Mechanical & Motion Systems

Safe Torque Off: Industrial Functional Safety Applications

Dec. 15, 2022

To reduce hazard risks, there are many functional safety standards which help provide guidance for designing safety systems. One of the functional safety standards, IEC 61800-5-2, defines a safety function called Safe Torque Off (STO).

Bob Vavra

The continuing evolution of electric motors has seen a focus on energy efficiency—if it doesn’t impede productivity, throughput or safety. The development of electric-driven automation systems requires new technology and new strategies around the deployment of electric motors in manufacturing.

In an Engineering Academy discussion with Machine Design, Punya Prakash of Texas Instruments calls this “an exciting time in the industrial revolution.” She notes in her presentation that the development of clean, powerful and efficient motors has also led to the development of functional safety standard IEC 61800-5-2, which defines a safety function called Safe Torque Off (STO). This standard in turn has led to the development of new technology to ensure worker safety and system integrity.

The benefits include more intelligent automation systems and advanced productivity. This also leads to a smaller motor footprint without compromising on the efficient use of energy.

To view Machine Design’s upcoming Engineering Academy lineup, please visit the Engineering Academy website here.