In today’s increasingly prevalent human-machine collaboration, achieving secure human-machine cooperation remains a focal point of industry discussions. With continuous advancements in industrial automation technology, future production environments are poised to become more intelligent and adaptable. In this transformative process, Operational Safety Intelligence has emerged as a core concept, signaling the future direction of industrial production.
At the heart of networked production processes, both mechanical safety and cybersecurity are critical success factors. When constructing flexible production units, corresponding safety technologies must be considered, integrating functional safety throughout the production process. At the 2024 Hannover Messe, the research platform Smart Factory KL, in collaboration with partners like TÜV SÜD and PILZ, showcased a simulated production line embodying the concept of Operational Safety Intelligence. This innovative mode of human-machine collaboration drew considerable attention.
Human-centric Concretization
Under the concept of Operational Safety Intelligence, production processes adapt to human behavior. Simply put, integrated sensors and controllers dynamically assess safety risks and autonomously adjust production speeds based on personnel positions and movement directions. When operators approach hazardous areas, production gradually decelerates in stages, halting only in emergencies and potentially limiting shutdowns to affected areas. Meanwhile, equipment continues dynamic planning; when personnel movements indicate distancing from production equipment, it can resume operations with enhanced safety considerations, thus boosting production efficiency.
Artificial Intelligence in Industrial Production
Artificial intelligence opens new possibilities. Sensors and controllers collaborate to autonomously assess safety risks and manage them using AI. Advancements in sensor technology provide robust support for Operational Safety Intelligence. Modern sensors dynamically detect personnel movement, determine positions, calculate motion vectors, and deliver real-time data to refine safety systems. This capability triggers different responses based on personnel positions and movements, optimizing equipment actions. Even when personnel remain within warning or protected zones, partial equipment shutdowns can swiftly resume normal operations if they move away. Sensors also distinguish between personnel and objects; for instance, automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems approaching equipment boundaries of warning or protection zones need not trigger production speed reductions. This intelligent response mechanism not only enhances production efficiency but also minimizes unnecessary shutdowns due to safety considerations.
Continuous Optimization of Human-Computer Interaction
As technology evolves, human-computer interaction will become more natural and intuitive. Future factories will shift from machine-dominated environments to ecosystems where humans and machines cooperate and learn from each other. Machines will anticipate human needs, predict actions, and adjust their operational modes accordingly.
Operational Safety Intelligence epitomizes the future trend of industrial production, emphasizing flexibility, intelligence, and a strong focus on personnel and equipment safety. With ongoing technological progress, we have reason to believe that future factories will be safer, more efficient, and more humane. This represents not just technological advancement but also a new era of harmonious coexistence between humans and computers.
