Robotic Arms: Different Types and When to Use Them

Robotic arms are the most common form of robot technology in the industry. Read on to learn the benefits of this technology and see if it is right for you.

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Robotic arms are one of the most identifiable pieces of robotic machinery in industrial settings. They tend to fascinate with their impressive feats of speed and strength, but their uses and how to apply them can be a mystery. This article will broadly describe the place of robotic arms in industrial applications to give you a better understanding of if they might be the right choice for you.

Topics discussed in this article include:

• Types of robotic arms
• Industries and Applications for robotic arms
• When to (and not to) use robotic arms
• Cost considerations

Types of robotic arms

The term &#;robotic arm&#; broadly describes a group of robotic mechanisms. These different robot types tend to have similar applications. However, each type has distinctions that typically lead to it being optimized for certain tasks over other robotic arms. Types of robotic arms include:

• Articulated arm
• Six-axis
• Collaborative robot
• SCARA
• Cartesian
• Cylindrical
• Spherical/Polar
• Parallel/Delta
• Anthropomorphic

Articulated arms are general-purpose robotic arms with 5 or more joints or degrees of freedom. The articulated arm is an umbrella term for many other robot types. For instance, a six-axis robot is an articulated arm with six degrees of freedom. Articulated arms cover the broadest range of robot types used in industry and include six-axis and collaborative robots. You will find an example of this robot type in the banner image of this article.

Six-axis robots are the most common articulated arm. This also makes them the most common robotic arm used in industry today. Thanks to their flexibility, they are a great general-purpose robotic arm. This gives the six-axis an impressive list of uses. The six-axis robot is the most easily identified industrial robot.

The collaborative robot is a robotic arm purpose-built for hybrid work. This means it is designed to work near humans. Certain safety features allow for significant risk reduction in hybrid work environments. This is a relatively new robot type and its uses are still being explored. Collaborative robots are becoming more prominent in the industry as more manufacturers are being exposed to their benefits. The future is exciting for collaboratives. 

SCARA robots are selectively compliant robot arms. This means they don&#;t have the same flexibility afforded to articulated arms. This limits them in some respects but gives them certain advantages over articulated arm types. 

Cartesian robots are rigid systems that move around in a 3D coordinate plane. These robots are typically constructed of 3 linear actuators. One actuator moves left and right in the x-axis. An additional actuator is attached to the x-axis actuator. This actuator moves up and down in the y-axis plane. A final actuator is attached to the y-axis member and moves back and forth in the z-axis plane. Cartesian robots are positioned for small applications.

Cylindrical robot arms are designed around a single arm that moves up and down a vertical member. This vertical member rotates the arm horizontally. The arm can extend and retract to perform its task. These robots are very compact and are deployed for small and simple tasks.

The first modern industrial robot was a spherical (polar) robot. This robot type has a simple design that isn&#;t as common today as it once was. Spherical robots are similar to cylindrical robots except they swap the vertical linear axis with an additional rotary axis. This axis allows it to rotate vertically. It was designed for simple tasks that don&#;t require high speed or complex motion.

Parallel/Delta robots are high-speed options for robotic automation. These robots&#; unique design allows them to reach incredible rates of speed. The delta robot is a great choice for high-speed and lightweight tasks.

Anthropomorphic robots are a rare sight in industrial settings. These robots boast two or more arms and a friendly face. They are often deployed in collaborative environments where they are working in near proximity to human operators.

Everything You Need to Know About Pick and Place Robots

In industrial automation, pick-and-place robots play a crucial role in streamlining production processes. These versatile machines have revolutionized the way items are handled and moved within manufacturing facilities. We will delve into the world of pick-and-place robots, exploring their functionalities, applications, and the benefits they bring to various industries. As always, when you need a team to create the perfect pick-and-place robot for your production line, contact Robotic Automation Systems.

What are Pick and Place Robots?

Pick-and-place robots are a type of robotic system specifically designed to handle and manipulate objects with precision and efficiency. They are commonly employed in assembly lines, warehouses, and logistics centers to perform repetitive tasks, such as picking up items from one location and placing them in another.

