SBIR Phase II: Programmable Three-Dimensional (3D) Light Curtains for Enhanced Human-Robot Collaboration

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be to enhance the efficiency and safety of human-robot collaboration through the development of an innovative 3D safety sensor system. As labor shortages stress supply chains, companies are rapidly adopting robotic solutions to ease the pressure. Manufacturers are recognizing the efficiency benefits of flexible and collaborative robots, moving away from large, application-specific robots that require fixed safety fences. Unlike large industrial robots, collaborative robots can function safely without physical barriers, facilitating easy reconfiguration and adaptation to new tasks. However, the safety limitations of these small co-bots result in systems that are much slower and weaker than industrial robots. The 3D safety sensor system developed in this project will bridge the gap between small, flexible co-bots and powerful industrial robots by eliminating the need for safety fences around large industrial robots and enabling collaborative applications. This technological advancement promises to revolutionize manufacturing, improve productivity, and create safer working environments while shifting human workers to higher-skill positions. The innovation will provide new insights into sensor technology, human-robot interaction, and adaptive safety systems, paving the way for further advancements in robotics and automation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the limitations of current 3D sensors in robotics safety applications. Existing 3D sensors like LIDAR or depth cameras lack the reliability, resolution, or cost-effectiveness required for industrial safety. Consequently, industrial robot safety relies on outdated 2D sensor technology, which only captures a slice of the environment and cannot provide 3D protection. This limitation necessitates larger safety boundaries and increases robot cell sizes, making most collaborative