Regarding the power light.

This was introduced for several reasons:

Number one was after a near miss accident at Newark last year, where all present felt that an exterior indication of the link in status of the robot would have stopped it happening.

Number two was as a further exterior indication to arena staff as regards to the status of the robot, a sort of extra caution sign if you like.

Number three was that through sheer familiarity with the machines, a lot of us as roboteers have become increasingly careless with the way we handle them, it was felt by a lot of organisers and roboteers that this light could just be the thing that reminds us, or makes someone close to us prompt us into safe working practices with the robot, and so prevents a nasty accident.

We however are also aware that lights break, and that it shouldnt ever be considered a robot is dead just because the light is off!

As to colour, it doesnt really matter what colour the light is, as long as it comes on as soon as the link is in place and goes off as soon as the link is removed.

The failsafe light is due for a rewrite in the rules and is being moved to advisory status both because of technical difficulties in fitting for some and for the reasons of confusion that many of you have discussed above, it is currently not being enforced by any FRA events.

Hope this clarifies and keep the feedback coming guys.

Sam
FRA safety executive