How SR-1 Works: 3D Eyes That Never Blink

The SR-1 system combines redundant 3D time-of-flight sensors with software-defined safety zones. Simply put: specialized cameras continuously scan the space around the robotic arm and create a three-dimensional model of it. If a person enters the defined zone, the system slows down or completely stops the robot in real time — depending on how close the operator is and what the robot is currently doing.

Unlike simpler safety features such as light curtains or 2D lasers, the SR-1 can operate in environments with obstacles and blind spots. The redundant architecture (Category 3 per ISO 13849) means that failure of one sensor does not compromise safety — the second sensor takes over control.

"We designed SR-1 to continuously see people and adjust the robot's movements in real time," explains Chris Edwards, CEO of Sensory Robotics. "The UL certification now enables companies to purchase and install this technology on industrial robots."

A Certification That Opens the Door to Factories

Obtaining cULus 1740 certification and validation under ISO 13849 Performance Level d marks a breakthrough moment — not just for Sensory Robotics, but for the entire field of industrial automation. UL 1740 is a North American standard specifically focused on the safety of collaborative robotic systems. Performance Level d (PLd) means the system meets high requirements for the reliability of safety functions.

"Without this certification, our technology doesn't leave the lab and doesn't make it to the factory floor. Now it can," said Edwards. His words are echoed by operations director Mark Gagas: "These certifications are the key that unlocks real industrial deployment. Regulated manufacturing environments can now trust SR-1 and deploy it with confidence."

Sensory Robotics is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has received funding through, among others, a $1.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (SBIR Phase II program) and support from the University of Cincinnati innovation ecosystem.

10 Minutes to Restart: Why Cages Slow Down Production

Traditional industrial robots work behind physical barriers for a good reason — they move at speeds and forces that could be fatal upon contact with a human. But when an operator needs to enter the fenced area, the entire cell must be shut down. According to Gagas, a single safety incident can mean up to 10 minutes of downtime — from stopping the robot to restarting it.

"Add that up across the production line, and these delays accumulate into high operating costs," warns Gagas. SR-1 promises to eliminate most of these unplanned shutdowns — the robot merely slows down or temporarily stops in the presence of a person, but the production cell doesn't need to go through a complete restart.

Another benefit is freeing up production floor space. Fixed safety cages take up valuable square meters that could otherwise serve additional production operations, intermediate storage, or logistics routes. In cramped brownfield facilities where expanding physical fencing isn't possible, virtual protection may be the only path to modernization.

Compatibility with Major Robot Manufacturers

Sensory Robotics is already integrating SR-1 with the robotic ecosystems of the world's leading manufacturers: FANUC, Denso, ABB, Yaskawa, KUKA, Universal Robots, and Kawasaki. This means the technology can be deployed on existing robotic cells without the need to replace all equipment — a key advantage for manufacturers who have invested significant resources into robotics in recent years.

In addition to the flagship SR-1, the company is also developing other products: SR-Press for press safety, SR-Mobile for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), SR-Insight for production data analytics, and SR-2, which is still in development. The portfolio thus covers virtually the entire spectrum of industrial automation.

What This Means for Europe and Czechia

The obtained UL 1740 certification is valid for the United States and Canada. For deployment in the European Union, and thus also in the Czech Republic, Sensory Robotics will need CE marking and compliance with the requirements of the European Machinery Directive. However, validation under ISO 13849 — an international standard — provides a solid foundation for obtaining European certification.

For Czech industry, particularly the automotive sector centered around Škoda Auto and its supply chain, fenceless safety is an exceptionally relevant topic. Automakers worldwide — from Wolfsburg to Mladá Boleslav — are seeking ways to make production more efficient without increasing floor space. Flexible production lines where models alternate and robots share space with operators are precisely the environment SR-1 was designed for.

According to Sensory Robotics data, a typical system deployment takes approximately four weeks, which is relatively short in the context of industrial safety systems. The company already has active programs in the automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and defense industries.

Broader Context: Automation Without Barriers

Sensory Robotics is not alone in the market. The "fenceless robotics" trend — robotics without physical barriers — has been gaining momentum for several years. Companies such as Veo Robotics (FreeMove), SICK (safety scanners), or Pilz (safety PLCs and sensors) are working on similar concepts. What sets Sensory Robotics apart is the first UL 1740 certification for a comprehensive safety system — competitors currently offer partial components rather than a complete certified solution.

The defense dimension is also significant. The Department of Defense grant suggests that the U.S. military sees potential in the technology for its own manufacturing and logistics operations — for example, in depots, repair bases, or in automating ammunition handling.

For Czech engineering companies, it's crucial to monitor how the regulatory environment in the EU develops. The European Commission, under the AI Act, classifies industrial robots as high-risk systems, which means stricter requirements for safety and transparency. Technologies like SR-1 can help meet regulatory requirements in this context — while also increasing the competitiveness of European industry, which is struggling with labor shortages.

What Comes Next

Sensory Robotics is now entering the commercial deployment phase. According to the company, interest is coming from automotive, aerospace, logistics, manufacturing, and defense. Whether SR-1 becomes a standard in North American factories will be shown by the first real-world installations. For European and Czech manufacturers, the key unknown remains how quickly the company will obtain CE certification and whether it will be able to compete on price with established players in the safety automation field.

One thing is certain, however: the era of factories where robots are separated from people by heavy metal cages is slowly drawing to a close. And Czech industry shouldn't miss out.