Which position must the deadman switch be held to enable motion?

The deadman switch is a critical safety feature in robotic systems, including those using the FANUC Handling Tool. When the switch is held in the centered position, it allows for operational control, meaning that the robot can be commanded to move. The centered position typically functions as a 'ready' state, enabling responsiveness to operator inputs while ensuring safety protocols are in place.

In contexts involving heavy machinery, the deadman switch prevents unintended motion; if the operator releases the switch or it goes outside the centered position, the system will typically enter a safe state, ceasing operations to avoid accidents. This is why the centered position is the only one that enables motion—balancing operability with safety.

Other positions, such as left, right, or down, are typically not conducive to enabling robot motion, as they may either trigger safety locks or engage alternative modes that do not allow for normal operation.