Robotic Arms: Different Types and When to Use Them

Robotic arms stand out as a fundamental facet of robotic technology within various industries. Continue reading to discover the advantages of this technology and determine if it aligns with your needs.

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Recognized as one of the most prominent types of robotic machinery, robotic arms captivate audiences with their remarkable speed and strength. However, their applications can often seem complex. This article aims to clarify the role of robotic arms across industrial applications, helping you ascertain if they are the right solution for your requirements.

The topics covered 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 refers to a category of robotic mechanisms that, while they share similar applications, each have unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific tasks. The various types of robotic arms include:

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

The articulated arm serves as a general-purpose robotic arm that typically has five or more joints or degrees of freedom. This umbrella term encompasses several robot types, including the six-axis robotic arm. Articulated arms cover a wide range of robotic types found in industrial settings, prominently featuring six-axis and collaborative robots, as depicted in the banner image of this article.

The six-axis robot is the most prevalent form of articulated arm and thereby the most widely used robotic arm in industrial environments. Its remarkable flexibility establishes it as a versatile option for general tasks, making it easily recognizable as an industrial robot.

Collaborative robots are specifically designed to operate alongside human workers. Equipped with safety features, these robots significantly mitigate risks in hybrid work environments. Though this type is relatively new, its applications are continuously evolving, and the potential for collaborative robots in industrial settings is promising.

SCARA robots, or selectively compliant robot arms, exhibit limited flexibility compared to articulated arms. However, this can confer certain advantages in specific applications.

Cartesian robots consist of rigid systems that navigate a 3D coordinate plane. Typically, they are made of three linear actuators: one operates along the x-axis, the second goes up and down on the y-axis, while the third moves back and forth on the z-axis. Cartesian robots are particularly suited for small-scale applications.

Cylindrical robotic arms utilize a design focused on one arm that travels vertically along a stationary member and is capable of horizontal rotation. These arms can extend and retract to fulfill various tasks. Their compact design makes them ideal for simpler applications.

Spherical (or polar) robots, the pioneering models of industrial robots, feature a basic design that is less common in today's settings. They mirror cylindrical robots but substitute the vertical linear axis with an additional rotary axis, allowing for vertical rotation. Originally designed for straightforward tasks requiring minimal complexity or speed.

Parallel/Delta robots are tailored for high-speed automation. Their unique architecture enables exceptional speed capabilities, making them ideal for lightweight and rapid tasks.

Anthropomorphic robots are seldom seen in industrial applications. These robots resemble humans in appearance, with two or more arms and typically a friendly face, often engaged in collaborative tasks in close proximity to humans.

Everything You Need to Know About Pick and Place Robots

Within the realm of industrial automation, pick-and-place robots play a vital role in optimizing production workflows. These adaptable machines have transformed the handling of items in manufacturing facilities. This section will explore the ins and outs of pick-and-place robots, including their functionalities, applications, and the various advantages they offer across industries. For tailored solutions in creating the ultimate pick-and-place robot for your assembly line, contact Robotic Automation Systems.

What are Pick and Place Robots?

Pick-and-place robots represent a specialized type of robotic system designed to handle and manipulate objects with both precision and efficiency. Frequently utilized in assembly lines, logistics centers, and warehouses, these robots excel at repetitive tasks, such as moving items from one point to another.

Functionality and Features

Equipped with sophisticated technology and features, pick-and-place robots execute their tasks effectively. Components like vision systems, sensors, and grippers enable these robots to correctly identify, grasp, and release items. Often integrating cameras, vision systems assist robots in locating objects within their environments, while sensors provide positioning feedback, ensuring accurate manipulation. Grippers cater to diverse object types, allowing the robots to handle items of various sizes, shapes, and weights.

Types of Pick and Place Robots

Pick-and-place robots are available in several configurations, each tailored to specific requirements. Here are some commonly utilized types:

Robotic Arm

Robotic arms comprise the most widespread category of pick-and-place robots. A 5-axis robotic arm functions well for standard tasks, while a 6-axis arm proves essential for more elaborate applications that require reorienting objects prior to placement.

Cartesian

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Cartesian robots operate along three perpendicular axes (X, Y, and Z), utilizing Cartesian coordinates. These machines can be built using differing linear actuators and drive systems, offering enhanced positioning precision compared to 6-axis robotic arms.

Delta

Delta robots are designed for situations that require the simultaneous picking of multiple items for predefined assembly arrangements or receptacles. With advanced vision capabilities, Delta robots can recognize various sizes, shapes, and colors. Typically, they consist of three arms functioning on four axes, utilizing powerful motors on a frame connected to lightweight, jointed arms for fluid motion.

Fast Pick

Fast-pick robots align perfectly with medium to high-volume applications involving high-velocity stock-keeping units (SKUs). Automation of the picking process frees human employees to devote their energies to more significant tasks, excelling in the fast-paced environment of promotions or battery handling, achieving up to 300 SKUs per hour from an array of 8 SKUs.

Collaborative

Collaborative robots work side by side with human counterparts, guiding them towards picking locations and assisting them in task execution. These robots enhance workflow by optimizing routes on-the-fly, allowing for better efficiency and progress tracking.

Applications Across Industries

Pick-and-place robots serve a multitude of industries, significantly enhancing both efficiency and productivity levels. In the automotive sector, they assist in assembling components by placing screws, fasteners, and smaller parts onto vehicles. Within electronics, these robots manage delicate components during circuit board assembly, ensuring precise placement and soldering for improved product quality and minimized errors. Furthermore, their role in the packaging industry is crucial, as they efficiently transfer products from conveyor belts into packaging containers, elevating overall throughput.

Advantages of Pick and Place Robots

Employing pick-and-place robots provides numerous advantages, with some evident from the outset and others emerging post-implementation.

Precision and Accuracy

These robots ensure exceptional precision in object handling, which minimizes errors and product defects. The incorporation of vision systems and sensors guarantees that they can accurately identify and manipulate items for consistent outcomes.

Increased Productivity

Automating repetitive tasks can radically improve productivity levels, as pick-and-place robots can operate at high speeds without sacrificing accuracy or quality, positively impacting production pace and significantly reducing cycle times.

Cost Savings

Integrating pick-and-place robots can lead to substantial cost reductions. These robots diminish the necessity for manual labor, which cuts labor expenses and lessens the risk of work-related injuries or fatigue-related errors. Their efficiency optimizes resource use, ultimately driving down production expenses.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Pick-and-place robots are versatile, easily adaptable to various tasks. They can proficiently handle an array of items, from small components to larger products. Furthermore, they can be quickly reprogrammed to adjust for changes in product specifications or production needs.

Workplace Safety

By reducing the need for manual engagement in repetitive or physically strenuous tasks, pick-and-place robots enhance workplace safety. This minimizes the risk of workplace injuries, fostering a safer and healthier working environment.

Considerations for Implementation

Before implementing pick-and-place robots, numerous factors must be addressed. Choosing the right robot model, grippers, and vision systems to meet specific application requirements is critical. Seamless integration with existing production systems ensures minimal disruption. Lastly, providing workforce training and ongoing support is essential for reaping the full benefits of these robots and facilitating smooth implementation.

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