Just a thought on the subject...

For pneumatic flippers, I believe that main issue is opening the gas supply, where the human is in physical contact with the machine. It's possible to replace the dump valve with a 3/2 solenoid valve in line with the main supply, such that when the robot is in its off position, the valve is closed. So you can open the gas supply safely. Then you can turn on the robot, and in turn energise the 3/2 dump valve. That way gas supply to the whole system is delivered remotely without any contact with the robot.

Does it make any sense at all?