The industry has seen great progress in recent years, achieving improvements in production, reduced work times, lower costs and increased worker safety. In this context, industrial robots have played a fundamental role in the automation of industrial processes. In this article, we tell you a little more about what industrial robots are.
What are industrial robots?
Industrial robots are those that are specifically designed to automate processes in industry. They can be programmed to perform repetitive, high-precision or dangerous tasks on production lines. These robots can be controlled by operators or programmed to operate autonomously.
They are characterized by their versatility, since they can carry out very simple or complex tasks with great precision, which improves efficiency and reduces errors.
The first industrial robot
The first industrial robot, considered as such, was designed in 1953. It was a hydraulic arm called Unimate, which was used to lift industrial loads. General Motors acquired this robot for its assembly line.
Created by George Devol, Unimate marked the beginning of automation in industry. Throughout the 20th century, new machines and devices capable of performing tasks automatically were developed, leading to the evolution of industrial robots.
The implementation of industrial robots has had a great impact on the industry, allowing the automation of tasks that were previously performed by people. This has not only improved safety, but has also optimized production times and costs, especially in those activities that do not require human creativity or reasoning once programmed.
Types of industrial robots
There are different types of industrial robots. Below we will tell you about some of them, which are very common in all industries.
Articulated robots
These robots are the most widely used in industry, especially in heavy manufacturing processes and assembly tasks, thanks to their versatility and ability to perform complex tasks. Their design is based on articulated arms with several axes, usually between 2 and 10, although the most common have 6. These axes allow them to make wide movements and reach hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to their structure, they can perform operations that require precision and flexibility, similar to the movements of a human arm.
Cartesian robots
They are named after their operation based on the Cartesian coordinate system, that is, on the linear axes X, Y and Z. They are inexpensive and simple robots, limited to straight paths and right angles.
Thanks to their simple structure, they are very effective in applications such as loading and unloading processes or in high-precision tasks such as cutting and engraving.
SCARA Robots
SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) robots are designed with two horizontal axes, allowing them to perform fast and precise movements. These types of robots are suitable for simple tasks that require high flexibility, such as assembly and material handling.
Delta Robots
They have a parallel arm configuration, which is why they look similar to a spider. These arms are connected to a central structure that provides them with great stability. They are small, fast and highly efficient, making them ideal for tasks that require speed and precision. Their main application is in pick and place processes, where they are responsible for moving objects quickly and accurately.
Colavorative robots
They are designed with robotic arms that perform repetitive tasks, but with the particularity of being completely safe to work alongside people. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots are designed to operate together with workers in the same workspace, without the need for safety barriers to integrate them into production chains. They allow workers to be freed from monotonous or even dangerous tasks for people, and they perform tasks with precision, which optimizes production and improves safety.
What applications do industrial robots have?
Industrial robots have a wide range of applications in various industrial sectors, due to their great versatility, precision and ability to adapt to the specific needs of each industry:
- Automotive: Industrial robots can perform tasks such as assembling parts, welding components, and painting in the paint booth.
- Electronics: They are capable of assembling circuits and electronic devices.
- Logistics: They can perform product handling tasks, including sorting, packaging, packing and transporting products.
- Textile: They carry out fabric cutting, garment assembly and other sewing processes.
- Aerospace: They participate in the manufacturing of aircraft components, assembly and testing.
Conclusion
Today, the possibilities of industrial robots continue to expand and offer more and more opportunities, especially with the arrival and integration of artificial intelligence. These advances open up a range of possibilities, as they allow for the incorporation of more sophisticated algorithms and new capabilities in industrial robotics.
At Automach, we know the importance of optimizing and improving production processes. If you want to boost the efficiency and competitiveness of your company and take your production processes to the next level, do not hesitate to contact us.