A B O U T A S S A A B L O Y
Assa Abloy is a global leader in door opening
solutions, dedicated to satisfying end user
needs for security, safety and convenience.
Since its formation in 1994, Assa Abloy has
grown from a regional company into an international
group with about 47,000 employees,
operations in more than 70 countries and
sales of SEK 71 billion. In the fast-growing
electromechanical security segment, the
Group has a leading position in areas such
as access control, identification technology,
entrance automation and hotel security.
A B O U T D E S I G N
E N E R G Y
Design Energy is a New Zealand business
which specialises in the development and
commissioning of equipment solutions which
solve problems, deliver productivity gains and
enhance its customers’ business. Founded in
2007, Design Energy handles everything from
process engineering consultation to machine
design, through to the supply and service
of full turn-key systems. Design Energy
partnered with Universal Robots to deliver
quality robotic and automation solutions to
some of the country’s leading producers and
manufacturers.
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U R 5 H E L P S W O R K P L A C E
H E A LT H A N D S A F E T Y
C H A L L E N G E S
Assa Abloy’s initial reason for implementing an
automated solution was to relieve production
staff from the “onerous physical tasks of
assembling locks and screwing face plates”.
But the company says that in contrast to
traditional robotic solutions, Universal Robots’
small and lightweight robotic arms actually
work safely alongside staff (subject to risk
assessment).
The UR5’s state-of-the-art force limit safety
feature automatically prevents the robot from
operating when movement is interrupted. The
UR5 doesn’t exert a force greater than the
limit specified in the adjustable safety settings,
which can be set from 100-250 newtons.
Prior to deploying the UR5, operational staff
were rotated every two hours, due to the
demands of repetitive wrist and shoulder
movements. By automating the final step on
the lock bodies production line, the UR5 has
relieved operators of work hazards. Knowing
that, employees can work in very close
proximity to the UR5 without safety guarding.
continued on page 16
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