IP in robotics generally refers to Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, which define the level of protection a robot's enclosure provides against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water).
Understanding IP Ratings
The IP rating is represented by two digits following the letters "IP" (e.g., IP67). Each digit indicates a different aspect of protection:
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First Digit (Protection against solid objects): This ranges from 0 to 6, with higher numbers indicating greater protection against increasingly smaller solid objects. A rating of 0 means no protection. A rating of 6 signifies dust-tight protection.
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Second Digit (Protection against liquids): This ranges from 0 to 9, with higher numbers indicating greater protection against liquids. A rating of 0 means no protection. A rating of 9 signifies protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.
IP Rating Chart
| First Digit | Protection Against Solid Objects | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No special protection. |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects >50mm | Protected against a large part of the body such as a hand (but no protection against deliberate access). |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects >12.5mm | Protected against fingers or similar objects. |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects >2.5mm | Protected against tools, thick wires, etc. |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects >1mm | Protected against granules, dust, etc. |
| 5 | Dust-protected | Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment. |
| 6 | Dust-tight | No ingress of dust. |
| Second Digit | Protection Against Liquids | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No special protection. |
| 1 | Protected against vertically falling water drops | Vertically falling drops shall have no harmful effect. |
| 2 | Protected against vertically falling water drops when tilted up to 15° | Vertically falling drops shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15° from the vertical. |
| 3 | Protected against spraying water | Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect. |
| 4 | Protected against splashing water | Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| 5 | Protected against water jets | Water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| 6 | Protected against powerful water jets | Water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| 6K | Protected against powerful water jets with increased pressure | Water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction under increased pressure shall have no harmful effect. |
| 7 | Protected against the effects of temporary immersion | Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is temporarily immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time. |
| 8 | Protected against the effects of continuous immersion | Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is continuously immersed in water under conditions which shall be agreed between manufacturer and user but which are more severe than for degree 7. |
| 9K | Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs | Protected against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets (1450 PSI, 176°F). |
Why IP Ratings Matter for Robots
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Environmental Suitability: IP ratings help determine if a robot is suitable for a specific working environment. For example, a robot used in a dusty factory needs a high first digit rating (e.g., IP6x). A robot used in a food processing plant that requires frequent washdowns needs a high second digit rating (e.g., IPx6 or higher).
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Robot Longevity: Choosing a robot with an appropriate IP rating increases its lifespan by protecting its sensitive internal components from damage caused by dust, water, or other contaminants.
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Safety: Proper IP ratings can prevent electrical shorts or other malfunctions caused by the ingress of liquids or solids, ensuring a safer working environment.
Examples of IP Ratings in Robots
- IP67: Dust-tight and protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Common for robots used in harsh industrial environments.
- IP69K: Dust-tight and protected against close-range high-pressure, high-temperature spray downs. Suited for food processing and pharmaceutical applications requiring rigorous cleaning.
- IP54: Dust-protected and protected against splashing water. May be sufficient for some indoor manufacturing environments.
Selecting the Right IP Rating
Consider the specific environment and application when choosing a robot. Carefully assess the levels of dust, moisture, and other potential contaminants to ensure the robot's IP rating is adequate for the task. It's often better to select a robot with a slightly higher IP rating than strictly necessary to provide an extra margin of safety and reliability.
