Introduce
Define
An industrial robot is an automatic machine, fixed or mobile, linked between a manipulator and a programmed control system, which can be repeated to complete the functions of movement and control. control during production.
Importance of Industrial Robots in various industries
Industrial robots can complete routine tasks with consistent quality and speed, which can allow for increased and predictable production output, while ensuring products are always being built. with the same specifications.
History of Industrial Robots
Initial development and prototype
The origins of industrial robots date back to the 1950s, when George Devol developed the first industrial robot – a two-ton device that could automatically move objects from one place to another using a hydraulic drive. force.
Robots were first used commercially on assembly lines in the early 1960s. Hydraulic or pneumatic arms are most typical and are mainly used to lift heavy objects. Although these devices are rudimentary, lack sensors, and have limited programmability, they have proven to be an invaluable tool for enhancing production at manufacturing facilities and setting the stage for a The period of robot development is long.
Advances in technology and adoption
Since the early 2000s, the development of industrial robots has been largely driven by advances in software. Emerging fields, such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), are now pushing what robots can do—giving them the ability to learn, improve, and make decisions. without direction or guidance from humans.
Types of industrial robots
Articulated robot
Articulated robots are highly versatile industrial robots that have been used in a variety of industries to perform a variety of tasks. These robots are designed with a series of interconnected segments, called links, attached via movable joints. This design allows them to move with a high degree of flexibility and dexterity, making them ideal for performing complex tasks that require high precision.
Cartesian coordinate robot
A Cartesian coordinate robot (also called a linear robot) is an industrial robot whose three main control axes are linear (that is, they move in straight lines rather than rotate) and are perpendicular to each other. The three sliding joints correspond to moving the wrist up and down, in and out, and back. Among other advantages, this mechanical arrangement simplifies the robot control arm solution. It has high reliability and precision when operating in three-dimensional space. As a robotic coordinate system, it is also effective for horizontal movement and stacking of crates.
SCARA robot
SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm. They are robotic arms with a flexible range of motion in the XY plane. These arms can also move vertically, but the interesting thing about it is that the position of the vertical axis remains fixed. Thanks to the combination of rigid and moving axes, SCARA Robot is well suited to tackle a variety of material handling operations.
They excel at pick-up and drop-off tasks and quick transport processes. SCARA robots will perform at their best when these robots are used to perform assembly applications. Applications cover a wide variety of scenarios from operations in semiconductor plants to bio-med applications and packaging.
Cylindrical robot
The cylindrical robot has a rotating joint at the base and a prismatic joint to connect the links. The robot has a cylindrical working shell, realized by a rotating axis and an extendable arm to move in vertical and sliding movements.
Delta Robot
Delta robot is a type of parallel robot with main structure consisting of 3 arms with prismatic joints connected to a rotating joint on a fixed base. This type of robot is quite commonly used in the picking and packaging stages in manufacturing plants.
Applications of industrial robots
Automotive industry
Assembly and welding are two of the most important processes in automobile manufacturing. Industrial robots are widely used in these processes to increase productivity, precision and quality:
Assembly: Assembly robots are used to assemble small and complex car parts, such as engines, transmissions, suspensions, and bodies. Robots can perform repetitive assembly tasks with high precision, helping to reduce errors and improve product quality.
Welding: Welding robots are used to weld car parts together. Welding robots can perform accurate and uniform welding lines, helping to improve product durability and aesthetics.
Painting and coating is an important step in the automobile manufacturing process to protect and decorate the vehicle’s surface. Industrial robots are used to paint and coat cars with high speed and precision.
Painting: Painting robots are used to paint the exterior surfaces of cars. Robots can paint complex surfaces efficiently, helping to reduce production time and costs.
Coating: Coating robots are used to coat internal parts of cars, such as chassis and engines. The robot can coat parts evenly and accurately, improving vehicle durability and performance.
Material handling is an important process in automotive manufacturing to create the parts and materials needed for the vehicle. Industrial robots are used to perform a variety of material handling tasks, including:
Cutting: Cutting robots are used to cut metal sheets and other materials into required shapes and sizes. The robot can cut thick and hard materials accurately and efficiently.
Machining: Machining robots are used to perform complex machining tasks, such as drilling, turning, milling, and grinding. Robots can perform machining tasks accurately and evenly, helping to save time and production costs.
