WORKPLACE MONITORING AND SEMANTIC ENTITY IDENTIFICATION FOR SAFE MACHINE OPERATION

A system includes sensors, memory, and a processor. The sensors are configured to capture images of a workspace, and the memory is configured to store the images and a model of machinery located within the workspace. The processor is configured to generate a spatial representation of the workspace based on the captured images. The processor is also configured to identify non-machinery entities within the workspace and, for each of the identified entities, generate an object that specifies a spatial extent of the respective entity and a protective separation distance for the entity. Further, the processor is configured to recognize an interaction between the entities and merge the corresponding objects into a merged object specifying a protective separation distance therefor. Moreover, the processor is configured to control operation of the machinery in accordance with a safety protocol and the protective separation distance for the merged object.