An industrial robot is a multifunctional mechanical device that moves material, parts, tools or specialized devices through variable programmed motions to perform a wide range of tasks. Industrial robots help to increase productivity, reduce labor costs, improve quality, enhance worker safety and create a healthier and more efficient workplace.
The most common use of an industrial robot is in manufacturing for the assembly, welding, machine tending, spray painting, and inspection of finished products. They are used to handle heavy loads, delicate and/or dangerous materials and complex or repetitive tasks that would be difficult for humans. They are also able to work in environments where conditions could be hazardous or dangerous for human workers, such as confined spaces or high-temperature areas.
In order for a robot system to function effectively it needs to be taught, or programmed. This is accomplished using a user interface on a desktop computer, a teach pendant or a robot panel. The robot software enables the operator to switch between programs, make adjustments within a program and to operate a wide variety of other devices integrated with the robot, such as feeders that supply components for picking or feeding, conveyor belts, emergency stop controls, machine vision systems, safety interlock systems and barcode printers.
Robots are powered by electric motors or hydraulic actuators. Some are equipped with low internal air-pressurisation that enables them to work in environments where a spark could cause an explosion, while others have additional sealings and brushes that prevent ingress of flammable vapours. Some robots are built with a variety of sensors and grippers that enable them to interact with a range of different objects and materials. Programming and integrating these accessories with the robot can be a time-consuming process that requires expertise and specialised equipment.
The emergence of smarter industrial robots is helping to transform manufacturing. For example, robotic systems that are augmented with artificial intelligence can read data from other parts of the production line to provide insight into overall performance and identify issues before they become a problem. These systems are already being deployed in advanced manufacturing by large multinationals under initiatives such as Germany’s Industrie 4.0 and China’s Made in 2025.
But there are still unseen costs involved in deploying industrial robots. Even small changes in the way a company produces might require reprogramming or rebuilding of the entire robot system, resulting in lost revenue while the operation is offline. Moreover, even though the upfront investment might seem low, the cost of energy to run and maintain a robot will add up over time, especially if it is integrated into a highly automated workflow. It is therefore crucial to take the lifetime operating cost into account when planning a new manufacturing project.
Tianjin Weide Aviation Technology Co., Ltd.