What types of activities are ideal for a robot to perform?

The introduction of robotics in industrial settings has revolutionized efficiency and safety. 1961 was a momentous year for the automotive industry. It was when the Unimate Robot was first used in General Motors's assembly lines in New Jersey, USA. This level of automation has changed the way we manufacture vehicles and many companies would be lost without it.

As robotic technology progresses and the industrial robot market grows, there are new possibilities for how we perform tasks. Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and advanced computing systems, these devices complete repetitive tasks with ease. They eliminate worker fatigue and speed up production lines.

Let's take a look at a few sectors where robots are becoming increasingly popular.

1. Loading and unloading machines (machine tending)

In machine tending operations, particularly for loading and unloading tasks, industrial robots have revolutionized efficiency and safety on the factory floor.

• Traditionally, these repetitive tasks were labor-intensive for human employees, often involving handling heavy and hazardous materials.
• By implementing robotic systems, processes are streamlined and the physical strain on human workers is drastically reduced, creating a safer working environment.
• The advancement in sensor technology has further enhanced robots' capabilities, as they are more able to detect and handle irregularly shaped objects.
• This adaptability makes them invaluable in workplaces where customization and flexibility are priorities.

CNC machine tending bots used in metal manufacturing fall into this category.

2. Pick-and-place

Robots used in pick-and-place operations mark a significant upgrade in the automation of industrial processes.

• These robots are equipped with advanced gripping and vision tools and excel in tasks that require meticulous and rapid movements.
• These robotic systems are crucial in industries like electronics, where components must be handled delicately and placed perfectly.
• The advanced vision systems enable robots to identify, sort, and handle objects of varying shapes, sizes, and textures with precision. Their adaptability and flexibility are highly valued.
• The speed at which these robots complete tasks far exceeds the capabilities of human workers, leading to increased productivity without worry about worker fatigue.
• The combination of speed and meticulousness in a controlled environment constitutes a safer workplace. By taking over repetitive tasks, these robots lower the risk of stress and injuries for human employees.

One example of a pick-and-place robot is the Cartesian robot (or Gantry robot), used for filling medication bottles.

3. Pallet stacking

Another labor-intensive task for human workers is the packing and stacking of pallets. The integration of robotics in these procedures has had a transformative impact on logistics and warehousing industries.

• Pallet stacking robots are designed to handle a variety of items. They optimize storage space, reducing storage and overhead costs.
• Palletizing robots can sort and wrap products, pack them into boxes, and stack boxes onto pallets.
• Often used in food and beverage and pharmaceutical companies, these robots ensure products are not damaged during handling. This leads to a reduction in waste and improves overall product quality.
• By automating these heavy-duty and repetitive tasks, the physical strain on humans is reduced, leading to fewer injuries.

Delta robots are Parallel robots with three robotic arms connected to universal joints at the base. They are valued for their speed and accuracy, particularly in handling lightweight and small components.

4. Painting

Robots used in painting facilities and factories represent a significant leap in manufacturing efficiency.

• These painting robots are fastidious and consistent, making them ideal for tasks that require uniform application.
• Robotic painting systems are designed to paint with phenomenal accuracy, minimize wastage, and create safer environments for humans - away from harmful fumes and toxins.
• These robots are programmed with sensors to apply paint in a controlled manner, enhancing product quality and reducing labor costs. They can paint complex designs easily.
• Apart from the operational benefits, these robotics can be integrated into smart factories, allowing real-time monitoring and reduced downtime.
• Once programmed, these bots can perform repetitive tasks for hours on end, allowing business owners to capitalize on productivity.

FANUC's P-350iA Painting Robot is ideally suited to the aerospace industry. It's designed to achieve maximum accuracy across a broad range of painting and dispensing applications.

5. Welding

Robotic welding systems used for arc, spot, and laser welding are critical aspects of manufacturing as they combine unparalleled accuracy, safety, and efficiency.

• These systems are used for automotive tasks needing heavy-duty machinery.
• These robotic systems are larger investments due to the machinery, jigs, and training that accompany them. However, if used efficiently, your return on investment (ROI) can be paid off within three years.
• They bring a level of consistency that is hard to achieve with manual welding and produce high-quality welds repeatedly.
• Utilizing such robots is ideal for repetitive tasks as they reduce the likelihood of defects. They boost productivity and profit margins and can also operate for long periods without fatigue.
• Welding is classed as a hazardous job and with the shortage of skilled workers in the US, robotic welding machines can help lighten the load.
• They maintain a high level of safety when in operation, sparing humans from exposure to heat, fumes, and injury. This shift ensures a safer workplace and aligns with occupational health and safety regulations.
• Furthermore, the adoption of Collaborative robots (Cobots) in this field has opened new avenues for human-robot relationships, as these devices are designed to work alongside humans in a shared space.

Hirebotics's Cobot Welder is an example of a specialized welding machine.

6. Polishing, sanding, deburring, grinding

Smoothing surfaces and removing rough edges can be easily done with the help of robotics, drastically reducing the workload for humans. Some robots can be programmed to work autonomously while others work alongside human workers (like Cobots).

• Polishing - removes minor imperfections and scratches from surfaces, often needed in automotive bodywork and other metal products. The initial investment in Polishing robots can be pricey, ranging from $30,000 to $500,000 or more for larger systems.
• Sanding - essential in prepping surfaces for painting and coating, often using rough materials to remove the top layer of a surface.
• Deburring - vital in manufacturing to prevent injury from sharp edges and ensure parts are fitting together correctly.
• Grinding - removes excess material or sharpens tools and blades.

