How Industrial Robots Automate Factory Production

Industrial robots are much different in form than the standard perception of a robot. The average person's conception of a robot is a human-like machine that most people believe is made to simulate tasks that humans normally perform. In a sense this perception has some merit.

Industrial robots require a high-level language that programs the units to do things in a certain order that can depend on varied conditions. Industrial applications dictate the type of robot and additional equipment that is needed for what is being produced. This article will examine the popular robotic units used in industry.

What is an Industrial robot?

Industrial robots are designed to perform repetitive tasks and have very little resemblance to the human form. The three main types are the 3-axis multi-manipulator robot, the Cartesian robot, and the SCARA robot. There is usually other equipment involved in the industrial process that is interfaced to the robot.

PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are programmed separately and control additional processes such as conveyor systems, loading and unloading of parts, or an infinite of other possibilities.Relay logic, cameras, lasers, safety switches, alarms, and other controls are usually involved and interfaced into the complete system.

3-axis multi manipulators

The 3-axis manipulator is a common, off the shelf, unit that is widely used in industrial production. The arm is fitted with different pick-up mechanisms, called effectors, that depends on what materials will be manipulated and handled. The 3-axis manipulator robot arm can be controlled in most any three dimension space and is mainly limited by safety considerations.

Cartesian robots

Cartesian robots are also quite common. Cartesian robots work just like the name implies by having moving capability over the Cartesian plane with an x-y-z axis. Cartesian robots are cheaper but more limited than the 3-axis multi-manipulator type. If the process calls for less complex movement then this type of robot may be the more economical choice.

SCARA robots

Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm, or SCARA, robots are very common and have three joints located in a horizontal plane. It provides x-y movement and a z-movement for pickup. Similar to the Cartesian robot but with less linear movement across the plane, using a more circular path.

Industrial robot manufactures

Each manufacturer of robotic equipment have their own, proprietary, industrial robot language (IRL) that controls their units. There is, however, enough similarities that by learning one language the others become easier to understand. Robots found in industrial environments are FANUC Robotics, Fuji Yusoki Robotics, Adept Technology, and dozens of others.

Conclusion

The automation of an industrial process using robotic manipulation requires understanding of many technologies. The process depends on the choice of the best robot option, ability to program the robot, knowledge of PLC programming plus the electronic and electrical expertise to put it all together into a working application.

Usually a team of specialized experts do the design, assembly and installation of the industrial process. The team also provides documentation and maintenance training to the facility technicians where it is installed.

Robots in industrial environments can be very dangerous. There have been many reported injuries and deaths to people when working around the robots while in operation. Industrial robots are usually placed inside clear plastic cages with safety switches that disable the process when an access door is opened. It is important for these safety switches to remain functional and for personnel to stay clear when the process is in operation.

Sources: personal/professional experience