Industrial Robots: Useful In Manufacturing Industries

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Computers )



Industrial robots are machines that have great versatility and flexibility. The robotic industry has served US industry for over twenty years, but interest in robotics increased tremendously only in recent years. Since industrial robots can be used to perform tasks that are too physically demanding or too repetitive for humans, you can find robotic systems utilized in manufacturing processes across dozens of industries.

Industrial robots possess three basic capabilities that have increased efficiencies and productivity in the manufacturing process: material handling, manipulation, and measurement.

Material Handling

In manufacturing processes, you often transfer objects from one location to another, either for storage, manufacturing, assembly and packaging. No alteration occurs; it is just a physical transfer. Industrial robots are ideal for use in these operations, due to their capacity to pick up objects, move these in space along predefined paths and release them. You can find industrial robots utilized in palletizing, warehouse loading and unloading, mill and machine tool tending, parts sorting and packaging.

Manipulation

In manufacturing, you transform raw materials into finished products, by various methods including machining and assembly. The capability of industrial robots to manipulate objects and tools finds many applications in the transformation process, including arc and spot welding, painting and coating, casting and die spraying, assembly of mechanical and electrical groups, assembly of electronic circuit boards and many others.

Measurement

Manufacturing processes require taking measurements for product quality testing. Industrial robots may be fitted with various attachments to their manipulators which, combined with their capability to explore three-dimensional space, makes them useful as measuring devices. Object inspection, contour finding and detection of manufacturing imperfections are typical applications.

As robotic systems increase their contributions to reduce manufacturing costs, raise productivity, improve product quality and increase workers' safety, you will witness the spread of industrial robotics technology in a wider range of applications in manufacturing industries.


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