The world of industrial robots is big and keeps changing with every evolving technology. There are many different robots in the market, and deciding which one to use is crucial. The types of industrial robots vary depending on the intended function.
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Research estimates that there will be over 375 million jobs lost by , with artificial intelligence displacing over 40% of the jobs worldwide over the next 15 years. Additionally, forecasts suggest significant growth in the robotics industry, with sales projected to reach $43.32 billion by . In this article, we will delve into eight types of industrial robots, examining their key features, and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of integrating them into your industry.
Assembly Robot Definition
Assembly robots are automated machines that independently perform repeated tasks in a company. They are programmed to precisely manipulate, grasp and move different components when assembling parts. Assembly robots are made of these parts:
Robotic arm: It substitutes a human arm to lift and place parts assembled in the industry.
End-effector: It enables the robots to pick up the parts once assembled.
Sensors: Guide the robots on how much pressure and where to position it.
Vision systems: Installed near the assembly robot arm to make it more precise while performing tasks.
8 Different Types Of Industrial Robots
1. Cartesian Robots
Cartesian robot systems resemble gantry or small cranes and use X, Y, and Z coordinates to move different axes. These robots look similar to and operate in the same manner as gantry cranes.
The axes work in a coordinated motion through a motion controller. Every axis is driven by a linear actuator, such as a linear motor or a ball screw which allows for accurate and independent movement.
Cartesian robots have a structure that controls the motion in the horizontal plane and a robotic arm that moves vertically. Therefore, it could be designed to move in the x-y axes or through the x, y and z axes.
The robotic arm can also move in a horizontal plane. Depending on the gantry robot's use, the robotic arm has a mechanical tool attached.
Key Features of Cartesian Robots
Cartesian robots have X, Y, and Z linear axes with a rectangular coordinate system.
Has a CNC control system.
These robots have two actuators; a linear motor and a ball screw.
The load capacity is dependent on the application.
Cartesian robots have the proper precision, allowing accurate and repetitive tasks.
Pros
They are easy to build, program, and configure.
Cons
They need a big space for operation.
2. Articulated Robots
Do you know which of the most common types of industrial robot is made to function like an arm? The only correct answer is articulated robots. Global articulated robots will reach $17 billion by . These are the most versatile and widely used types of industrial robots.
They have a series of interconnected segments, referred to as links, attached to moveable joints. The design offers dexterity and flexibility, making these specific robots perfect for industrial tasks requiring precision.
Key Features of Articulated Robots
Articulated robots have an offline programming software option.
They use three different programming languages: KAREL, KRL and RAPID.
They offer precision for all industrial applications.
Some articulated robots are so good that their speed exceeds 10 meters per second.
Pros
It allows flexibility during movement.
Performs lots of different tasks as articulated robots can work at high speeds.
Easy to align to multiple planes, thus improving versatility.
Cons
Articulated robots are complex in nature and, thus, expensive to manufacture and operate.
Since these types of industrial robots have multiple joints, the programming aspect is complicated.
3. SCARA Robots
Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arms (SCARA) are known for their speed and accuracy. The precision is on the next level and is ideal for tasks within a single plane. The layout consists of two rotary joints, sophisticated control software and a linear joint.
SCARA achieves the right results through joint configuration that allows for high rigidity and flexibility on the horizontal plane.
Key Features of SCARA Robots
Lightning-fast speed.
It has a joint configuration with one linear joint and two rotary joints.
These robots have advanced servo motors and path planning.
Pros
They offer superior high-speed performance.
These robots offer high rigidity and accuracy for all tasks.
There are many options, as these models are made for different applications.
Cons
Even though they offer high speeds, SCARA robots limit their payload.
These robots have restricted workspace. Therefore, you are limited to the size of operations that these gadgets can handle.
4. Polar Robots
These are also called spherical robots. They have a combination of linear joints and rotational joints. With these robots, you are in a position to create spherical working space for any industrial operations. It is essential to know that the first-ever industrial robots were polar robots.
Key Features of Polar Robots
They are spherical.
The robots have an exciting structure with two rotational joints for horizontal and vertical rotation and one robotic arm extension.
Pro
These robots have good lifting abilities thanks to their sturdy joints.
Cons
Since polar robots have a complicated design, the initial investment and operations are quite expensive.
These robots take up considerable space due to their bulky design.
Polar robots also have a complicated design, which makes it hard to understand their operation at first.
5. Collaborative Robots
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These are also called cobots due to their ability to work collaboratively with humans. Such types of industrial robots can simultaneously collaborate with people and also handle automated tasks. Cobots have built-in sensors to detect humans and obstacles, making them safe for any working environment.
Key Features of Collaborative Robots
They have linear and rotational joints.
The robots use Ruby, GUIs and touch interfaces.
Pros
They are safe to operate since cobots have a safety feature to protect those around them.
There is flexibility in reconfiguring these collaborative robots.
Cobots have user-friendly software for individuals who do not have enough experience with robots.
Cons
Since cobots have many safety features, these industrial robots have a high initial investment.
The speed is limited since that's the right way to keep humans safe.
These types of industrial robots require approval since each country has its own rules on how robots should operate.
6. Delta Robots
These types of manufacturing robots are also called spider robots and are designed with a triangular frame. The rigid triangular frames are mounted above the working area, and each robotic arm hosts a high-torque servo motor. Most of these robots' weight is connected to the base, thus keeping the parts moving smoothly. The delta robots market analysis between and shows that it will increase by $1.41 billion depending on demand, safety, applications, and technological advancements in the delta robots world.
Key Features of Delta Robots
Delta robots use TwinCAT, CodeSYS, and GUI programming systems.
They have a triangular frame structure.
Pro
Offer fast speed and acceleration since the parts are lightweight bars.