Electronic industry
Board assembly robots are used to assemble small and complex board components, such as chips, electronic components, and wires. Robots can perform repetitive assembly tasks with high precision, helping to reduce errors and improve product quality.
The pick and place operation is a task that requires precision and agility. Pick and place robots are used to select and place small and complex components into precise positions on the board. Robots can perform pick and place tasks quickly and accurately, helping to increase production productivity.
Quality testing is an important step in the electronics manufacturing process to ensure products meet quality standards. Quality inspection robots are used to check electronic products for potential defects, such as soldering defects, circuit defects, and component defects. Robots can inspect electronic products quickly and effectively, helping to reduce defective products and improve product quality.
Food and beverage industry
Packaging and labeling robots are used to package and label food and beverage products. Robots can perform packaging and labeling tasks quickly and accurately, helping to increase production productivity and improve product quality.
Sorting and palletizing robots are used to sort and palletize food and beverage products. Robots can perform sorting and palletizing tasks quickly and accurately, helping to reduce errors and improve the efficiency of shipping operations.
Quality control robots are used to inspect food and beverage products for potential defects, such as spoilage, contamination, and contamination. Robots can inspect food and beverage products quickly and effectively, helping to reduce defective products and ensure food safety.
Healthcare industry
Surgical robots are used to perform complex surgeries, such as laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, and neurosurgery. Surgical robots can perform precise and repetitive operations, helping to reduce patient risks and improve surgical outcomes.
Rehabilitation robots are used to help patients recover from injury or illness. Rehabilitation robots can help patients perform physical therapy exercises accurately and effectively, helping to shorten recovery time and improve function.
Laboratory robots are used to perform laboratory tasks, such as sample analysis, cell culture, and biomedical research. Laboratory robots can perform tasks accurately and quickly, helping to reduce errors and improve the efficiency of medical research.
Advantages of Industrial Robots
Improve productivity and efficiency: Robots can work faster and more accurately than humans, helping to improve productivity and efficiency of production.
Reduce labor costs: Robots can help reduce labor costs by automating tasks that were previously performed by humans.
Enhanced accuracy and precision: Robots can perform tasks with greater precision than humans, helping to reduce errors and improve product quality. This can be especially important in industries that require high precision, such as automotive and electronics manufacturing.
Increase worker safety: Robots can help reduce the risk of accidents for workers by performing dangerous or difficult tasks.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks without fatigue: Robots do not get tired, allowing them to perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time without needing to rest. This can help reduce errors and improve product quality.
Challenges and Limitations of Industrial Robots
Initial setup and programming: Setting up and programming industrial robots can be expensive and time-consuming. This is because robots are often designed to perform specific tasks, and need to be programmed in a way that is appropriate for that task.
Implementation and maintenance costs: The implementation and maintenance costs of industrial robots are also a challenge. Robots can be expensive to purchase and operate, and require regular maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Interaction with human workers: Industrial robots need to interact with human workers safely and effectively. This can be complicated in production environments where many people and objects are moving.
Security concerns and job mobility: Industrial robots can be used to automate tasks currently performed by humans. This could lead to concerns about job security and the possibility of replacing humans with machines.
Limited adaptability to changing tasks: Industrial robots are often designed to perform specific tasks. When tasks change, robots may need to be reprogrammed or even replaced with new robots.
Trends and future developments of Industrial Robots
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Collaborative robots (Cobots) are industrial robots designed to work safely and effectively with humans. Cobots can be used to perform repetitive, dangerous or difficult tasks, helping to reduce the workload on workers and improve safety in manufacturing environments.
Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly being integrated into industrial robots. This allows robots to become smarter and capable of performing more complex tasks.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is also having a significant impact on the development of industrial robots. IoT allows robots to connect with other devices and systems in the factory, creating smart networks that can automate and optimize production processes.
Increased automation and autonomous decision making
Automation and autonomous decision-making are becoming an increasingly popular trend in manufacturing. Robots can be used to fully automate manufacturing tasks, as well as to make decisions based on data and information. This can help businesses improve production efficiency and productivity.
Conclude
Industrial robots are machines programmed to perform automated tasks in industrial environments. They are increasingly widely used in many different industries, bringing many benefits to businesses.
Industrial robots are becoming increasingly more complex and intelligent. The trends and developments expected to shape the future of industrial robotics could have a significant impact on manufacturing and other industries.
