The introduction of robotics in the world of automation has provided industries with innovative solutions to streamline operations and address the pre-existing gaps. This has created a safer workspace environment for individuals, by letting machines carry out mundane, repetitive and dangerous tasks that require intense labour.
The incorporation of robotics has also led to reduction in operation costs due to decreased labour expenses and higher production rates with minimised errors.
Overall, robotics is changing the face of automation by giving manufacturing companies a competitive edge in terms of productivity, efficiency and safety.
What is an Industrial Robotic Arm?
Robotic arms, also known as robotic manipulators, mimic the movements of a human arm. They are highly versatile and can be programmed to carry out various tasks that require arduous labour, with precision and accuracy. Serving a wide range of functions, robotic arms can be redesigned and equipped to meet the varying necessities and demands within industrial environments.
Some common tasks performed by industrial robotic arms include material handling, assembly, welding, painting, pick and place operations, packaging, quality control, and even intricate surgical procedures in the medical field.
The robotic arm typically consists of several interconnected segments known as links, which are connected by joints that allow for movement. The end of the robotic arm features an end effector, that features as grippers or complex tools depending on the task at hand.
Understanding the Types of Industrial Robotic Arms
As robots are becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives, the variety of robotic arms are increasing.
SCARA Robotic Arms: Ideal for High-Speed, Repeatable Actions
SCARA stands for “Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm” that is ideal for conducting assembly tasks, pick-and-place operations, material handling, packaging, testing, and other tasks that require accuracy and speed.
The first successful SCARA robot was launched in 1981, developed under Hiroshi Makino. This variety of robotic arm has a high level of rigidity in certain directions while being compliant or flexible in others, making them ideal for applications that require precise positioning and controlled movements.
SCARA robots are very versatile, offering impressive positional accuracy with faster cycle times.
Cartesian Robotic Arms: Linear Precision in Automation
Cartesian Robots are widely used in various industries for tasks that require precise linear movements, heavy payload handling, and automation in a specific workspace. It assembles the XYZ axes at three joints orthogonal to each other.
The linear movement along three axes makes this robotic arm well-suited for applications that involve moving objects from one point to another in a straight line. This has made cartesian robotic arm highly suitable for tasks that demand accuracy and high levels of precision.
Cartesian robots are commonly employed in tasks such as material handling, welding, assembly, CNC machining, and 3D printing.
Delta Robotic Arms: Precision in High-Speed Pick and Place
This variety of robots was developed in 1980’s by Reymond Clavel but gained popularity until a decade ago. Delta robots are also known as parallel link robots due to their parallel arm design.
Delta robots hold a triangular base with arms that can move in all three dimensions and are eventually attached to a central end effector. Known for their precise positioning accuracy, Delta robots are suitable for applications that require exacting tolerances. They excel in tasks such as pick-and-place operations, packaging, sorting, and assembly.
The application of Delta arms falls under industries that include industrial automation, medical and pharmaceuticals as well as food and beverage. Apart from this modified versions of delta robots are also used in 3D printing.
Articulated Robotic Arms: Versatile Motion for Complex Tasks
Articulated robotic arm is the most widely used and common robotic arm with 5 or more joints/degrees of freedom.
The design of articulated robotic arms is inspired by the human arm’s structure, allowing them to mimic human movements to a certain extent. This makes them well-suited for tasks that require intricate manipulation or tasks in environments designed for humans.
These robotic arms are fundamental components of automation in various industries due to their flexibility, adaptability, and ability to perform complex tasks.
Cylindrical Robots: Compact Automation Solution
Cylindrical robot arms have a single arm that goes up and down a vertical stick. The stick can also make the arm move around horizontally. The arm can stretch out and come back in to do its job. These robots are small and are used for simple tasks.
This kind of robotic arm is created using a rotating shaft and a stretchable arm that can move up and down and slide back and forth.
The cylindrical robot has a single rotary axis at their base for rotation, and two linear axes for adjusting height and extending the arm.
