Linear robots are automated machines that move in straight lines rather than rotating joints.
They use a system of belts, pulleys, and actuators to maneuver a robotic arm or end-effector in a straight path. Some models also use ball screws, racks, and pinions to allow movement.
Linear robots may sound simple, but they’re deceivingly complex.
Here are their main components:
Their single degree of freedom means they can only move forward and backward, not side to side.
Here’s how they operate:
Linear robots are very common in manufacturing and assembly. Here, we’ll explore some areas where they’re outshining their human peers:
On assembly lines, linear robots pick up components and place them quickly and accurately onto products as they move down the line.
Things like installing computer chips onto circuit boards, placing caps on bottles, or attaching labels onto packages are all jobs linear robots are great at.
The packaging industry relies heavily on linear robots.
They pick up items from a conveyor belt and place them into boxes, trays, or pallets at very high speeds. Once filled, the robots can then move the packages onto another conveyor for shipping.
Linear robots can be fitted with cameras, sensors, and other inspection equipment to check products for quality as they move through the production process.
The robots move along a path, scanning items to detect any flaws. They can then remove or flag any non-conforming products. Inspection helps ensure only top-shelf goods make it out to customers.
Linear robots offer several benefits over other types of industrial robots:
Great? Yes. Perfect? No. Linear robots, like any other type, have limitations.
Linear robots are:
Robotic arms have joints that allow movement in multiple directions — kind of like a human arm.
Linear robots, on the other hand (pun intended) are a bit more limited.
If you've seen a manufacturing assembly line, you've probably seen linear robots in action. For companies focused on mass production, linear robots are ideal.
In contrast, articulated robotic arms offer more skill and range of motion. They can perform tasks that require movement in multiple directions or orientations. Robotic arms are well suited for smaller-batch production, where frequent changeovers are the norm.
But, for many companies, a combination of linear robots and robotic arms provides the most benefit.
Linear robots dominate the highly repetitive conveyance tasks. Meanwhile, robotic arms handle more intricate assembly jobs downstream.
Together, this automated workforce can be more than the sum of its parts.
A linear robot may not be the fanciest machine out there, but it gets the job done. Keep its advantages and limitations in mind when considering a linear robot for your shop floor.
Remember, if you need a bit of an upgrade, then a robotic arm with more axes of motion may be in order!
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