Industrial robots tackle high-precision, repetitive tasks like welding, assembly, and material handling. They operate in factories, fabrication shops, and other workplace settings.
The goal? Nonstop productivity, better accuracy, and the ability to tackle challenging jobs that could otherwise lead to burnout or injuries for human workers.
Read on to learn more about:
- Types of industrial robots
- Key functions
- Benefits
- Use cases
- Cost considerations
- Implementation tips
Types of industrial robots
Every type of industrial robot brings something unique to the table.
Let’s break it down:
- Articulated robots: Think of these as the flexible “arms” of robotics. With multiple joints that mimic human arms, they’re perfectly adapted for assembly, welding, and material handling.
Articulated robots can reach into tight spaces and handle complex stuff with impressive accuracy levels — imagine these in action in car manufacturing or any industry where precision is a total must-have.
- SCARA robots: SCARA (Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) robots handle quick, precise side-to-side moves.
They’re fast and compact, making them perfect for electronics assembly and pick-and-place. SCARA robots keep things moving, shaving seconds off each step and delivering the kind of speed and accuracy that keeps production going, and going, and going.
- Cartesian robots: Basic but reliable, these robots move along three linear axes (X, Y, and Z), which makes them ideal for jobs that need straightforward, back-and-forth motion.
You’ll see them in applications like CNC machining and packaging, where they can move materials or products in clean, direct lines without fuss. Cartesian robots aren’t the fanciest on the block, but they’re efficient and versatile.
- Delta robots: With a penchant for speed and accuracy, delta robots are common in packaging and sorting tasks.
With a cool spider-like design that makes them fast and agile, delta robots can handle lightweight jobs at eyebrow-raising speeds — think high-paced food packaging or sorting items in a warehouse where every second means the difference between meeting productivity quotas or not.
- Collaborative robots (cobots): Cobots are “people-friendly” robots designed to work hand-in-hand with humans.
Unlike other industrial robots that may need safety cages, cobots have built-in sensors to detect when a human is nearby, making them perfect for repetitive or physically taxing jobs that would wear out even the most dedicated worker – think mobile industrial robots, for instance. Cobots help maintain productivity without short-changing you on safety.
Key functions of industrial robots
So, what do industrial robots actually do on the floor?
Let’s dive into their day-to-day (or 24/7) flow:
- Material handling: Industrial robots are great at moving goods from one place to another without needing a break. Whether it’s a mobile industrial robot delivering parts across a facility or a stationary robot loading materials onto a machine, they keep production lines humming right along.
- Assembly and machine tending: In assembly lines, robots can piece together products, handle small components, or even tend to machines, such as loading materials and clearing finished products. This means (hopefully) fewer interruptions and a smoother day, letting humans apply their big brains to stuff that needs a bit more creativity.
- Welding, cutting, and painting: Robots handling these jobs offer unmatched precision and consistency. In industries like automotive, where every weld and coat of paint needs to be identical, robots are the go-to solution.
No more uneven welds or splotchy paint jobs — robots make sure each part is identical to the last.
- Quality control and inspection: Quality control is one of the areas where robots rock out like nobody’s business. With sensors and cameras, robots can inspect products for flaws or inconsistencies. In industries like electronics and auto, quality control robots spot issues faster and more accurately than even eagle-eyed human inspectors, helping reduce waste and catch bad stuff before it hits the customer.
Benefits of using industrial robots
Why are companies investing in industrial robots?
Here’s what they’re gaining:
- Always on, all day, every day: Robots don’t need breaks or sick days, meaning production can continue as long as they don’t need maintenance. This level of nonstop productivity can lead to significant increases in output without the need for additional shifts.
- Precision that doesn’t waver: Industrial robots can repeat exact movements with impressive accuracy, cutting down the risk of human error. With robots, you get consistent quality, which means happier customers and fewer returns or complaints.
- Safer workspaces: By taking on dangerous stuff like heavy lifting, toxic welding, or high-speed assembly, robots keep human workers out of harm’s way. Safety improves, and so does employee satisfaction since they’re no longer doing the “dirty work.”
Common use cases for industrial robots
Industrial robots aren’t just for giant corporations — they’re popping up across industries in big and small operations alike.
