Machine Safety in Manufacturing

The convergence of IT–OT has left manufacturing setups vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In an exclusive interview, Pilz India discusses increased automation, the need for machine and human safety, and how industries can ensure that...

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Q What is the level of safety in Indian manufacturing and how is the safety manufacturing landscape changing over the years?

Technology is rapidly evolving, and its effect is largely visible in the automation and robotics market, effectively altering how businesses operate. While exploring these next-generation automation solutions and achieving higher productivity, increasing efficiency and reducing costs is the ulterior motive of organisations. Factories look at enabling real-time monitoring of production data, predictive maintenance solutions, optimising production processes and identifying opportunities for process improvements.

The convergence of IT and OT has left manufacturing setups vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Thus, with these advances, safety and security have become a prime challenge for machine builders, factories and plants. There is an enhanced thrust by plants and manufacturing units regarding safety and safeguarding techniques. Additionally, with higher complexity and speeds, machines demand next-generation automation solutions. The manufacturing landscape is continuously changing, with safety and security at the crux of the change.

Q How can factories and machine builders reduce risk when it comes to machine safety?

If machine builders are unaware of risks and hazards, they cannot fix them. Thus, the machine builder needs to identify gaps in their safety procedures in their machines at an early stage, helping them detect and eliminate potential safety risks for humans and machines. A thorough risk assessment following ISO12100 will help machine builders define, prioritize and implement necessary safety measures.