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Think of an industrial robot as a highly skilled worker in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
It's an advanced machine equipped with sensors, controllers, and actuators. These components are mounted on a flexible frame with joints and links that form a robotic arm.
These robots are programmable, automated, and capable of movement with three or more axes — sometimes far exceeding the capabilities of humans.
An industrial robot's ability to be controlled and programmed for various continuous and repetitive tasks is impressive.
By following a program, they minimize and sometimes eliminate the need for human intervention.
This leads to:
It's worth mentioning that traditional industrial robots differ from other kinds of robots, called collaborative robots or 'cobots.'
Unlike traditional industrial robots, collaborative robots work with human workers to solve tasks that can't be fully automated.
Simply put, industrial robotics uses specialized robots in manufacturing and other industrial settings.
Industrial robotics involves automating jobs using robot arms, industrial robots, and computer simulations.
In the past, these robots were mainly used for material handling and specialized tasks like welding or painting.
But now, thanks to better technology — especially in machine vision and cloud-based computing — industrial robots have become more versatile.
Today, these robots are used for various jobs, from working on car assembly lines to helping build medical devices.
Industrial robots can make huge waves at your company, not because they’re good at surfing or are particularly pretty-looking.
Here are some major advantages of using industrial robots:
Industrial robotics systems are designed to mimic human actions and are made of five key parts, namely:
The controller is essentially the robot's brain. A specialized computer communicates with the robot and tells it what to do. This is the link between the human operator and the robot.
The controller comprises hardware and software components for varying tasks, from motion control to data processing.
The robotic arm is a key part of any industrial robot system. It essentially mimics the movements of a human arm and consists of three main parts.
They are:
These parts feature joints and electric motors to control their movement, providing flexibility and precision.
Each joint provides the industrial robot with a specific degree of freedom.
Also known as end-of-arm tools, end effectors are the hands of robots.
End effectors come in various types, depending on the application. Some robots have multiple end effectors that can be swapped depending on the task at hand.
Two common end effectors are grippers and tooling.
Manufacturers can also create custom end effectors to meet specific needs. For example, in the automotive industry, robots use end effectors designed to handle parts like doors, seats, or engines during assembly.
The sensors are basically the robot's senses.
They provide vital information about the robot's surroundings, allowing it to make real-time decisions. Today, the most common types are vision systems and microphones, which act as the robot's eyes and ears.
The drive system powers the robot's movements — the force and motion needed to move the robot's parts.
There are three main types of drive systems: Hydraulic, electric, and pneumatic. The choice between these drive systems depends on the robot's specific needs and the tasks it's designed for.
Not all industrial robots are the same. They come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks, like specialists. Some are programmed for assembling, while others are programmed for welding, polishing, or other tasks.
These types are determined by the arrangement of their arms, which consist of links and joints. The number and configuration of these components define the type of robot.
Let's look at six of the most common types of industrial robots and their applications:
A Cartesian robot is a simple type of robot made up of three parts that can slide back and forth. It can move in straight lines in three directions, like the graph's X, Y, and Z directions.
This makes it good for tasks where you only need to move things in straight lines and at right angles.
Cartesian robots are commonly used for tasks like picking up items and putting them in place, which you often see in packaging and quality control. They’re also quite useful in automating cutting, 3D printing, and CNC operations.
As the most popular industrial robot in manufacturing, an articulated robot is the most versatile.
These robots typically feature rotary joints and 4 to 6 degrees of freedom, which allow them to move similarly to how a human arm would — and sometimes in even more complex patterns.
In more intricate configurations, articulated robots can have numerous rotary joints, sometimes even more than 10.
Given their versatility, articulated robots are great for various applications, including coating, welding, painting, and packaging.
Cylindrical robots move in a circular motion. Featuring one joint that can spin and two joints that can slide in and out, these robots can move up and down and slide side to side.
They work in a space shaped like a cylinder, like a long tube.
Their clever design lets them reach tight spots without slowing down or losing accuracy.
People often use them for simple jobs like grabbing things, turning them, and putting them down.
Short for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, a SCARA robot is like a flexible arm that can move side to side and up and down. These industrial robots are built with two parallel joints that let them flex in one direction.
SCARA robots are popular for their speed and precision, making them ideal for quick and accurate pick-and-place actions.
You'll often find them used for jobs that require engraving or material handling.
Delta robots are becoming popular in industrial automation thanks to their high efficiency and precision.
These robots have three arms connected to motors at their base, which allows them to move quickly and accurately in three directions, even when carrying heavy objects.
Delta robots are commonly used in pick and place operations and tasks at the end of a production line, which is especially important in industries like healthcare and food processing.
Polar robots, also known as spherical robots, have a unique structure that consists of two rotary joints and one combined joint.
They get their name because they can move within a sphere-shaped workspace. One key advantage of polar robots is their ability to move in a complete 360-degree range and handle large workspaces.
This type of industrial robot is used in several tasks, including assembly operations, tending to machine tools, welding, and painting.
Industrial robots have a long history of use, primarily in the automotive industry. Fast-forward to today, their benefits are becoming evident in various other industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, and aerospace exploration.
Some of the most widely adopted applications of industrial robots include:
Today, we find ourselves in the middle of a major industrial transformation.
New technology is making managing complicated machines and tasks easier and cheaper. And yes, one of the key drivers of this transformation is automation, which cuts down the need for humans to do menial, repetitive jobs.
This shift, called Industry 4.0, is driven by technologies such as AI, 5G, IoT, big data analytics, advanced automation, and smart sensors.
It would be a gross understatement to say that these innovations reshape various industries and processes, making tasks more efficient with fewer mistakes.
Human involvement in manual processes can lead to mistakes, sometimes as much as 10% of the time.
However, with automation, this margin of error can be reduced by several orders of magnitude. Robots are essential to meeting the increasing demand for high-quality products in an ever-competitive market.
Industrial robots are designed to complete tasks more efficiently than humans, delivering consistency and precision. Its application has many benefits, including enhancing productivity, reducing manufacturing costs, and maintaining consistent product quality while ensuring a safer work environment.
A general guideline for determining if a task is suitable for an industrial robot is known as the "Three D's" rule: Any dirty, dull, or dangerous task is ideal for automation using robots.
The big three are articulated robots (think human-like arms with multiple joints), SCARA robots (perfect for pick-and-place tasks), and Cartesian robots (known for their linear movements).
Industrial robots can’t do it all, but they’re getting there. They excel at repetitive, dangerous, or labor-intensive tasks. They're masters of welding, painting, assembly, material handling, packaging, and inspection.
Thanks to its versatility and flexibility, the articulated robot is like the jack-of-all-trades of the robot world, capable of tackling various tasks across different industries.
Everywhere! You'll find them in automotive factories, electronics assembly lines, food processing plants, pharmaceutical labs, metal fabrication shops, and hospitals. They're becoming integral to modern industry, boosting efficiency and productivity.
The modern industrial robot has become an indispensable tool across various industries. From efficient assembly to precision welding, machining, packing, and more, their use in industrial automation applications is already heralding a new era of innovation in manufacturing.
Are you looking to bring your shop floor into the 21st century with a cobot? Enter RO1 from Standard Bots — the optimal choice for burgeoning startups and established industrial giants.
Get in touch with our solutions team today to initiate a complimentary, 30-day onsite trial and receive tailored guidance for a seamless RO1 deployment!