Robots are increasingly becoming a part of our everyday lives. They have been in manufacturing for decades and are now making their way into other industries such as healthcare and education. There is a wide variety of robots that manufacturers can choose from, but it’s important to understand which type would be the best fit for your facility.
There are different types of robots, each suited for a specific task. This article explores the main types of industrial robots and their applications in the manufacturing industry.
PackBot (Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle)
These have rugged bodies that allow them to traverse dangerous environments and handle heavy payloads (far beyond what a human can). They are used for assembly tasks and in warehouse stockrooms.
Prismatic End Effector (PEEO)
The PEEO is an industrial machine with a set of arms or jaws attached to it that allows it to pick up objects. This can be “clamped” onto stationary and mobile workstations to pick up and put down parts. It’s often used as an alternative to human workers who may not always be available.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)
These are robots that are capable of navigating through difficult terrain. They act as an alternative to having helicopters, which can be expensive and require maintenance. These systems are often used for taking aerial footage and monitoring where a certain part is located.
Pick & Place Robot
The pick and place robot can be programmed to sort and move components from one location to another within the production line. It has sensors at the end of the arm that can detect whether an item has been grabbed. Typically, these robots can only carry one component at a time; they cannot manipulate more than one component. This can help eliminate errors on where products go and have a more efficient workspace.
SCARA Robots
These are manually-operated devices that are mainly used for welding tasks. SCARA stands for “Superior Contactor Actuator for Robotics Applications.” They have a tight turning radius and go in tight places, making them useful in welding. Furthermore, they can perform various welding tasks such as arc welding, gas welding, and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).
Pneumatic Robots
These are used for work that can be done in confined spaces due to high torque and speed. As a result, they can navigate through tight pathways requiring precise movements. A major benefit is that there is no maintenance required with these devices. Moreover, they are not as noisy as other types of robots.
Robotic Material Handler (RMO)
These robots are used for loading, packaging, and storing items during manufacturing. They can navigate difficult terrain and different materials such as plastics, rubber, glass, and metals to complete their tasks. Furthermore, these can automate material handling operations such as assembly, packaging, and palletizing.
The bottom line is that such robots can make production lines run more efficiently, making your business more competitive and profitable. Therefore, manufacturers should optimize their production lines to take advantage of these robots and eliminate manual labor.
