A new integrated hybrid technique for risk assessment in human-robot collaboration

Human-robot collaboration offers new opportunities to increase productivity, flexibility and ergonomics in work processes, however, it also introduces specific risks associated with a shared workspace between humans and robots, for which traditional risk assessment techniques may not be sufficiently effective. This article summarizes selected risk assessment techniques designed for the field of Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses with respect to their applicability in a collaborative environment. Based on the identified limitations, a new hybrid technique is presented that combines Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (HRC-PFMEA) and Risk matrix. The proposed approach integrates qualitative and quantitative risk assessments, enables risk identification at an early stage of system design, and increases the transparency of work processes. The applicability and logical workflow of the proposed method are demonstrated using a simulation scenario of an assisted assembly workstation created in a digital environment.