduces human involvement in hazardous tasks.
Addressing a Critical Workplace Health Crisis
Each year, according to the International Labour Organization, silicosis afflicts tens of millions of workers worldwide. Breathing in crystalline silica dust causes this incurable lung disease. It leads to thousands of deaths each year. Many jobs in the aerospace and defense industries involve dangerous dust that sanding creates. The invention of a force-compliant C2D1-rated automated sander, with built-in dust collection, virtually removes the risk of work-related breathing infections.
“Aerobotix remains committed to improving safety in the aerospace and defense industries,” said Josh Tuttle, Business Development Manager at Aerobotix. “As such, we’re proud to partner with FerRobotics on this important tool to help save lives and reduce lung disease in the workplace. The robotic orbital sander removes the need for human involvement in the sanding process. Furthermore, it limits exposure to the hazardous substances that sanding creates.”
Mitigating Combustible Dust Hazards
In addition to putting human workers at risk of serious breathing illness, C2D1 worksites produce combustible dust in the air. An equipment failure or the improper use of rated equipment can quickly ignite this dust. Moreover, in a C2D1 environment, combustible dust of an electrically conductive nature might also exist. Alternatively, operations might release dust into the air constantly, from time to time, or regularly.
“Combustible dusts can easily ignite from a spark, which has resulted in injuries. This has been an area of huge concern in industrial, construction and fabrication workplaces,” said Ronald Naderer, FerRobotics Founder and CEO. “Now, with this specially developed orbital sander, we finally have the right equipment to keep humans safely away from these hazardous environments. Additionally, teams can avoid repetitive and time-consuming tasks. It represents a revolution in the force-controlled tooling market. In fact, it is the world’s first AI-conditioned, active force-compliant tool – a true game changer that enables customers to use state-of-the-art guaranteed plug-and-play processes. Ultimately, creating this first C2D1 EOAT sander of its kind with Aerobotix is a proud achievement for FerRobotics.”
About Aerobotix
Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Aerobotix is an innovative leader in robotic solutions for the aerospace and defense industries. The company specializes in the creation of cutting-edge automated robotic solutions for high-value, high-precision components, aircraft and vehicles. Aerobotix has more than 130 robotic systems installed in the U.S. and abroad, providing exceptional results and savings for our clients.
About FerRobotics
FerRobotics is the global leader in the development and distribution of sensitive robotic elements (for robotic surface finishing end-of-arm tools/end-effectors) that equip an industrial robot or cobot with contact intelligence and real force control. We give robots feeling with our patented Active Compliant Technology. And this ensures more efficient, finer and more valuable production results. Our products close automation gaps seamlessly and are trendsetters in flexible automation in numerous industries on the international market. Ready for applications like robotic grinding, sanding, polishing, brushing, satin finishing, deburring, taping or other requirements.