Main Types of Robot Joints
Robotic arms allow workcells to learn to pick, place, and package goods during production. Many businesses have witnessed the benefits of automation firsthand, which includes swifter intelligent processes and reducing the risk of injury in a warehouse.
Industrial robot production has become the go-to solution for manufacturers around the world. Intelligent machines have provided levels of productivity not seen in the past. The robot arm joints that make up this hardware are the building blocks to constructing the factories of the future.
Robotic arms allow workcells to learn to pick, place, and package goods during production. Many businesses have witnessed the benefits of automation firsthand, which includes swifter intelligent processes and reducing the risk of injury in a warehouse.
Switching to a factory semi-run by robot production can be tricky to understand. Joints of a robot are built with features such as robot finger joints, body, wrist, and end effector, which have specialized jobs to make a workcell run seamlessly.
There are five primary types of robot joints that offer varying levels of flexibility and speed. This article will introduce all the basics you should know before upgrading your factory floor.
What are Robot Joints?
This first thing many think of when they hear about an arm robot design is an articulated robot. This machine is arm-like equipment with rotary joints found on a production line. Articulated robots can range from simple two-jointed machines to an entire control system orchestrating 10 or more interacting joints.
Robot arms joints are made up of numerous links that connect to each other. This gives workcells the ability to move in a range of motions and share results with designated points. This technology uses these links, or rigid members, to communicate functions of each joint.
Robotics joints, also referred to as axes, are crucial to a production line. Each connection is essential to directing movements. When applying this type of machinery, it is important to understand how to assure your manipulator is installed correctly. These types of robots must occupy the proper space to prevent interference.
Real-world examples of the benefits of this technology can be seen with robots like Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA). Companies like RIOS Intelligent Machines are deploying SCARA to mimic the motions of a human arm in a fixed position. Robotic workcells are often used to complete tasks such as palletizing, assembly, and packaging.
The combination of arms and joints allows a floor to run at maximum efficiency. Below we will discuss the types of arm robot design to consider and how they will fit best on different factory floors.
What joints are used in robots?
As intelligent machines become more complicated, it is essential to understand what you are purchasing. On top of new machinery, producers now have numerous options for mechanical joints. Based on your applications, there are a range of motions available to complete what is required of it with tools like hand joints robot.
There are a number of mechanical joints to choose from when making the decision to upgrade. For example, the model selected will affect flexibility and motion. Here are the main five types of mechanical joints:
Linear Joint
Linear joints work as the name implies. Also known as an L joint, the joints run in a linear motion to each other. Using this sliding motion, it allows input and output to use translational motion. These joints are frequently used with SCARA robots.
Orthogonal
Referred to as the O-joint, orthogonals use input and output links to achieve desired motion. Movement such as this is considered a translational sliding motion. This is another type of linear moving joint except that the orthogonal joints create a perpendicular output link to the input.
Rotational
Rotational joints utilize a number of rotational relative motions. This allows robot manipulators to oversee multiple workspaces. The joint’s axis of rotation runs perpendicular to the axes of the input and output links. These rotational joints are also known as type R joints.
Twisting
Nicknamed type T, twisting joints produce rotary motions. As with the case of rotational joints, the axis rotation is perpendicular to the two links. This joint is capable of using rotary movement with a certain degree of rotation when active.
Revolving
Revolving joints differ from its peers. This type V joint is equipped with rotational motion between two links. The coordinate system is designed to have the input line run parallel while output runs perpendicular.
Once you understand your needs, robotic arms can increase your productivity and efficiency. The faster your line can move, the higher the profits you’ll see.