Robotics technology is increasingly important to automated manufacturing processes.
Robotics technology is increasingly important to automated manufacturing processes. Robots are also quickly finding their place in commercial and consumer markets. These robots are quite different from pop culture projections or even more serious predictions from earlier decades. Today, robots are simply defined as autonomous machines that can operate in the physical world.
To be considered a robot, a machine must be able to perform these three functions:
1. Sense its environment
2. Make decisions through computations
3. Perform actions as a result of the environmental input and decisions
Robots are the primary actors between robot cells and robot systems.
Types of Industrial Robotic Systems
Industrial robotic systems span a broad range of highly specific types meant to handle different complex tasks. The methods in which they move play an important part in how successfully they can perform those tasks. Some of the most common industrial robotic systems include:
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Delta robots operate in a dome and have three arms. Their arms are built from jointed parallelograms that allow for complex, precise, and delicate movement. The robot operates End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) unit at the end of each arm.
- Pick-and-pack
- Packagin
- Surgery
- Precision electronics assembly
- 3D printing
Delta robots operate in a dome and have three arms. Their arms are built from jointed parallelograms that allow for complex, precise, and delicate movement. The robot operates End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) unit at the end of each arm.
Delta robots operate in a dome and have three arms. Their arms are built from jointed parallelograms that allow for complex, precise, and delicate movement. The robot operates End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) unit at the end of each arm.
Delta robots operate in a dome and have three arms. Their arms are built from jointed parallelograms that allow for complex, precise, and delicate movement. The robot operates End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) unit at the end of each arm.
Robotic System Use and Integration
Performing dangerous tasks
Industrial robotic systems span a broad range of highly specific types meant to handle different complex tasks. The methods in which they move play an important part in how successfully they can perform those tasks. Some of the most common industrial robotic systems include:
Transportation of materials around the production facility
Robots can carry heavy and bulky materials safely. With beacons or dynamic coding, robots can learn to move materials to a variety of destinations based on varying environmental inputs or the specific material being moved.
These capabilities give robotics a greater role in industrial facilities. They can reduce the risk of human injury and speed up production. With automated functionality and the ability to operate in the physical world, many production centers with robot systems can continually operate with increased production rates and fewer human errors.
Robots can carry heavy and bulky materials safely. With beacons or dynamic coding, robots can learn to move materials to a variety of destinations based on varying environmental inputs or the specific material being mustrial
Robotic Systems Inroads into Manufacturing Industry
While robots exist for variety of consumer-focused applications, the majority of robots are used for industrial and manufacturing purposes. At least 59% of global manufacturers use some sort of robots, robot cells, or robotic systems to handle manufacturing tasks during production. There are two key reasons for their increasing popularity in manufacturing applications:
- Increased output. Robots are precise. Even when they can't operate faster or as comprehensively as humans, they don’t get tired, make fewer errors, and can be kept active 24/7 when required.
- Increased onshore manufacturing. The rise of offshore manufacturing was due to the availability of cheaper labor. The American manufacturing sector is also experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. Robots reduce the demand for manual/human labor, allowing manufacturers to keep facilities in the United States. This also reduces lead times and reduces other operational costs such as transportation.
MORE Considerations to keep in mind include:
Automation
Can the process can be fully automated, or should it remain in the control of a human operator? Rather than selling you equipment you don’t need, seek an integrator that will honestly evaluate your processes.
Versatility
Are the physical parts involved in the task all the same size or do they require more dynamic handling joints? Will the products require multiple arms for simultaneous assembly or READ
Location
How far away is the integrator? You’ll want an integrator that’s conveniently located so they can respond quickly to requests for modifications, inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
Capabilities
Can the integrator handle the project? Check out their past successes and visit their shop to ensure they possess the necessary equipment and skills for your robotic integration.
Choosing a Robotic Integrator: Considerations
Robotic integrators make manufacturing facilities more productive and safer, but it’s important to choose the right type of robotic system based on your facility’s unique needs, the tasks the robot will handle, and the environment the robot will work in. Considerations to keep in mind include:
- Automation: Can the process can be fully automated, or should it remain in the control of a human operator? Rather than selling you equipment you don’t need, seek an integrator that will honestly evaluate your processes.
- Versatility: Are the physical parts involved in the task all the same size or do they require more dynamic handling joints? Will the products require multiple arms for simultaneous assembly or should they be assembled one at a time? Ensure that your integrator has a wide product range to meet all the needs of your operation.
- Location. How far away is the integrator? You’ll want an integrator that’s conveniently located so they can respond quickly to requests for modifications, inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
- Capabilities. Can the integrator handle the project? Check out their past successes and visit their shop to ensure they possess the necessary equipment and skills for your robotic integration.
Contact Intec Automation Today to Receive a Quote
Intec Automation is here to provide robotic integration for your industrial operation. Our services include full end-to-end project management encompassing concept and design, the robotic build and programming, and continued service and support after installation.
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