Breaking down the different types of robots and how they can work for you

Manufacturers use a variety of robots in their operations, each with its own specific capabilities and functions. We’re discussing some of the most common types of robots used in manufacturing, and which one may work best for your application.

Articulated Robots

Articulated robots are a type of industrial robot that have a series of joints, allowing them to move like a human arm. These joints are typically rotary joints that can move in a range of motion, providing flexibility and maneuverability for the robot.

The arm of an articulated robot typically consists of several segments, with each segment attached to a joint. The segments can be straight or curved, and the number of segments and joints can vary depending on the specific robot model and application. The end of the arm typically has a tool or end effector attached, such as a gripper or dedicated tool for a specific operation.

Articulated robots are versatile and can perform a wide range of tasks, such as welding, material handling, assembly, and inspection. They can work in tight spaces and can reach over obstacles, making them ideal for complex manufacturing operations. They also provide more freedom than any other robot type. Their ability to cover several movements makes them more adaptable to changes in the production process or workpieces.

Articulated robots can usually do high payloads, with the highest payload capacity currently at 2300kg with a FANUC robot. They can also work at high speeds with a high degree of precision, improving production efficiency and quality. However, other types of robots typically perform at a higher speed than an articulated robot does.

SCARA Robots

SCARA robots are a type of industrial robot that have a similar arm structure to articulated robots, but with a fixed base. The acronym SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm.

The arm of a SCARA robot consists of two parallel joints that allow the arm to move in a horizontal plane, with a third joint that allows the arm to move up and down. This design provides the robot with a greater level of rigidity and accuracy, making it well-suited for applications that require precise movements in a horizontal plane, such as pick-and-place operations.

SCARA robots are often used for assembly, inspection, and packaging applications, where a high level of precision and repeatability is required. They can also work at high speeds, making them ideal for high-volume manufacturing operations.

These are a popular choice for manufacturing applications where precision and speed are essential. They offer a high level of accuracy, repeatability, and flexibility, making them a valuable tool for manufacturers seeking to improve their production efficiency and output.

Cartesian Robots

Cartesian robots, also known as gantry robots or linear robots, are a type of industrial robot that move in a rectangular coordinate system, creating a three-dimensional cubic envelope of space to work within. The name “Cartesian” comes from the Cartesian coordinate system used to describe positions in space.

These typically consist of a stationary base and an overhead gantry that moves along the X and Y axes. The Z axis is provided by a vertical column that moves up and down, often with a tool or end effector attached. Cartesian robots are known for their ability to provide precise and repeatable movements, making them well-suited for applications that require high levels of accuracy.

Most often used for pick-and-place operations, material handling, and assembly applications, they can work at high speeds and can handle heavy loads, making them ideal for high-volume manufacturing operations. They can also be easily customized to fit specific manufacturing needs, such as the addition of vision systems for inspection or guidance.

Delta Robots

These are most often used for pick-and-place operations, packaging, and assembly applications, where a high degree of precision and speed is required. They can work at very high speeds, often exceeding 200 cycles per minute, and can handle small, lightweight items with great accuracy.

They are commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where hygiene is critical. Delta robots are also ideal for clean room environments, as they have a sealed design that prevents contamination from entering the workspace.

Collaborative Robots

Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are a type of robot designed for direct interaction with a human within a defined collaborative workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which typically operate behind safety barriers, cobots are designed to operate in close proximity to human workers without posing a safety risk.

Equipped with a range of safety features, such as sensors and cameras, cobots can detect the presence of humans and adjust movements accordingly. They are also designed to be lightweight and easy to program, allowing them to be quickly deployed in a variety of manufacturing environments.

They are most often used for tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or difficult for human workers, such as material handling, assembly, and inspection. They can be used to perform a wide range of manufacturing tasks, including welding, painting, and packaging.

Cobots offer several advantages over traditional industrial robots. They are more flexible and can be easily reprogrammed to perform different tasks, making them ideal for small-batch manufacturing operations. They are also more affordable than traditional robots, making them accessible to a wider range of manufacturers.

