Introduction to Industrial Robotics

Starting from introduction, Industrial robots are programmed robots and they can move in three dimensions. They are used for performing tasks which are difficult and dangerous for humans. With the help of sensors, we can navigate robots surroundings. Also due to their durability and performance, they are perfect for industrial applications. Industrial robots involve different fields for example designing, building, manufacturing and operation.

There are multiple applications of industrial robots, some of them are:-

1. Arc Welding

Improves the safety of workers from arc burn.

2. Spot Welding

Joins two contacting metal surfaces by directing a large current through the spot, which melts the metal and forms the weld delivered to the spot in a very short time.

3. Materials Handling

These are utilized to move, pack and select products. They also can automate functions involved in the transferring of parts from one piece of equipment to another. 

4. Machine Tending

Robotic automation for machine tending is the process of loading and unloading raw materials into machinery for processing.

5. Painting

Robotic painting is used in automotive production and many other industries because it increases the quality and consistency of the product.

6. Picking, Packing and Palletizing

Robotic picking and packaging increases speed and accuracy.

7. Assembly

Robots routinely assemble products, eliminating tedious and tiresome tasks. Robots increase output and reduce operational costs.

8. Mechanical Cutting

An example of this is the production of orthopedic implants, such as knee and hip joints. 

1. Cartesian Robots:

• Known as linear robots or gantry robots.

• Work on three linear axes that use the Cartesian

• Coordinate system (X, Y, and Z).

• Can move in straight lines on 3-axis (up and down, in and out, and side to side).

• Highly flexible in their configurations, giving users the ability to adjust the robot’s speed, precision, stroke length, and size.

• Often used for CNC machines and 3D printing.

2. SCARA Robots:

• It is Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm or Selective

• Compliance Articulated Robot Arm.

• Function on 3-axis (X, Y, and Z), have a rotary motion.

• Excel in lateral movements, faster moving, have easier integration than cartesian Robots.

• Used for assembly and palletizing application.

3. Delta Robots

• Possess three arms connected to a single base, which is mounted above the workspace.

• Work in a dome-shape and can move both delicately and precisely at high speeds due to each joint of the end effector being directly controlled by all three arms.

• Used for fast pick and place applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.

End effectors are required for every robotic solution. Without end effectors, robots would be quite useless. Piece of the robot that interacts with the parts or components in the environment. 

Based on the applications and design, end effectors can be classified into three types which are grippers, sensors and process tools.

Grippers are similar to the human hand. They are positioned at the end of the arm. A gripper can be attached to a robot or it can be part of a fixed automation system. In the simplest terms, grippers are devices that enable robots to pick up and hold objects. When combined with a collaborative robot (or 'cobot') arm, grippers enable manufacturers to automate key processes, such as inspection, assembly, pick & place and machine tending. There are many different types of grippers available to use. Some grippers' designs are just like human hands, which have five fingers, but it isn't always the same case. There are grippers with two and three fingers.

Their choice depends on the type and size of the object being handled, and the specific application.

1. Mechanical Grippers

 Works by using jaws or fingers to grab an object.

2. Vacuum Grippers 

 Vacuum grippers use suction cups to grab and hold things.

3. Magnetic Grippers

 Magnetic grippers use magnetic fields to hold ferromagnetic items such as steel plates. They are used in applications that require handling heavy or irregularly shaped objects that cannot be easily managed with mechanical or vacuum grippers.

4. Servo Grippers

 Servo grippers use motors and gearboxes to control the gripping force and positioning of the robot precisely. They are used in applications that require high precision and flexibility, such as quality control or inspection tasks.

Sensors are essential components of robotic systems, providing robots with the ability to gain a perception of their environment. Sensors gather data about the robot's surroundings, including the position and orientation of objects around it and the robot itself. The robot's control system then uses this information to decide how to interact with its environment.

1. Proximity sensors:

 Proximity sensors are used to detect the presence or absence of objects in the proximity of the end effector. These sensors can detect various targets, including metal, plastic, and even liquids.

2. Force/torque sensors: 

 Force/torque sensors measure the amount of force or torque being applied to the robot or to the objects it interacts with. These sensors are often used in robotic grippers to measure the force required to grip an object or in robotic arms to measure the force required to move an object.

3. Light sensors:

 Light sensors can detect the presence or absence of light and are used to provide feedback on the position of objects in low-light environments.

4. Cameras:

 Vision sensors use cameras to provide visual feedback on the position, orientation, and movement of the end effector and the objects it interacts with. These sensors are often used in applications requiring precise positioning and manipulation. Cameras are also used for object recognition.

Process tools in robot end effectors are attachments or devices used to perform specific tasks. They work in coordination with the robotic arm, providing additional functionalities to the robotic system.

1. Welding guns: 

 Welding guns deliver a massive amount of electric current to the work piece/work pieces on which welding is to be performed. After it cools down, a strong and permanent bond is formed.

2. Cutting Tools: 

 Cutting tools are used to cut and shape work pieces.

3. Grinding and Sanding Tools: 

 Grinding and sanding tools are used to smooth and finish surfaces on a work piece. These tools can be mounted on the robotic arm as an end effector, and the arm can be programmed to move the tool over the surface of the work piece to achieve the desired finish.

4. Painting Spray Guns: 

 Painting spray guns are used as end effectors in robotic painting systems. They are designed to apply a precise and consistent amount of paint to a work piece.

Manufacturing:

•  Used in manufacturing applications. 

• Increase productivity and efficiency. 

• Used for tasks such as pick-and-place, welding, and material handling.

Food and Beverage Industry: 

• Used to automate tasks such as sorting, and palletizing. 

• Handles fragile and perishable items with care.

•  Can be designed to meet strict hygiene standards.

Agriculture: 

• Used for tasks such as harvesting, planting, and crop maintenance. 

• Can be equipped with sensors to detect the ripeness of crops and to monitor soil conditions.

Automotive: 

• Used to handle various components such as engines, transmissions, and wheels.

•  Perform tasks such as welding, painting, and assembly.

Firstly, instructions are inputted to the robot’s control system which relays the information in the robot’s programming language to the microcontroller of the industrial robot. The robot microcontroller then moves the robot’s actuators, which control the robot axes, according to the commands of the programmed application. 

Successful application of industrial robots, their reliability and availability, and the active implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept have stimulated growing interest in robots’ optimization.

In conclusion, industrial robots have many opportunities. Their use in different fields shows that they are ready to assist humans for difficult tasks. Due to their capability and performance, they are highly in demand. It can be seen from how fast this industry is growing.

Q.1) What is an industrial robot ?

Ans. Industrial robots are programmed and automated robots. They are used for material handling and welding operations.

Q.2) What languages are used in robotics programming?

Ans. Robots are programmed using different programming languages for example C language, C++, C#, MATLAB, Python and Java.

Q.3) What are the applications of industrial robots?

Ans. Industrial robots are used in the manufacturing industry, medicine industry, military, and automotive industry.

Q.4) What are the types of industrial robots?

Ans. Industrial robots can be SCARA robots, articulated robots, delta robots and polar robots.

Q.5) What is the End Effector?

Ans. End effector is attached to the end of the robot arm. This can be in the form of sensors, grippers and process tools. This is used to hold any object.