SAFETY NOTICE

Universal Robots expressly disclaims liability for any and all damages or injuries caused as a result of customer’s failure to install, operate and maintain the robot in strict compliance with the User Manual and Service Manual, train personnel as needed for the application, follow and implement the recommendations in this safety notice.

 

To: Universal Robots Customers of the UR Teach Pendant with 3PE (3-position enabling device)
From: Universal Robots Global Technical Compliance
Date: 20 January 2021
Subject: SAFETY NOTICE Universal Robots e-Series robots with software version 5.9.3 and 5.9.4


Unexpected motion can occur when a robot application is installed with the following combinations:

  • Universal Robots e-Series robot
  • UR software versions: 5.9.3 or 5.9.4
  • UR Teach Pendant with 3-Position Enabling Device (3PE TP)
  • External mode selector switch is connected to the UR Control Box

The risk due to unexpected motion requires all of the following circumstances:

  • Automatic mode is selected on the external mode selector switch.
  • No protective device is connected to the Safeguard Stop Input of the UR Control Box. (For example: when using a perimeter interlocked guard, light curtain, or safety scanner ect.).
  • The operator uses the Teach Pendant to switch to manual mode for teaching or programming.
  • The robot is not moving, but it is capable of moving according to its program/programming.
  • The operator moves within reach of the robot/end-effector/workpiece, while holding the Teach Pendant.

The probability of unexpected motion happening is extremely low, because all of the above combinations and circumstance are required. As such, note the following:

  • All safety functions are active and functioning properly. This includes the 3PE which is not active when the robot control is in automatic mode.
  • The operator is typically more attentive to robot activity due to planned teaching or programming tasks.
  • Operator attention is more likely to be directed to the robot application; it is unlikely that the incorrect Teach Pendant mode indication will be noticed.

Unexpected motion can occur when programming UR e-Series robots using software 5.9.3 and 5.9.4 with the Teach Pendant with 3-Position Enabling Device (3PE TP), in applications with an external mode selector switch, where the external mode selector switch is set to Automatic.

  • Update to software version 5.10.0 or higher to eliminate this risk.
  • Until updating software: Disconnect the external mode switch and train operators in usage.

To eliminate the risks associated with this issue, update to software version 5.10 or higher. The robot application can remain operational before updating the software ONLY if the external mode selector switch is disconnected from the UR Control Box. With 5.9.3 and 5.9.4 after removing the external mode selector, train personnel to select the mode using the UR Teach Pendant with 3PE.

Software version 5.10 or higher eliminates this issue and Teach Pendant with 3PE owners are urged to update.

As always, proper inspection and maintenance is required as stated in the UR Service Manual.

How to recognize the Teach Pendant with 3-Position Enabling Device (3PE TP)

Only the UR e-Series robots with software 5.9.3 or 5.9.4 and a 3PE TP are affected if an external mode selector is used.

The 3PE TP only functions with UR e-Series robots.

 

Helpful links:

If you have any questions about this Safety Notice, you can email questions to: SafetyNotice@Universal-Robots.com It will be directed to the appropriate department.

You can directly contact your regional Universal Robots representative at: https://www.universal-robots.com/about-universal-robots/contact-info.