What can Industrial robots actually do today?

What are robot arms?

Robot arms, not to be confused with the limbs of a humanoid robot and often simply called "robots", are mechanical devices designed to perform tasks much like a human arm. They've become an important tool in many industries, from manufacturing to space exploration. But what makes them tick?

Three core components

1. Brain: At the heart of every robot arm is its "brain", which is powered by a computer program. This is where artificial intelligence and machine learning come into play. These technologies, which are rooted in data science, help the arm to process information and make decisions, much like the human brain.
2. Mechanical parts: These are the physical components that move and interact with the environment. Think of them as the muscles and bones of the robot.
3. Sensors: They act like the robot's senses, feeding data to the brain. This ensures that the robot operates without human intervention, adjusting its actions based on real-time feedback.

Types of robots

• Cartesian: Operates in straight lines along axes.
• Cylindrical: Moves in a cylindrical shape.
• SCARA: Ideal for pick-and-place tasks.
• 6-Axis: Offers a wide range of motion, mimicking human-like movements.
• Delta: Known for its speed, often used in food packaging.

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What can robot arms do?

Robotic technology has a lot to offer and this becomes very apparent once you see what robot arms can do. They're not just designed to mimic human behavior, they're made to set new standards in terms of precision and accuracy by making the most out of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Let's explore the tasks that they're changing:

Machine Tending

When it comes to manufacturing, Machine Tending (especially in CNC mill operations and Injection Molding machine unloading) stands out as a great example of how robotic technology is reshaping industries. Usually, human workers load and unload materials or parts into machines, often in repetitive and boring cycles. This was until robotic arms were introduced.

With their precision and consistency, robotic arms have taken over the operations of CNC mill tending and unloading. Although, there is a lot to consider when implementing an Injection Molding robot.

Not only do they perform machine tending efficiently, but they also do so without humans watching over them. This ensures that machines are fed and tended to around the clock. This integration can increase productivity and reduce the chance of errors.

Welding

Many manufacturing processes involve welding, especially techniques like spot and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. It's, therefore, no surprise that many companies have incorporated robotic arms to handle this task.

Spot welding involves joining metal surfaces using heat from electrical resistance, while TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to weld. Given the precision required for these methods, robotic arms provide the perfect solution to get the job done.

The art of joining metals has been around for ages, but Welding robots have brought a new level of precision and consistency to the table. These robots can replicate and better human actions in welding.

Plus, robots can work in environments that may be hazardous for humans, while ensuring welds are perfect every time. As skilled welders become scarce, robotic arms are proving invaluable in filling the gap.

Assembly

The assembly line is no longer dominated by manual human labor, as Assembling robots are transforming lines. Robot arms can skillfully piece together intricate components with great precision. Their ability to replicate body movement, combined with the fact that they can work tirelessly, ensures products are assembled faster and with fewer errors.

Whether it's placing tiny screws in electronics or fitting parts in automotive manufacturing, these robots bring consistency and speed to the process, completely changing how products come to life.

Painting

Robot arms can make pretty light work of painting, especially in industrial settings. Painting is another task that requires the utmost accuracy, particularly in the automotive sector. Luckily, Painting robots can provide the accuracy needed. They can apply even coats, reduce wastage, and access hard-to-reach areas with ease.

Also, they practically eliminate human exposure to potentially harmful fumes and chemicals. Robot arms can ensure a flawless finish every time, making them a great asset in industries where appearance and protective coatings matter.

Sanding/Polishing/Grinding/Deburring

Finishing touches are everything in manufacturing. In industries where consistency is key, robot arms are quickly becoming preferable to humans. Sanding, often required to smooth surfaces, becomes very easy with a Sanding robot, which can adapt to different surface contours. Polishing robots ensure a consistent shine across products so that they look as good as possible.

A Grinding robot can make the process of grinding more consistent and safer. Additionally, deburring, the removal of rough edges or protrusions, can be conducted with a Deburring robot for careful attention to detail. These sorts of tasks greatly rely on you picking the right robot for prepping/finishing.

Inspection

You can't do without optimal quality assurance when it comes to manufacturing, and inspection plays an important role in this process. Inspection robots have proven to be great assets for enhancing inspection practices. With their advanced sensors and cameras, they can detect even the smallest defects or inconsistencies that might be missed by the human eye.

Whether it's checking the integrity of a weld, ensuring the right fit in assembly, or verifying the finish on a painted surface, these robots can provide a thorough and consistent review.

FAQs

Do Industrial robots make mistakes?

On occasion, robots do make mistakes. Although they're designed for precision, factors like wear and tear, software glitches, or external disturbances can lead to errors. But, with regular maintenance, proper programming, and the right environment, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a mistake occurring. Most robots are only as good as the human oversight and conditions they operate under.

Are Industrial robots difficult to program?

In the past, programming robots was a complex task. However, companies like Standard Bots offer no-code programming interfaces with their RO1 robot, making it user-friendly. Now, even if you're not a robotics expert, you can handle programming with relative ease.

Will Industrial robots completely replace humans?

This will be highly subjective but it's unlikely that robots will completely replace humans in all industrial processes. They're tools designed to work alongside humans, enhancing productivity. While they handle repetitive tasks, humans can focus on other things that require more skill or critical thinking. Robots simply fill gaps, especially in sectors facing labor shortages, but human touch and expertise remain irreplaceable.

What are the advantages of using Industrial robots?

From boosting efficiency on assembly lines to aiding physical therapy and easing space exploration on the International Space Station, the advantages of Industrial robots are vast. They streamline operations, handle repetitive tasks, and operate in hazardous environments, keeping human workers safe. They're also a solution to labor shortages, ensuring operations can run without interruption.

Plus, with companies like Standard Bots offering affordable options, even smaller businesses can harness the power of robotics.

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Final thoughts

There was a stage when the idea of robots in technology was confined to the pages of science fiction, but now they're tangible realities in our industries. These machines, inspired by the capabilities of the human body and driven by in-depth computer programs, are bridging the gap between human potential and technological advancement.

As we've explored, the future of robotics is not just about replacing human tasks but enhancing them, making the once-impossible now achievable.