Let’s take a look at places where they’re making their mark:
- Automotive industry: Robots handle high-stakes fare like welding, painting, and assembly, ensuring that each vehicle is built to spec. In car manufacturing, robots work in harmony with human teams.
- Electronics manufacturing: With the detailed, minute work that’s necessary for electronics, robots make ideal partners for assembly and quality checks. They can handle tiny parts and fast-paced assembly with a precision that would be a tall order for a human to maintain.
- Food and drink processing: Delta robots shine here, taking care of packaging, sorting, and quality control for food items. They can handle high speeds, keeping up with the demands of fast-moving consumer goods without compromising accuracy.
- Metal fabrication: Industrial robots are perfect for things like cutting, welding, and moving heavy materials in metal working. Robots keep metal fabrication consistent and safe, especially for tasks that involve heat or heavy loads.
Cost considerations for industrial robots
Let’s talk dollars and cents.
Here’s what you need to know about the cost side of industrial robots:
- Money upfront: Robots are an investment, no doubt about it. However, with the savings from reduced labor costs and more efficiency, they often pay for themselves within a few years. Still, weigh the ups and downs because bots can cost anything from $3,000 to over $100,000.
- Operational costs: Maintenance, energy, and occasional repairs are part and parcel of owning industrial robots. However, some models like Standard Bots’ RO1 can make your entry into automation affordable, with options to lease robots at rates as low as $5 per hour. You can get into the automation game without having to sell your house, basically.
- Long-term savings: Robots can significantly cut down waste by minimizing errors and maintaining consistency, which means fewer flaws and much less need for rework. Over time, this adds up to big savings in material costs and a better bottom line.
How to implement industrial robots in your facility
Bringing robots into your facility takes a bit of planning.
Here’s how to get started:
- Identify jobs to automate: Look at your operations to find the repetitive, physically taxing, or safety-hazard jobs that robots would take on with gusto. Material handling, packaging, and assembly are usually prime candidates.
- Train your team: Robots don’t totally run themselves (not yet, anyway). Training your staff on setup, basic troubleshooting, and monitoring will keep your robot investment running smoothly. Invest in training to ensure your team is confident with their new robo-partners.
- Keep up with maintenance: Robots are reliable but need regular checkups to avoid downtime. Routine maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep production on track, making maintenance plans a major part of any robot integration.
Potential limitations of industrial robots
We love robots, and there’s plenty to love about them, but that doesn’t mean they have zero limitations.
Let’s take a look:
- Upfront costs: We’ve talked money before, and it begs to be repeated because bots are expensive. Still, entry-level models and leasing options can make it more manageable, but it’s still something to plan for.
- Less flexibility in some robots: Cobots offer versatility, but traditional industrial robots may not adapt as easily to new tasks. This could mean reprogramming and potential downtime when job requirements change.
- Maintenance demands: Robots need regular maintenance to stay operational. Maintenance schedules are crucial for facilities running robots non-stop to prevent unplanned halts in production.
Summing up
Industrial robots are bringing huge, noticeable benefits to shop floors worldwide, making production faster, safer, and more accurate.
If you add automated solutions to your lineup, you can power up productivity and keep workers focused on high-value, more rewarding jobs.
And with models at lower price points, even smaller businesses can start thinking about bringing robots into their operations — for the first time!
Next steps
Ready to add robots to your team? Standard Bots’ RO1 is the perfect six-axis cobot your business has been waiting for.
- Affordable and effective: Starting at only $5/hour, RO1 makes automation accessible for businesses of all sizes. And if you choose to buy, it’s only half the price of competing models.
- Performance meets precision: With an 18 kg payload and a repeatability rate of +/- 0.025 mm, RO1 is built to handle tough jobs with accuracy.
- Easy integration: RO1’s no-code setup means it’s easy for anyone on your team to operate, so you don’t need an expert to get started. Plus, its AI, on par with GPT-4, means it can quickly adapt to changing requirements and jobs.
- Safety built-in: With machine vision and collision detection, RO1 works safely alongside your team, reducing risks and keeping production smooth.
Get in touch with us today to set up a 30-day risk-free trial and see how RO1 can bring real value to your operation.
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