Robots have been around for decades, but their use and complexity have increased drastically over the last few decades. Robots are helpful in various practical applications, from manufacturing to health care. These robots are necessary for assembly line processes, picking and packing, welding, triage, and surveillance. They have many benefits, including being highly reliable and accurate. Military forces even use robots for the same reasons as humans.
An Overview of the Robots Industry
China dominates the Robots industry, but new entrants are entering the market. Moreover, scientists are making new offerings in the collaborative robot market, including plug-and-play cell solutions. These products can be set up faster and at lower costs.
Cost of a complete robot installation
If you’re looking for a complete robot installation, you’ll need to determine how much the cost will be before deciding which type to buy. UR5 robots, for example, cost about 50-100k USD. However, industrial robots could be the right choice if you’re looking for fancier applications. A complete robot installation will need a sturdy pedestal and can handle several thousand pounds of weight.
Cost of a modular robot module
We can determine the cost of a modular robotic module by the number of modules needed. There are a few different modules, such as SEPs, and they share a standard connection interface. Modules can attach and change their polarization. There are few, or many modular robots, and these robots are promising in their versatility and cost. Modular robots come with many benefits, including low-cost production and robustness.
Cost of IoT and cloud systems
Cloud computing and IoT (Internet of Things) platforms have become critical components in robotics development. Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and IBM’s Bluemix cloud are among the most popular cloud robotics platforms. Big companies and small start-ups alike are pursuing innovations in this field. Cloud robotics is still in its infancy but will change how industries operate.
Manufacturing
A new wave of robotics replaces workers in production, distribution, and manufacturing. Machines that can pick up, store, and retrieve goods much faster than human workers are in use in companies like Apple.
The assembly line at Philips, a national grocery distributor, is being run by robots and may eventually replace humans. But, in the meantime, a robot will help make the car you’ve always wanted.
Transportation
Robots are now integral to the transportation industry, significantly impacting every sub-sector. For example, newer robotics systems can adjust operations to consume less energy. In addition, software robots analyze factory data and produce insights into ways to be more environmentally friendly.
As car emissions increase and regulations tighten, this technology will play a pivotal role in the transportation industry. In the coming years, robots will become the norm rather than the exception, and all transportation sub-sectors will depend on different types of robotics.
Home care
The world’s population is aging, with one billion people over 60 expected by 2030. With a predicted 6 million people over 60, one in six people will require the assistance of a nursing professional.
Japanese government subsidies have made it easier for people to use robots. These machines can help lift patients and soothe dementia patients. While we are years away from implementing this technology, it is changing the face of health care.
Future of robotics
Today, we live in a world where robots are advancing rapidly. Robots can assist with physical therapy and surgery, deliver vital supplies, and even mow the lawn. And we have home-based robotic assistants, like Alexa and robot vacuum cleaners.
Robots are also necessary for manufacturing, where they can handle various tasks. For example, robots will help keep us safe by detecting people in our way and triggering an emergency stop.
Moreover, these machines can also help address other mega-trends, societal challenges, and problems. For example, robots can play a crucial role in health and well-being and be life-saving tools during surgeries.
Types of Industrial Robots
Different types of robots can be helpful for different kinds of industries. These robots are highly versatile, with different capabilities. Here are some common types of industrial robots. Each type of industrial robot can perform different tasks. To ensure you get the right robot for your industrial application, it is essential to understand how these robots work.
Historically, industrial robots have been helpful in many different applications. Today, industrial robots focus mainly on data collection and less on their mechanical structure. Older generations of industrial robots had to be completely disconnected from the human workforce to complete their tasks, but modern robots can integrate seamlessly into the workforce.
Types of Robots and Their Different Uses
There are several different industrial robots, and it’s essential to understand how each one functions. Let’s look at delta robots, Cobots, Polar robots, and Articulated robots. What makes them different? Read on to discover what each one does and why it’s essential for your company.
Basic motion application
All five types of industrial robots have similar safety considerations. The typical method for protecting the operators is using an external system to create a fence around the robot. This hard guard can contain a gate or a hard guard that signals the robot to stop moving. Despite these limitations, this type of industrial robot is highly customizable, though its assembly may not be standard among the various types of robots.
