German researchers have developed a system of airbags to protect people working with robots from injury . The researchers from the DLR Robotics and Mechatronics Centre came up with the idea in 2008 , and have now released a report on the system . The airbag inflates automatically around sharp edges when the manipulator arm moves , before deflating to allow the arm to work . Airbags like these are only one option for making industrial robots safe for humans. The new safety measure complements existing methods such as cameras and sensors which can detect human movement , and force - limited joints that shut down the robot if danger is encountered .
German researchers have developed a system of airbags to protect people working with robots from injury . The researchers from the DLR Robotics and Mechatronics Centre came up with the idea in 2008 , and have now released a report on the system . The airbag inflates automatically around sharp edges when the manipulator arm moves , before deflating to allow the arm to work . The new safety measure complements existing methods such as cameras and sensors which can detect human movement , and force - limited joints that shut down the robot if danger is encountered .