Machine safety has changed dramatically over the last several decades. The days of relying solely on hard guarding and administrative controls are over. Modern manufacturing increasingly depends on safety-related control systems to reduce risk while maintaining productivity. Light curtains, interlocked guards, safety PLCs, safe torque off circuits, pressure-sensitive mats, laser scanners, and two-hand controls are now common in industrial environments.

But as these systems become more advanced, one critical question emerges:

How do you prove the safety system is reliable enough to protect workers?

That is where Safety Performance Level calculations come into play.

Integrating pneumatic components into robotic work cells presents both opportunities and risks. While pneumatic actuators and valves are essential for tasks like clamping, positioning, or tooling, they must be designed with safety in mind—especially when used in collaborative or hazardous robot operations. To ensure worker protection and regulatory compliance, these systems must achieve a Safety Performance Level (PL) appropriate for their risk—often PL d or PL e.

Safety is a critical consideration when designing robot cells, especially as the integration of robotics into industrial processes continues to increase. Ensuring that robot cells are equipped with the right safety devices is essential not only for the protection of human workers but also for compliance with international safety standards. Safety devices such as safety sensors, emergency stop systems, light curtains, and guarding systems work together to ensure that the robot cell operates safely and minimizes the risk of accidents.

In the context of industrial automation, safety is paramount, particularly in environments that involve robots, automated machines, and other high-risk machinery. As automation continues to advance, the risks associated with these technologies are becoming more complex, and so are the safety standards designed to mitigate them. One of the most critical safety concepts is Performance Level (PL), a crucial element in determining the effectiveness of safety devices and systems