System and Method for Collaborative Linear Motor Conveyor Operation

A method for controlling a collaborative manufacturing system, the method comprising:

• configuring an operating status of each area of the manufacturing system, wherein the operating status of each area may include one of non-collaborative, collaborative, semi-collaborative modes;
• operating the manufacturing system;
• monitoring for a safety trigger and, if a safety trigger is activated, performing a safety action and controlling the manufacturing system according to the type of safety trigger;
• monitoring if the safety trigger is removed or ended;
• and
• if the safety trigger is removed, the control system returns to operating in the configured mode.

A system for collaborative manufacturing system operation for a linear motor conveyor system comprising one or more moving elements, the system comprising:

• a rotating table placed adjacent to the linear motor conveyor system, wherein the rotating table comprises an enclosed side near the linear motor conveyor system, and an accessible side opposite the enclosed side;
• an actuator to move a part from the one or more moving elements to the rotating table or from the rotating table to the one or more moving elements;
• and
• an apparatus to rotate the table such that the part moves from the enclosed side to the accessible side and, after action on the part, moves the part from the accessible side to the enclosed side.