The Boeing Company
Protected worker zones around mobile robotic platforms that manufacture aircraft

Abstract:

Mobile robotic platforms include a robotic device and a pair of laser scanners. The robotic device is positioned near a front of the mobile robotic platform while the laser scanners are positioned on the sides of the mobile robotic platform. When the mobile robotic platform is located in a selected position relative to an assembly with the front of the mobile robotic platform facing the assembly, the scanners are set to a scan field area of either a selected area for a safety zone around the sides of the mobile robotic platform or a default area within a predetermined distance from the sides. Upon detection of an intrusion into the scan field area of the laser scanners, the robotic device and/or the mobile robotic platform is stopped to prevent harm to a person whom may have inadvertently intruded into the scan field areas around the mobile robotic platform.