Rockford Systems Becomes Supplier Member of RIA
Rockford Systems, LLC (Rockford, IL), a premier provider of machine safeguarding products and services, is pleased to announce that they have become a Supplier Member of the Robotic Industries Association (RIA; Ann Arbor, MI), underscoring the increasing role that machine guarding plays in protecting operators of robotic welding, assembly, CNC and metal cutting equipment. Founded in 1974, RIA is the only trade group in North America organized specifically to serve the robotics industry. Member companies include leading robot manufacturers, users, system integrators, component suppliers, research groups, and consulting firms.
“Robotics is a growing multi-billion dollar market with unlimited potential for our safety solutions,” said Joe Nitiss, the chief executive officer of Rockford Systems. “In just the first nine months of this year, 23,985 robots were ordered from North American companies, all of which require machine guarding equipment to maximize productivity and safety. We are uniquely positioned to meet these needs with our suite of state-of-the-art products and services.”
Unlike in non-automated environments, injuries occurring in robotic automation typically occur during non-routine operating conditions, such as programming, maintenance, testing, setup, or adjustment when the worker may temporarily be within the robot’s working envelope. Rockford Systems manufactures components that protect workers during both routine and non-routine robotic operations. These components, which include roll-up barriers, light curtains, gate switches, and safety shields, are added by the integrator prior to commissioning machinery. The company also offers on-site surveys of automated processes to assess risks.
