Industrial Robot Manufacturing: How are Robotic Arms Used?
Some of the most important procedures in industrial automation involve individual automation components. The move towards the smart factories of the future has been accelerated by innovations to technology like robotic arms.
Also known as articulated robotic arms, these advanced workcells are built and customized to deliver rapid response and production. The speed at which robotic arms move can be installed directly on lines for a variety of tasks in different environments.
Unlike old-line models that were rigid and simple, today’s manufacturing robots utilize the latest intelligent digital networks and machine vision to maintain a line with minimal human intervention. Producers in manufacturing now have the capability to excel in their niche by increasing levels of efficiency, speed, and precision.
What Manufacturing Robotic Arms Are Designed For
One of the biggest game-changers for manufacturers was the introduction of automation to assembly lines. The latest advancements with arm solutions give customers a machine designed to mimic worker movements, such as human arm, wrist, elbow, and shoulder motions. The number of axes and joints allows for more flexibility and movement.
To be considered an industrial arm, the hardware must be equipped with at least three axes. Adjusting your operation for a robotic arm factory can come equipped with more than 10 axes, but the average consumer is looking for machines with four to six.
The number of axes you need is essential to understand. Whichever industrial robotics you choose, you will need to give you the level of flexibility your line requires. Each axis gives a workcells more degrees of freedom that allows the robotic arm to complete a broader range of tasks.
As stated above, you can find a metal arm in nearly every modern-day factory. As the most common types of robots, industrial robot arms are defined as hardware that are composed of 4-6 joints, which can be applied to numerous robotic arm industrial applications, whether that be materials handling and removal.
Manufacturing robotic arms are designed to automatically execute production rates based on programming or using robotic vision systems to monitor production. Based on the number of joints and axis desired, these components can automate a production line to allow for less human supervision with minimal mistakes.
Material Handling
An industrial handling robot arm is mostly used to alleviate workers from dull or dangerous jobs. This allows humans to be moved to more complex jobs and speed up production.This hardware will pick, select, or sort goods assembled on conveyors which leads to increased output. This gives customers the ability to create a connected network for optimum efficiency and productivity.
Employee safety should always be at the top of your list when considering new operations. Material handling robotic arms have the ability to make a factory floor safe and efficient.
A Robotic arm for manufacturing provides a safer space for everyone involved on the floor. It also provides a producer with streamlined production by monitoring resources, so they are properly stored, easily accessible, or transported using the correct procedures. Using manufacturing robotic arms, factories have seen accelerated line times, fewer workplace accidents, and major improvements to facility efficiency.
Palletizing
Palletizing is one of the most labor-intensive jobs. While difficult for workers, the task itself is simple: load and unload products onto pallets. Using industrial robotic arms allows for consistent and accurate execution. This makes a line more productive and predictable.
Welding
Welding has always been a daunting task and the backbone of manufacturing and industry. Maneuvering bulky machinery while working with fire can put workers in harm’s way. Robots designed for welding can be found in advanced industrial factories which includes the automotive industry. The expected level of quality with metal goods is essential to survival within these niches.
Pick and Place
As factories advance their logistics, pick-and-place robotic arms deliver consistent and efficient results. Its vision machine system is able to identify individual objects and then grasp and move the product from one place to a different location. The versatility and capabilities of the latest industrial robotic arms give manufacturers the advantage of applying the machine to multiple robot applications.
Inspection
Because inspection usually occurs at the end of line (EoL), there is little data on what happens to products and machines during the journey. Upgrading to robot arm manufacturing allows users to identify problems as they happen and monitors degradation. This includes quality assurance, minimize returns, ensure proper counts, and more.
The Benefits of Industrial Robotic Arms
A robotic arm mechanism is something that all manufacturers should consider — no matter the size of your production. The benefits of industrial robotic arms are numerous. Below are some of the biggest benefits to installing new machinery in your factory.
Greater Productivity
Unlike humans, robotic arms can operate 24/7 without the need for downtime. This gives users the reassurance that production, inspections, or other jobs will meet and increase output.
Upgrades to Safety Procedures
It can’t be stated enough that worker safety should be top priority. Adopting robots and cobots is a way of machines to be an extension of human laborers. Robotic arms create a high functioning operation that eases stress on workers. Working in hazardous environments, robots can complete jobs with a high injury risk.
Real-time Flexibility
The world is in chaos, and the need for flexibility with your production line is crucial. Industrial robotic arms can rapidly be adapted to changing markets in real-time. They can also be repurposed for new activities, such as autonomous mobile robots (AMR), stationary platforms, or walls.
Ideal Precision
Robotic arms have shown to be more consistent and accurate compared to human workers. The speed at which these intelligent machines can deliver precision or quality while giving humans the chance to move on to less dull or dangerous tasks.
The considerations for robotic arms shouldn’t be taken lightly. With this knowledge, you now have a better understanding of if this technology is right for you.