Con
It is impossible for Delta robots to move around heavy items, therefore, do not purchase one if all your tasks are involving.
7. Cylindrical Robots
It is an industrial robot with a prismatic joint at the arm and a rotating joint at the base. Cylindrical robots have three axes of motion. The arm can move up and down and expand to form a cylindrical working space.
Key Features of Cylindrical Robots
Cylindrical robots use different programming systems, including graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
They use different types of controls, including servo controls, force control and encoders.
Pro
Cylindrical robots have a huge load capacity and can easily carry heavy objects.
Cons
Movement limitations exist with cylindrical robots since they can only move objects from one plane to the next.
Cylindrical robots occupy lots of space, making them less popular in most industries.
8. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
AMRs represent the true definition of how fast the industrial robotic industry is growing. The worldwide market for commercial service robots will grow to 33.8 billion in the next 10 years. The majority of them come in different sizes and shapes depending on their task.
They include:
Wheeled carts
Autonomously guided vehicles (AGVs)
Legged robots
Spherical robots
Flying robots, also called aerial drones
Underwater robots
Key Features of Autonomous Mobile Robots
AMRs utilize advanced sensors, cameras, and algorithms that provide the robot with information about its surroundings.
AMRs are connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing for real-time data exchange and integration with other systems.
Pros
AMRs reduce human involvement in dangerous environments, enhancing workplace safety.
Easily scalable to match increasing production demands without extensive infrastructure changes.
AMRs can work continuously without breaks, increasing overall efficiency and productivity.
Cons
The upfront investment for purchasing and implementing AMRs can be a substantial amount.
Connected AMRs could be vulnerable to cyber-attacks if not properly secured.
Industrial Robotic Application
Different types of industrial robots are versatile and easy to program making them applicable in various industries. That includes:
Picking and placing: The robotic arm is fitted with a vision device to identify different components from a conveyor belt, thus allowing it to select and sort different items.
Welding: If you need precision welding services and are interested in industrial robots, these robots work perfectly. These linear robots with welding arms can achieve accurate welds in precise locations.
Application of adhesive: Most companies use sealants and adhesives between parts. The robots are ideal for applying sealants or adhesives in precise quantities and in the correct location.
Assembling different systems: Assembling means you might have to do one test repeatedly to put parts together for industrial application. Linear robots are perfect for repeated applications.
Add Industrial Robots To Your Company
Choosing the right industrial robots for your company depends on both the specific application and budget considerations.
Options range from collaborative robots (cobots) to articulated robots and delta robots, each offering distinct advantages and drawbacks. Understanding their key features and weighing these against your operational needs will help you make informed decisions for integrating automation into your processes.
In addition, incorporating force torque sensors into robotic systems enhances their functionality and safety. These sensors enable robots to perceive and respond to external forces, allowing for precise and adaptable interactions in tasks like assembly, material handling, and quality control.
By providing real-time feedback on forces and torques, these sensors optimize performance, improve accuracy, and facilitate safer human-robot collaboration. Embracing this technology can significantly elevate your company's productivity and competitiveness in today's evolving industrial landscape.
An industrial robot commonly refers to a robot arm used in a factory environment for manufacturing applications. Traditional industrial robots can be classified according to different criteria such as type of movement (degrees of freedom), application (manufacturing process), architecture (serial or parallel) and brand. Then there is also a new qualifier for industrial robots that can be collaborative or not. This article presents the different classifications with some examples.
Industrial robots with different types of movements
Cartesian robots are robots that can do 3 translations using linear slides.
Scara robots are robots that can do 3 translations plus a rotation around a vertical axis.
6-axis robots are robots that can fully position their tool in a given position (3 translations) and orientation (3 orientations)
Redundant robots can also fully position their tool in a given position. But while 6-axis robots can only have one posture for one given tool position, redundant robots can accommodate a given tool position under different postures. This is just like the human arm that can hold a fixed handle while moving the shoulder and elbow joints.
Dual-arm robots are composed of two arms that can work together on a given work piece.
The type of movement is dictated by the arrangement of joints (placement and type) and linkages.
Industrial robots for different applications
The application is the type of work that the robot is designed to do. Robot models are created with specific applications or processes in mind. Different applications will have different requirements. For instance, a painting robot will require a small payload but a large movement range and be explosion proof. On the other hand, an assembly robot will have a small workspace but will be very precise and fast. Depending on the target application, the industrial robot will have a specific type of movement, linkage dimension, control law, software and accessory packages. Below are some types of applications:
Welding robots
Material handling robots
Painting robot
Assembly robot
Serial robots are the most common. They are composed of a series of joints and linkages that go from the base to the robot tool.
Parallel robots come in many forms. Some call them spider robots. Parallel industrial robots are made in such a way that you can close loops from the base, to the tool and back to the base again. It's like many arms working together with the robot tool. Parallel industrial robots typically have a smaller workspace (try to move your arms around while holding your hands together vs the space you can reach with a free arm) but higher accelerations, as the actuators don't need to be moved: they all sit at the base.
There are many industrial robot brands. The largest ones will have a complete range of robots for different applications and at different sizes. The smallest companies usually target a specific size or application range. Examples of industrial robot brands are:
To summarize all of the above, it is possible to have for instance:
Scara movement, packaging, parallel, ABB robot
6-axis, welding, serial, Motoman robot
There is a new qualifier that has just recently been used to classify an industrial robot, that is to say if it can collaborate with its human co-workers. Collaborative robots are made in such a way that they respect some safety standards so that they cannot hurt a human. While traditional industrial robots generally need to be fenced off away from human co-workers for safety reasons. Collaborative robots can be used in the same environment as humans. They can also usually be taught instead of programmed by an operator. Examples of collaborative robots are:
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