Aerobotix and FerRobotics develop tool to cut down on combustible dust

The orbital sander works to collect the dust, making a safer environment for workers

The Class II, Division 1 End of Arm Tool automated sander.

Aerobotix, of Huntsville, and FerRobotics, of Austria, have partnered to create the first Class II, Division 1 (C2D1) End of Arm Tool automated sander. The orbital sander lessens human involvement in hazardous tasks.

According to the International Labour Organization, tens of millions of workers globally are afflicted with silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by crystalline silica dust inhalation, leading to thousands of deaths. Many jobs in the aerospace and defense industries involve combustible dust created by sanding. This C2D1-rated automated sander, with dust collection, can help eliminate the risk of occupationally acquired respiratory infections.

“Aerobotix remains committed to improving safety in the aerospace and defense industries,” said Josh Tuttle, business development manager at Aerobotix. “The robotic orbital sander eliminates the need for human involvement in the sanding process and limits exposure to the hazardous substances created from sanding.”

In addition to the risk of respiratory illness among workers, C2D1 worksites produce combustible dust that can be ignited by an equipment malfunction or the improper use of rated equipment.

“Because combustible dusts have resulted in injuries, as they can be easily ignited by a spark, it’s been an area of huge concern in industrial, construction and fabrication workspaces,” said Ronald Naderer, FerRobotics founder and CEO. “Now, with this specially developed orbital sander, we finally have the right equipment to keep humans safely away from these hazardous environments while enabling teams to also avoid monotonous and time-consuming tasks.” He added that it is the world’s first AI-conditioned, active force-compliant tool using plug-and-play processes.

- Sponsor -

Aerobotix is headquartered in Huntsville, specializing in automated robotic solutions for high-precision components, aircraft and vehicles. It has more than 130 robotic systems installed in the U.S.

FerRobotics is a leader in development and distribution of sensitive robotic elements that equip industrial robot or cobot with contact intelligence and real force control.

The latest Alabama business news delivered to your inbox