Robotics can enhance your manufacturing project by automating tasks, improving quality, reducing costs, and increasing productivity. But how do you choose the best robotics tools for your specific needs and goals? In this article, we will explore some of the most common and useful robotics tools for manufacturing, and how to apply them to your project.
Industrial robots are machines that can perform complex and repetitive tasks, such as welding, painting, assembling, or packaging. They can work faster, more accurately, and more safely than human workers, and can operate in harsh or hazardous environments. Industrial robots can be classified into different types, such as articulated, cartesian, cylindrical, or SCARA, depending on their structure and movement. To use industrial robots for your manufacturing project, you need to consider factors such as the size, shape, weight, and orientation of the products, the speed and precision required, the available space and layout, and the integration with other systems and devices.
first of all , it depends on what the market demand is for manufacturing ? secondly , what is the cost and is manufacturing short or long term ? third can be really market the product and have a distinctive quality ?
Depends on several factors such as geography, industry, cost of labor to name a few. If you are working in a low cost of labor market, investing highly in automation and robotics may not be the most economical way. If you are in a market with high cost of labor, automation would be the way to go. Then you need to consider the sort of goods you are going to manufacture. Are they small components which cannot be fully automated then you might need collaborative robots that can interact with humans for humans to work side-by-side with robots.
When choosing an industrial robots, there are many parameters to consider like the payload and the reach etc. The manufacturers provide also tools to help choosing the correct robot
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are robots that can work alongside human workers, complementing their skills and abilities. They are designed to be flexible, adaptable, and easy to program and reprogram, and to have safety features that prevent injuries or accidents. Collaborative robots can perform tasks such as picking and placing, sorting, inspecting, or testing, and can also assist human workers with ergonomics, guidance, or feedback. To use collaborative robots for your manufacturing project, you need to consider factors such as the level and type of interaction, the task complexity and variability, the human factors and preferences, and the safety and ethical implications.
Cobots are easy to use. Most of them come with integrated force and vision sensors. They can be integrated without the need for a fence or sophisticated safety devices. From the other side, Cobots have also their limitations in terms of speed and payload
Mobile robots are robots that can move autonomously or semi-autonomously in a given environment, using sensors, cameras, or GPS to navigate and avoid obstacles. They can transport materials, products, or tools within or between facilities, or perform tasks such as scanning, mapping, or monitoring. Mobile robots can increase efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, and reduce labor and transportation costs. To use mobile robots for your manufacturing project, you need to consider factors such as the terrain and infrastructure, the load and distance, the communication and coordination, and the security and privacy.
Robot arms are robotic devices that mimic the structure and function of a human arm, with joints, links, and end-effectors. They can manipulate objects, tools, or materials with precision and dexterity, and can perform tasks such as cutting, drilling, soldering, or gluing. Robot arms can be mounted on fixed bases, mobile platforms, or human bodies, and can be controlled by remote operators, sensors, or software. To use robot arms for your manufacturing project, you need to consider factors such as the degrees of freedom, the payload and reach, the accuracy and repeatability, and the control and feedback.
Robot vision is the technology that enables robots to perceive and understand their surroundings, using cameras, sensors, or scanners. It can enhance the capabilities and performance of robots, by allowing them to recognize, locate, inspect, or measure objects, features, or defects. Robot vision can also enable robots to adapt to changing conditions, learn from experience, or interact with humans or other robots. To use robot vision for your manufacturing project, you need to consider factors such as the lighting and contrast, the resolution and quality, the processing and analysis, and the integration and calibration.
AI has taken robot vision to a different level .. With AI-based vision there is no need for complicated model teaching . The user can easily setup the vision process and add new parts. Connecting the camera system to the robot became simple as well with the new communication standards
Robot simulation is the process of creating and testing virtual models of robots, tasks, and environments, using software tools such as CAD, CAM, or VR. It can help you design, optimize, and validate your robotics solutions, by allowing you to visualize, experiment, and evaluate different scenarios, parameters, or outcomes. Robot simulation can also help you reduce errors, risks, and costs, and increase quality, performance, and safety. To use robot simulation for your manufacturing project, you need to consider factors such as the realism and accuracy, the scalability and complexity, the usability and accessibility, and the compatibility and interoperability.
Believe that robotic assisted work only needed for automation of agreed process, or agreed work load made specifically for non-human interaction possible. We already see more and more robotic work in various industries. If it’s done correctly, it’s amazing and definitely mind opening.