What is a robot conveyor?

What is a robot conveyor?

You've probably seen automated conveyor systems moving products along an assembly line or packages through a distribution center. But you may still be a little in the dark about how these systems differ from traditional conveyors. 

Let’s take a closer look: 

• Super-smart automatons: Robot conveyors are essentially robotic arms integrated with conveyor belts, allowing for automated movements like loading, unloading, sorting, and positioning. Combining the flexibility of robotic motion with the material handling capabilities of conveyors opens up higher levels of automation.
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• Higher throughput: Traditional conveyors are linear — they simply shuffle products from point A to B. Robot conveyors enable multiple robotic arms to simultaneously access products at any point, increasing throughput and efficiency. They can also divert items to different conveyor lines as needed.
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• Major adaptability: Unlike fixed conveyors designed for uniform products, robotic conveyors can dynamically adjust to handle products of different sizes, shapes, and weights. The robotic arms use sensors and vision systems to detect and adapt to each item.

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Components of robot conveyor systems

Let's break down the major components of these systems:

• Conveyor belts are the backbone. These looped belts, made of rubber or plastic, continuously circulate to transport items. Different belt materials and surfaces allow them to handle various products.
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• Motors (get things moving). Powerful motors, often electric or hydraulic, provide the force to rotate pulleys or rollers that propel the conveyor belt. The motor size determines speed and load capacity.
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• Rollers reduce the friction. A series of cylindrical rollers underneath supports the weight and facilitates smooth belt movement. Roller coatings like plastic or steel affect friction levels.
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• Robotic arms are the hand-lenders. Some conveyor systems incorporate robotic arms for picking, placing, sorting, and other complex tasks that require precision and adaptability. These arms can be programmed for specific movements and can even be equipped with vision systems to identify and handle different objects.

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Some extra components:

• Sensors improve conveyor functions. Photoelectric, laser, or ultrasonic sensors detect objects on the belt to control speed, stop movement, or trigger other actions.
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• Safety mechanisms prevent hazards. Emergency stop cables, warning lights, and physical guarding protect workers from hazards like pinch points or falling items. 
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• Transfer units move items between conveyors. Powered rollers, pushers, or robots transfer items at junctions where belts intersect or change direction.
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• Sortation systems route with precision. Scanners identify items and divert individual units or cases to designated accumulation or shipping areas.

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Robot conveyor belt types

Wondering what robot conveyor belt types are out there? 

Then wonder no more: 

• Belt conveyors: These conveyors use a continuous belt to move items horizontally or at an incline. They efficiently transport a wide range of materials, from small parts to large packages, over varying distances. They’re a very popular choice.
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• Roller conveyors: Roller conveyors consist of a series of rollers that support and move items. They often transport pallets, boxes, and containers. Gravity feeds some roller conveyors, allowing items to move freely downhill, while others use power for more controlled movement.
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• Chain conveyors: A chain propels items along a track in chain conveyors. Their robustness and ability to handle heavy loads make them a good choice for industrial applications where durability is essential. You can configure chain conveyors in various layouts, including straight, curved, and inclined paths.
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• Modular conveyors: These highly customizable conveyors are tailored to specific applications. Standardized modules assemble and reconfigure easily, offering flexibility in adapting to changing production needs. 

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Some examples are: 

• Overhead monorail systems: These are akin to personal transit for your products. Powered carts glide smoothly along an elevated track, transporting items from one workstation to the next with elegant precision.
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• Robotic gantry systems: These systems are typically bigger, straddling your assembly line and skillfully picking and placing items, among other jobs. They operate on rails. 

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How do robot conveyors work?

Now, it’s time to take a look under the hood: 

• Modular design allows flexibility. Robot conveyors are made up of standardized sections that can be rearranged and combined in different configurations. This allows them to adapt to changing needs and layouts.
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• Integrated controls. Each conveyor section has its own controls and sensors that communicate with a central system. This choreographs the synchronized movement of products along the line.
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• Multiple propulsion methods. Some conveyors use motor-driven belts or rollers, while others use air cylinders, magnetic forces, or vibration to transport items precisely where needed.

Applications of robot conveyors

You're probably well aware of how ubiquitous conveyors are in factories and warehouses. However, the sheer versatility of robotic conveyors across many industries is often overlooked.

Let’s rectify that: 

• Optimizing manufacturing processes: Robotic conveyors form the arteries of highly automated production lines, efficiently transporting components between workstations for assembly, processing, inspection, and more. Their flexibility allows easy line reconfigurations as needed.
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• Opening up high-volume packaging lines: With their speed and precision handling, robot conveyors are perfect for rapidly feeding containers, bottles, boxes, and more into automated packaging systems. The result? Better output, fewer stoppages. 
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• Improving logistics and distribution: In modern fulfillment centers, robotic conveyors can route, sort, and transport a mind-boggling array of parcels, totes, and pallets between receiving, storage, picking, and shipping areas.
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• Automating food production lines: Robot conveyors move at the right speeds to efficiently transfer ingredients, product trays, and packaging through food processing equipment without disruption. They open up high output while meeting strict sanitation requirements with easily cleanable surfaces.
  
  Conveyors can also gently transport delicate or loosely packed food products at precise intervals. 

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Summing up

Robot conveyors are changing manufacturing and logistics by automating what used to be merely human labor.

And really, it’s no wonder companies are turning to them more and more. 

As the tech keeps advancing, we’ll likely see robot conveyors spreading into new industries and even more exciting applications. 

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Next steps

Ready to bring automation to your shop floor? Look no further than RO1 by Standard Bots, the premier choice for businesses of all sizes, from ambitious startups to industry titans.

• Affordable automation: RO1 sets the standard for value in its class, delivering top-notch performance at half the price of comparable models.
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• Unrivaled speed and strength: RO1 outperforms its competitors in speed and precision, with an unmatched 18 kg payload capacity for its category.
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• Brains to match the brawn: RO1 delivers high-end adaptability with AI to match GPT-4, all within an intuitive no-code framework. No programming knowledge is necessary.
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• True collaboration: RO1's built-in safety features, including sensors and collision detection, ensure seamless and secure collaboration with your team on the factory floor.

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Connect with our solutions team to schedule a complimentary 30-day on-site trial and receive personalized advice on integrating RO1 into your operations.