Benefits and Considerations in Choosing the Right Robotic Arm for Your Automation Needs
Dexterity is the cornerstone of robotic arms, determining their ability to perform intricate and precise tasks with varying degrees of motions. Apart from this, one of the major factors that conclude the efficiency of a robotic arm is good payload capacity, that is carried out with efficiency, without compromising much on speed or quality. Depending on the industry, what is also sometimes an important determinant of material handling is whether a robot can work in an environment seamlessly with humans. In this case, cobots play a significant role as they can easily handle tasks that are carried out in a hybrid work environment.
Certain considerations to keep in mind while choosing a Robotic Arm:
- Ease of Integration:
A robot design with slim arms can be easily integrated into a workspace. This compact design plays a key role in saving you shopfloor space whilst saving interference from other equipment.
- Affordable & Easy Programming:
Make sure that the robotic arm uses a programming software that is available offline, and does not require expensive features not specific to needs. Look for arms that offer intuitive programming interfaces, making it easier to teach the robot tasks and optimise its performance.
- Low Energy Consumption:
Make sure that the entire robotic system requires low energy consumption. Slim and lightweight robotic arms require less power as their motors seek less electrical current.
- Safety Codes:
Consider the safety features of the robotic arm to prevent unnecessary collisions and implement emergency stop mechanisms to disallow accidents. These safety codes ensure employee protection and limit the company’s liability.
- Documented MTBF:
Most importantly, a robotic arm must be reliable. This functionality and reliability is specified in the Mean Time Between Failures(MTBF) documentation provided by manufacturers.
- High maximum allowable moment of inertia:
Choose a robotic arm with a maximum allowable moment of inertia to determine strong capacity for handling force. A higher value means the arm can lift and move objects more easily, reducing strain on its motors and increasing its durability over time.
- Continuous duty cycle time:
Always determine the continuous duty cycles of your robotic arm. Check whether the robotic cycles are continuous or whether they can only be operated on short bursts of less than an hour as this can slow the speed of the robotic arm.
- Accuracy and Precision:
Depending on your application, accuracy and precision requirements can vary. Choose a robotic arm that meets your desired level of accuracy for tasks like assembly, machining, or inspection.
- Choose and experienced robotic arm manufacturer:
Reach out for a manufacturer that has experience and reputation when it comes to robotic arm manufacturing. A manufacturer that provides comprehensive solutions at every stage can easily tackle any setbacks that may arise.
Industries that makes use of Robotic Arms for various purposes
Depending on the industry, robotic arms can conduct tasks depending on their variety and functionality for smooth operation processes. Some industries where robotic arms are widely used are as follows:
- Aerospace
- Automation
- Automotive
- Defence
- Drones
- Energy
- Electric Vehicle
- General Engineering
- Medical Technology
- Robotics
- Turbine Blades
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceuticals
The Most Common Applications Conducted by Robotic Arms
Robotic arms are shaping the future of technology with versatile applications across industries. The most common applications include:
- Palletizing
- Material Handling
- Inspection
- Welding
- Pick and Place
- Painting
- Assembly
- Cutting
- Dispensing
- Packaging
Contact Karkhana.io for more information on Robotic Arms
Are you still deciding which robotic arm is right for your specific industry needs? Contact Karkhana.io today to help you assist in meeting the applications that fall under your industry and choose the robotic arm that will seamlessly carry out your processes.
Karkhana.io is a flexible and scalable manufacturing solutions provider that can cater to all your manufacturing needs. Our flexible manufacturing services enable us to service client orders of all sorts, from small batches to large volumes. We also help our clients in solving complex product assembly and localisation setbacks.
Our extensive, cutting-edge solutions offer manufacturing services that encompass CNC machining, 3D printing, Sheet metal fabrication, Injection moulding, and Vacuum casting.
If you’re looking for a robotics arms components manufacturer that meets the technical capabilities whilst incorporating quality control systems, contact us today! Optimise your operations with Karkhana.io‘s expertise in manufacturing high performance components that meet industry standards.
Let us help you reach the optimal outcome for all your manufacturing requirements. To get started, simply email Alay Shah on alay@karkhana.io with your specifications or fill out the form below.
