EE Airbag at the Hannover Messe from April 24 to 28, 2017

The airbag for robot end effectors for safe human-robot interaction is a solution conceived for safe handling of sharp robot tools and implements during production, which is meant to reduce the possible risks of injuries. One unique feature of this airbag is that the mechanical inflation process can be repeated any number of times and it does not need to be replaced after one use as a traditional automobile airbag does. At the Hannover Messe a new feature will be presented: a warning-light system that illuminates red or green to display a possible risk from the robot. The project is being funded by the Helmholtz Association and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The project has a total volume of about 400,000 euros. The design of the airbag for robotic end effectors for safe human-robot interaction was among the finalists of the 2017 KUKA Innovation Award and will be shown in this context at the Hannover Messe from April 24 to 28, 2017. The Airbag for robotic end effectors won against the concepts of its competitors and was announced as the winner of the 2017 KUKA Innovation Award on April 27, 2017. The winner receives a prize of 20,000 euros. The KUKA robot can be seen in Hall 17, Booth G04 of the trade fair.