Facts on Robots
Industrial robots do a fantastic job of making the production line more efficient. There hundreds of robot options available depending on your specific application needs. All of the parts of a robot are important, including the manipulator, EOAT, and controller.
Robots have come a long way since Unimate, the first industrial robot invented by George Charles Devol. Since then industrial robots have been defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as “automatically controlled, re-programmable, multipurpose manipulators programmable in 3 or more axes.” This article will look at some of the key facts about robots that are helpful for any current or future robot user to know.
Robot Types: There are 3 main types of robots:
Articulated Robots- These types of robots have rotary joints
SCARA- These robots are also known as Selective Compliant Assembly Robot Arm and contain parallel axis-joints
Gantry Robots- These robots have 3 principle axes of control and are linear
Robot Components: There are 3 core components that make up the anatomy of a robot, the manipulator, EOAT, and controller.
Manipulator- This is the long, jointed arm and wrist of the robot. It allows the robot to extend, turn, and reach to different degrees. The movements of the arm are determined by the axes of motion. Most industrial robots work with 3-6 axes.
End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) - This attachment to the robot wrist is what manipulates the specific parts robot applications are designed for. It is a vital part of the robot and may include welding torches, grippers, saws, and many more end devices.
Controller- The controller acts as the brains of the robot and provides its application support. It runs the intricate computations needed by the robot in order to manipulate its EOAT for particular applications. Hand held devices called teach pendants are used to program and store information for the controls.
Applications: Industrial robots were first designed to be used for applications such as material handling, spot welding, and spray painting. Due to the technological advances of the 21st century there are a variety of applications robots may be used for today. Some of the most popular ones include:
Welding- This is the most popular robot application to date. The most common types of welding applications include arc welding and spot welding.
Spray Painting- Since robots are consistent with high repeatability it makes them ideal for paint applications. Robots create uniform patterns while reducing costs with less wasted materials.
Assembly- Robots are perfect for assembling because they can easily perform monotonous and repetitive tasks with ease.
Palletizing and Material Handling- Many manufacturers have turned to robots for these processes because they are much cleaner than human workers. They do not bring in dust, dirt, or any other foreign substance, which is ideal for handling consumer products that must be kept clean.
Considerations: It is important to understand the criteria you are looking for when selecting a robot. Some important characteristics to take into consideration include: Cost, Robot Manufacturer, Robot Size, Application type, Robot type, Working environment, Robot Performance (accuracy, repeatability, etc.).
Contact Robots.com online or at 877-762-6881 for any additional questions, facts on robots, or quotes.
Related Articles
You might be also interested in:
- General Robotics Information
Rotating Workpieces with a Robotic Lathe
A robotic lathe can increase a companies productivity and money. Users of robotic lathes will experience an increase of 55% in productivity.
- General Robotics Information
How to avoid weld smut
Weld smut can decrease the quality of a weld. That is why it is important to avoid weld smut. There are a variety of ways to keep weld smut at bay on your production line.
- General Robotics Information
Table Top Robots Solve Floor Space Issues
To help save work space, you may want to consider a table top robot. Table top robots can perform a variety of application all the while providing a reduced footprint and weight.
- General Robotics Information
Gantry Robot Applications & Benefits
A gantry robot is hung overhead on a linear track that can move back and forth. Gantry robots are typically used for material handling applications but can also be integrated into welding production lines. Gantry robots are advantageous as they are closer to the part they are working on while also being able to work at different angles than a floor mount.
- General Robotics Information
How to Weld Stainless Steel
If your production line needs to weld stainless steel with industrial robots, there are a few methods to do so. Stainless steel is within a class of iron-base materials that have a certain resistance to rusting and corrosion to do the presence of chromium. Chromium helps produce a tough, impervious layer to help shield it from rust and corrosion.
- General Robotics Information
What Are Autonomous Industrial Robots? Guide to AMRs
Unlike traditional robots that require direct programming or constant oversight, autonomous robots are capable of making real-time decisions, navigating dynamic environments, and adapting to changing conditions. They can operate continuously without breaks, increasing productivity and efficiency in manufacturing and warehouse settings.
Let's talk!
Request your quick quote today.