Industrial Mobile Robots (IMR)

Mobile robots are equipped with a variety of sensors and systems that allow them to perceive their environment and make decisions based on that information. For example, they may use cameras, LiDAR or ultrasound sensors to detect obstacles or map their surroundings.

In manufacturing, mobile robots are often used for logistics tasks, such as moving materials or products between workstations or to storage locations. They can also be used for quality control and inspection tasks, where they can move around a workspace to inspect products or equipment.

In general, IMRs offer several advantages over stationary robots as they can cover larger areas and work in environments that may not be accessible to stationary robots. They can also be reprogrammed or reconfigured easily, making them more versatile and adaptable to changing manufacturing needs.

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By Nick Longworth, Business Consultant – Industrial Robotics

Most manufacturers and logistics operations implement depalletization processes for the unloading of palletized goods from a pallet. This process is typically done manually using specialized equipment to unload the pallet safely and quickly.

Labor gap issues have forced these operations to consider automating this process using industrial or collaborative robots, but this task is difficult due to mixed SKU pallets along with misshapen boxes and deformed stacks on arrival caused by shipping processes.

Manual vs Automated

Manual depalletization time varies depending on the number of pallets, the size of the pallets, and the types of goods that are being depalletized. Generally, manual depalletization can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour for a single pallet. Because of this, it is a labor-intensive process and carries specific ergonomics-related risks. Additionally, it can be dangerous if the goods are not properly secured or if the pallets are not stacked properly.

On the other hand, automated depalletization can save a significant amount of time by having robots complete work humans would have done previously. It also continues to prevent potential injuries associated with manual depalletizing.

Automated Depalletization Benefits

Automated depalletization can improve speed, accuracy, and safety of the material handling process. Automated depalletization using SICK’s PLB 3D vision robot guidance system and an industrial robot is a great way to automate the process and reap the many benefits that come with it.

The first benefit of automating the depalletization process is increased productivity. Automating the process allows for faster and more efficient removal of items from the pallet, as the robot can move around the pallet much more quickly than a human worker. This eliminates the need for manual labor, reducing the amount of time needed to complete the task. Automation also eliminates the need for additional personnel to monitor the process.

Another advantage of automated depalletization is increased safety. When the process is automated, there is no risk of workers getting injured while handling the pallet or the items it contains. This reduces the potential for workplace accidents and injuries, which can be costly both financially and in terms of lost productivity. Automation also ensures that the task is carried out correctly, as the robot will be able to accurately pick up and move the items without any mistakes.

Automation also improves accuracy. As the robot can accurately pick up and move the items on the pallet, there is less risk of the items being misplaced or damaged. This eliminates the need for manual inspection of the items, as the robot will be able to accurately place the items in the correct location. This decreases the amount of time needed to complete the task and ensures that the items are correctly placed and stored.

Lastly, automating this process increases plant availability. With labor shortages across industry, having a robot complete a task previously required to be done by a human eliminates the need to find labor in a tight market. As a result, the plant can continue to operate at a high level of production without interruption.

How Robot Guidance Systems Help

Robot guidance systems, such as the PLB vision system from SICK, are the ideal solution for automated depalletization by being able to identify objects and tell the robot and end effector to pick up the object, moving into to a precise point on the pallet or off the pallet. The system can be used with most brands of industrial and collaborative robots. The system is designed to easily integrate with these robots, allowing for easy installation and setup. Additionally, it is designed to be easily installed with low coding or no coding configurable interfaces. This makes the system extremely versatile in a variety of different applications and deployed at a rapid rate.

The PLB vision system helps the robot understand the 3D world allowing them to pick and place items from the pallet autonomously, quickly, and accurately. There are options for robot mounted and fixed mounted for large volumes of view, which enables fast and easy localization of many different part box and packaging types.

In addition, automated depalletization using SICK’s PLB system and an industrial robot is also cost-effective. Automating this laborious task not only addresses current labor gap issues all companies are currently facing, but it also helps reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries, which can be costly in terms of lost productivity and worker’s compensation costs. The overall cost of the PLB system is also relatively low as compared to other vision-based solutions on the market, with no need for vision or coding experience to operate these systems. In addition, there is perpetual licensing and no recurring costs associated with the PLB system. Other companies often require annual maintenance fees, which can make ROI targets with the system difficult to achieve.