Standard Bots' RO1, Six-Axis robotic arm can be used for sanding, polishing, deburring, and grinding. Japan-based FANUC and Germany-based KUKA also have robots to handle these tasks.

7. High-precision surgery

The technological advancements in healthcare robotics are phenomenal.

• The PUMA 560 of 1985 turned the tide in precision medicine, performing stereotaxic operations by inserting a needle into the brain for biopsies under controlled guidance.
• The 2000s saw the launch of the Da Vinci Surgical System, which took minimally invasive surgeries and patient recovery times to new heights.
• Notable advantages of Medical robots have since transcended to direct patient care, administrative assistance, companionship, and hospital logistic maintenance.
• Exoskeletons - or Rehabilitation robots - have pushed the medical boundaries. These wearable devices, like the HAL Robot Suit, assist patients with physical therapy and reduce the strain on healthcare personnel.

8. Search and rescue

Search and Rescue Service robots are highly specialized and perform dangerous tasks, such as navigating collapsed buildings and underwater settings.

• They are equipped with advanced sensors, navigation programs, and highly efficient central processing units (CPUs) to evaluate and assess environments that prove too risky for humans.
• Autonomous Mobile robots (AMRs) are ideal for these scenarios as they work independently.
• An Autonomous robot equipped with advanced decision-making AI programming can 'think for itself' and make real-time decisions.
• Autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) work similarly to AMRs but follow predetermined or preset tracks in terms of navigation.
• By deploying these service robots, the risk to human search teams is greatly reduced, preventing injury or harm in unstable or toxic conditions.

iRobot's original Kobra Robot is a remote-controlled bot used to explore rugged environments. Another branch of search and rescue bots is Endeavor Robotics's PackBots, used by the US military to scour dangerous territories and search for explosive devices.

9. Routine cleaning

Using service robots for cleaning has had a major impact on larger enterprises. High-traffic areas like shopping malls, hospitals, large warehouses, and factories have benefited from this kind of robotic assistance.

• These service bots usually operate autonomously and perform a range of cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, and disinfecting, with minimal human interaction.
• Most of these robots use sensors to map out their surroundings and avoid obstacles.
• Implementing robot cleaning systems has reduced human workload and their risk of exposure to harmful pathogens and bacteria.
• These self-driving vehicles are energy-efficient and easily programmed.

Xenox bots are examples of industrial disinfecting machines used in clinical settings, while iRobot's Roomba is a self-vacuuming domestic robot.

10. Assembly

Industrial robots are unmatched, completing tasks faster than their human counterparts across assembly lines.

• Their pace and consistency boost productivity, reduce downtime, and assist with the skilled worker crisis affecting many US-based industrial businesses.
• These highly specialized robotic systems minimize production errors and follow strict quality control protocols - contributing to less wastage and better profit margins.
• Assembly robots can be programmed and reprogrammed to fulfill a variety of complex tasks. They offer unprecedented flexibility and adaptability.

General Motors' Unimate Robot from the 1960s is an example of an assembly robot.

11. Quality control and inspection

As mentioned, robots with vision sensors and other advanced technologies have the ability to scan and inspect products throughout the manufacturing process.

• They can perform detailed inspections speedily, picking up the slightest imperfections and inconsistencies often missed by the naked eye.
• Quality control robotics are integrated into existing work systems easily, offering real-time analytics. This level of automation not only allows for quick corrections but reduces waste and boosts overall output and efficiency.
• Automated quality-controlled machines reduce the need for manual labor, lowering operational costs.

ArtiMinds's RPS Quality Robot is an example of such a robot.

Limitations of robots

Now that we have explored which tasks are ideally suited for robots, let's answer a few questions about their limitations. Robots excel at performing repetitive tasks, but can be limited when it comes to:

Handling complex tasks

Robots struggle with constant adaptability and unpredictable conditions. Complex tasks, like intricate hand-eye coordination or advanced problem-solving, are difficult for robots - especially when there are multiple steps involved.

Multi-robot collaboration

While robots can operate efficiently on their own, coordinating multiple robots to work together on a single project can be complicated. To achieve this level of automation, sophisticated programming and communication systems are needed.

Bespoke processes

Specialized processes that require frequent reprogramming are not something that most robots can handle. This programming and reprogramming sequence can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, making bespoke tasks difficult.

AI and machine learning complexities

Depending on the software systems, AI and machine learning can also restrict a robot's automatic ability to learn and adapt to new tasks. While advancements are being made, robotics technology is yet to reach a stage where robots can handle complex, non-repetitive tasks without human intervention.

‍

FAQs

Where are robots used?

Robotics are used across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, industrial, military, healthcare, transport, research, education, and aerospace.

How do robots function?

Robots need a combination of software (e.g. computer programming) and hardware (e.g. robotic arm) components to function. Electrical components, such as control systems, sensors, and actuators (similar to muscles in a human arm) work together to bring a robot to life.

‍

Final thoughts

As we've explored what types of activities robots can perform, it's clear that the scope of these mechanical marvels is vast and ever-expanding. Robots are more than just machines; they are pushing industrial boundaries by redefining efficiency and precision.

From Unimate's humble beginning in the '60s to Standard Bot's RO1 Six-Axis Cobot seen today, the field of robotics is full of promise. The RO1 is easy to operate with its no-code programming interface and is the simplest solution for your manufacturing needs.

Robotics' invaluable contribution to manufacturing, healthcare, and emergency services underscores a future where robotic assistance is no longer a 'nice to have' but a 'must have'. Robots of today are just the beginning and have the potential to transform our world and how we work in it.