Adaptive robotic arms
A six-axis model is the most common industrial robot arm. These robots are highly flexible and offer an impressive list of uses. The six-axis version of the robot has the most versatile capabilities and is, therefore, often the most easily identified type of industrial robot. But, if you’re looking for a more detailed analysis, you can choose from other types of industrial robots.
Cylindrical robots
Cylindrical robots have a cylinder-shaped workspace and are most similar to Cartesian robots. They consist of a rotary shaft, extendable arm, and link-based joint. Cylindrical robots are often helpful for simple applications such as pick-and-place. They are easy to install and often come with complete solutions. These robots are not ideal for many operations, but they can still perform many tasks.
Articulated robots (cartesian robots)
The most common types of industrial robots, articulated robots, can perform complex operations. Typical applications for articulated robots include welding, product assembly, and machining. They have three or more revolute joints on their arm.
Articulated robots can have up to ten joints, with the extra joint enabling more degrees of motion. They can also do more complicated tasks like assembly and arc welding. They are best suited for industrial environments but may be helpful for more complex applications.
The differences between a Cartesian and an Articulated industrial robot are obvious: the former is more flexible than the latter and can perform a wider range of tasks. The joints of Cartesian robots are translational and can move only in straight lines, while an Articulated industrial robot’s joints are rotary and can rotate in any direction.
Nevertheless, both industrial robots are helpful in various settings, including material handling, packaging automation, storage and retrieval, laser cutting, and welding.
However, consider the pros and cons before purchasing Cartesian robots. Articulated robots can lower injury risks and improve employee quality of life. But before purchasing one, consider the costs and the ROI of other automation solutions.
The cost of Cartesian robots depends on their functionality, which we must weigh against the other pros and cons. Its implementation can be costly, especially if the project is complex and requires more programming. Additionally, a dangerous application may require more safety hardware.
Cobot
Cobots and collaborative robots work alongside humans, sharing workspaces with humans. A cobot learns from human motions and can mimic the operator’s movements. However, despite their flexibility, most of the different types of industrial robots have limitations.
For example, these robots are not designed to handle heavy objects or perform tasks with high speed. Therefore, they’re not the best option for high-speed or high-volume tasks.
Cobots, or collaborative robots, can perform various jobs in a factory. They can load machines, perform pick-and-place operations, and move around the facility. They can also perform gluing, drilling, and welding tasks. Some models are suitable for specializing in specific areas of production.
Polar robots
There are several types of polar industrial robots. These are the first industrial robots to be developed. They are also called spherical robots because of their polar coordinate system. Polar robots have two rotary joints and one linear joint, with the arms connected to the rotary base through a twisting joint.
They are helpful for many applications, from material handling to arc and gas welding. They are also known for their gun turret configuration. The most common polar robots are used for manufacturing processes, such as glass handling, material handling, and die casting.
Gantry Robots
Gantry robots can complete many tasks in a manufacturing process. They can be helpful for product handling, assembly, and other heavy-duty applications. Because of their long-travel capabilities, they are ideal for applications that require a high payload. They are also great for moving heavy engine blocks or partially finished vehicle assemblies. While other industrial robots can perform similar tasks, gantry robots are superior in many respects.
Scara Robots
If you are a fan of robotics, you have probably heard of Scara robots. These robots are an excellent option for various manufacturing jobs, including welding and other industrial applications. They are also becoming increasingly popular to improve quality control and production. Learn more about them in this article. In addition, here are a few benefits to using them in your manufacturing process. This will help you decide if the Scara robot is right for your business.
Delta Robots
Delta robots have three arms attached to universal joints at the base. The arms maintain the orientation of the end effector with parallelograms. The end effector sits on a Stewart platform. To change the orientation of the end effector, the robot can rotate the Stewart platform. Here is a video of one such Delta robot in action. The robot can be easily transported from one place to another using the Stewart platform.
Humanoid Robots
While humans have long dreamed of creating intelligent, social robots, humanoid robots are not far away. These robotic machines have the potential to help with plant construction, shipyards, and even maintenance. Many companies are developing humanoids, and the next generation of these machines will have realistic applications. In the meantime, here are some challenges that humanoid robots face. And what about the technology?
