What are the main components of a robot? A quick guide

What are the main components of a robot?

Robots are incredibly complex machines with lots of moving parts. At their core, they're made up of several key components that allow them to function and carry out tasks. 

Let's break those down:

• Mechanical structures: The physical body and frame provide structure and support and determine the robot's shape, size, and mobility. The frame must be durable yet lightweight enough to allow smooth movements.
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• Control system: You’ve heard the comparisons between control systems and robot “brains.” Well, we’re going to do that again because the comparison is apt; the control system is where you’ll run the program, and it’s a powerful PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).
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• Power supply: None of this would run without a bit of juice, right? Robots typically rely on electrical power units, but some systems incorporate hydraulic or pneumatic power sources depending on the specific industrial application.
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• Software: Software dictates a robot’s behavior, running on the PLC. In recent years, AI advancements have made robotics more accessible, allowing even non-experts to program and interact with robots using intuitive, low-code interfaces. These developments have been key in making robots more adaptive and user-friendly across different applications​.

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Mechanical structures 

Let’s go into a bit more detail regarding the mechanical structures, as they’re pretty important: 

• Links and joints: Robots need articulated arms and parts that can bend, rotate, and move. Joints connect the different rigid links, allowing free motion in certain planes. The configuration of links and joints impacts the robot's degrees of freedom and range of motion.
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• Actuators and motors: Electric motors, hydraulics, or pneumatics create the forces to control the positioning of links and joints. Stronger actuators can be compared to stronger muscles, and they enable faster, more powerful actions.
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• End effectors: These tools and attachments are the business end of a robot arm, allowing it to interact with objects and perform work. Common end effectors include grippers, welding tools, painting tools, and more specialized equipment.

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Control system

Now it’s time to get to the heart of the matter, and at the core of every robot lies a sophisticated control system responsible for coordinating all its movements and functions. 

Let's go into more detail: 

• Powerful brain: The central processing unit (CPU) is the central hub, processing instructions and coordinating its actions. This computer calculates trajectories, monitors sensors, and relays commands to the various components. In industrial robotics, the CPU is typically referred to as a controller or PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) rather than simply a CPU.
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• Precise controllers: Controllers and drives translate the CPU's digital signals into physical motions by regulating the flow of power to the robot's motors and actuators. They ensure that the robot moves precisely, coordinated, and efficiently. 
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• Senses on alert: Sensors and feedback systems provide the robot with awareness of its surroundings and its position and movements. From vision systems to force sensors, these inputs allow the control system to make real-time adjustments for optimal operation.

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Power supply

While not all industrial robots are major power hogs, most require a sturdy power supply to keep operating at full capacity. Without adequate power, these systems would grind to a halt, disrupting production lines — and costing you significant amounts of money.

These are the parts that make up these power supplies: 

• Electrical power units: These serve as the backbone of an industrial robot's power supply. These units convert the incoming electrical current from the main power source into the appropriate voltage and current levels required by the robot's various components, such as motors, sensors, and control systems.
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• Backup power sources: We’re talking about generators or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which are essential for mission-critical applications or environments where power outages can have severe consequences.
  
  These redundant systems help ensure that the robot can continue operating or safely shut down in the event of a main power failure, minimizing disruptions and protecting valuable equipment and data.

Software and programming

Software plays a pivotal role in the functionality of modern industrial robots. While the complex CPU (or PLC) can be thought of as the brain, it’s the software that acts as the robot’s mind and soul. Without solidly built software systems, robots would be little more than heavy mechanical paperweights. 

Let’s explore this further: 

• Versatile operating systems lie at the core: They provide the foundation for integration and communication between a robot’s hardware components, though these systems are often customized or proprietary depending on the application. These OS platforms provide a stable foundation for developing and deploying robotic applications.
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• Programming languages drive the robot’s behavior: From low-level languages for precise control to high-level ones for rapid prototyping, a diverse array of options empowers developers to create sophisticated robotic programs tailored to specific industrial needs.
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• User interfaces for total control: These bridge the gap between human operators and robotic systems. Well-designed UIs allow for intuitive programming, monitoring, and control of robots, optimizing operations and enhancing productivity on the factory floor. Thoughtful interface design is crucial for harnessing the full potential of these advanced machines.

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Summing up

Now, you don’t have to stand there dumbfounded when someone yells out, “What are the main components of a robot?” 

While it may seem that you’d need a PhD to get a handle on the basics, it’s a bit simpler than it looks. Understanding the roles and functions of each component can help you understand these bots better — and understand whether they’re right for your business. 

With the right knowledge and approach, you can harness industrial robotics' full potential and scale your operations to new heights. 

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Next steps 

Ready to take your business to the next level of efficiency and productivity? RO1 by Standard Bots, the powerful six-axis collaborative robot arm, is the answer. 

• Bang for your buck: RO1 delivers top-tier performance at half the cost of comparable robotic arms, making automation accessible to any business.
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• Power up your output: With its impressive 18 kg payload capacity and best-in-class speed and precision, RO1 will significantly increase your production capabilities.
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• Simplify automation: RO1's intuitive no-code interface and AI-powered capabilities, comparable to GPT-4, make programming and deployment simpler than ever, even for those without technical expertise.
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• Prioritize safety: Rest easy knowing your team is protected with RO1's built-in safety features, including sensors, machine vision, and collision detection.

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Experience the RO1 difference firsthand with a risk-free 30-day trial. Contact our team today and discover how RO1 can transform your operations.