Robot Reliability and Safety

This monograph, intended for use by practising engineers, as well as students and researchers, covers the topic of robot reliability and safety. There is a perceived need for increased performance in this area, as accidents and injury involving robots occur at an unacceptably high rate. This book draws upon much of the published literature on the subject, and is intended for practising engineers and senior undergraduate and graduate students with no previous knowledge of the subject. In general, emphasis is on the structure of concepts rather than on mathematical rigour and fine detail. The source of most of the material presented in the book is given in references, to enable the reader to investigate more deeply into a specific area. The book contains over 750 references and approximately 40 solved examples. This monograph on automation, robotics, material flow, logistics, reliability, safety, risk and data processing is intended for researchers, graduate students and practising engineers in these disciplines.