Functionality and Feature

Pick and place robots are equipped with advanced technologies and features that enable them to execute their tasks with precision and speed. These robots incorporate vision systems, sensors, and grippers to accurately identify, grasp, and release objects. Vision systems often use cameras to help the robots detect and locate objects within their work environment. The sensors provide feedback on the position and orientation of the objects, ensuring precise manipulation. Grippers, designed for different types of objects, allow the robots to securely pick and place items of varying sizes, shapes, and weights.

Types of Pick and Place Robots

Pick and place robots come in various types and configurations, each suited for specific applications. Some of the most common types are:

Robotic Arm

Robotic arms are the most prevalent type of pick-and-place robots. A 5-axis robotic arm is suitable for standard pick and place tasks, where objects are moved within a single plane. For more complex applications that involve twisting or reorienting objects before placement, a 6-axis robotic arm is utilized.

Cartesian

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Cartesian robots operate in multiple planes, moving along three orthogonal axes (X, Y, and Z) using Cartesian coordinates. These robots can be constructed with different types of linear actuators and drive mechanisms, such as belt, ball, or lead screw mechanisms. They generally offer higher positioning accuracy compared to 6-axis robotic arms.

Delta

Delta robots are often employed in scenarios where items need to be picked in groups and placed in specific assembly patterns or containers. Equipped with advanced vision technologies, Delta robots can discern various sizes, shapes, and colors. Most Delta robots consist of three arms operating on four axes, with heavy motors attached to a frame and lightweight arms connected to linking rods with joints, typically ball joints, allowing for movement.

Fast Pick

Fast pick robots are ideal for medium- to high-volume applications with high-velocity stock-keeping units (SKUs). These robots fully automate the picking process, freeing human workers to focus on more impactful tasks. They excel in handling fast-moving items, such as promotional additions or batteries, and can pick up to 300 SKUs per hour from a pool of up to 8 SKUs.

Collaborative

Collaborative robots work with human workers by leading them to pick locations and guiding them through each task. These robots optimize routes in real time, ensuring efficient work and keeping associates on track. By enhancing workflow efficiency, collaborative robots enable associates to work more effectively.

Applications in Various Industries

Pick and place robots find applications across a wide range of industries, contributing to increased efficiency and productivity. In the automotive industry, these robots assemble components, such as placing screws, fasteners, and small parts onto vehicles. In the electronics sector, pick and place robots are employed to handle delicate electronic components during the assembly of circuit boards. They ensure accurate placement and soldering of tiny components, improving product quality and reducing human errors. Additionally, pick-and-place robots play a crucial role in the packaging industry, where they efficiently pick products from conveyor belts and place them into packaging containers, such as boxes or cartons. These robots enable high-speed packaging operations and enhance overall throughput.

Advantages of Pick and Place Robots

Pick-and-place robots have several advantages, some immediately apparent while some show their benefits after successful implementation.

Precision and Accuracy

Pick and place robots offer exceptional precision and accuracy in handling objects, minimizing errors, and reducing product defects. The integration of vision systems and sensors enables them to precisely locate and manipulate items, ensuring consistent results.

Increased Productivity

By automating repetitive tasks, pick and place robots significantly enhance productivity. These robots can operate at high speeds without compromising accuracy or quality, improving production rates and reducing cycle times.

Cost Savings

Implementing pick-and-place robots can lead to cost savings for businesses. These robots eliminate the need for manual labor, reducing labor costs and minimizing the risk of injuries or fatigue-related errors. Moreover, their efficient operations optimize resource utilization, ultimately lowering production costs.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Pick-and-place robots are designed to be versatile and adaptable to different applications. They can handle a variety of objects, from small components to larger items, with ease. The robots can be reprogrammed quickly to accommodate changes in product specifications or production requirements.

Workplace Safety

Pick and place robots improve workplace safety by reducing the need for human workers to engage in repetitive and physically demanding tasks. This eliminates the risk of injuries associated with manual lifting and repetitive motions, promoting a safer and healthier work environment.

Considerations for Implementation

When considering the implementation of pick-and-place robots, several factors should be considered. The selection of the appropriate robot model, grippers, and vision systems should align with the application&#;s specific requirements. Integration with existing production systems and workflows should be seamless, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. Additionally, proper training and support for the workforce are essential to maximize the benefits of these robots and ensure a smooth transition.

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