In conclusion, automated depalletization using a 3D vision robot guidance system and an industrial robot is an ideal solution for logistics operators and manufacturers. Automation increases productivity, accuracy, and safety while reducing labor costs and the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

Sponsored content by SICK

The post Depalletization: to automate or not? That is the question appeared first on The Robot Report.

By Nick Longworth, Business Consultant – Industrial Robotics

Robots are being utilized in numerous applications in the manufacturing space. While robotics has been around for some time, recent advancements in technology have enabled more widespread implementation across the industry. There are many advantages to integrating robotics into industrial processes, including improved accuracy, increased productivity, and improved worker safety.

In this blog post, we’ll break down how robots help boost productivity and quality in manufacturing, while also considering potential drawbacks.

Speeding up Manufacturing – Pros of Robotics

One of the primary pros of integrating robotics into manufacturing is improved accuracy. Robots are precise and consistent, meaning that they can be programmed to perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy. This leads to a reduction in errors and rework, and a higher quality of finished products. This can help reduce the amount of scrap and waste produced in the manufacturing process.

The speed of manufacturing processes with the use of robots is also improved. Generally, robots perform tasks much faster than human workers, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

For example, robots can work continuously, 24/7, without needing breaks or rest, unlike human workers who require breaks and rest periods. In addition, they don’t take vacations, rarely call in sick, and you don’t have to give them a paycheck. They can also take repetitive and boring tasks from human workers, allowing those employees to work on higher value tasks instead. This can lead to a significant increase in production output.

Studies have shown that the use of robots can result in significant productivity gains for manufacturers. For example, a study by the International Federation of Robotics found that in the automotive industry, the use of robots led to a 16% increase in productivity between 2010 and 2016. Another study by the Boston Consulting Group found that the use of robots in manufacturing can lead to a 10% to 30% reduction in production costs.

In addition, robots can be programmed to perform multiple tasks or to switch between tasks quickly, reducing set-up time and increasing production efficiency. They can also move materials and products quickly and safely, reducing the time required for material handling and increasing throughput.

Robotics can also increase worker safety and improve ergonomics. With robots handling tasks traditionally done by human workers, there is a decreased risk of injury or accidents in the workplace. This is especially true for tasks requiring repetitive movements or heavy lifting.

Potential Drawbacks of Robotics

While there are many advantages to using robotics to automate manufacturing processes, there are also some drawbacks. For example, robots can be expensive to purchase and maintain, and they often require knowledgeable technicians to operate them. Additionally, if the robot malfunctions, it may cause production delays or lost profits.

Another potential drawback is the fact that robotics can sometimes replace human workers. While this can lead to improved efficiency and accuracy, it can also lead to job losses. However, this is combated by the fact that robots can be used to move human workers to more high-value job tasks that work alongside the robot.

Additionally, there are often challenges associated with engineering a robotics solution, especially when developing complex application solutions. End of arm tooling is a particularly challenging solution to implement, in terms of cost and time.

Keeping Robotics Safe

To ensure that robots are utilized safely and efficiently, it is important to integrate sensors into the system. SICK sensors provide visibility into robotic systems to help detect potential problems, control processes, enhance safety, and ensure that the robot is functioning properly. Furthermore, SICK sensors provide information that can be used to optimize robot performance and ensure that they are working safely and efficiently.

In conclusion, integrating robotics into manufacturing can provide many benefits, including improved accuracy, increased productivity, and improved worker safety. However, there are also some drawbacks, such as the initial cost and maintenance costs associated with robots. It is important to consider these drawbacks, along with the advantages, before implementing robotics into the process. Additionally, it is important to utilize SICK sensors to ensure that the robots are functioning properly and safely.

Sponsored content by SICK

The post Revolutionizing Manufacturing: How Robots Boost Productivity, Quality, and Safety appeared first on The Robot Report.