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工业机器人 - 终极指南

工业机器人是指专门用作制造机器人的一类机器人 .它们是自动化和可编程的,具有沿三个或更多轴移动的能力。简而言之,他们有机械臂 可以四处旋转。这些工业机器人的典型工作 参与的工作包括焊接、其他机械喷漆、组装、包装和贴标签等工作。

截至 2020 年,全球各行业约有 164 万台机器人在运行。 工业机器人的历史 可追溯到 1937 年,当时已知的第一种机器人形式是一种类似起重机的装置,该装置使用 Meccano 零件组装并由电机提供动力。

预计到2030年,工业机器人将取代人类超过2000万个工作岗位。 机器人制造公司 正在努力想出新的创新来实现这个梦想。

目录

什么是工业机器人?

来源:Pixabay

工业机器人是一种带有机械臂的可编程机械设备 它可以代替人类执行被认为风险太大或重复性太强的任务,但准确度要高得多。它们是精心设计的机器,带有运动部件,每个部件都具有独特的功能。

虽然制造一个工业机器人的成本 一直很高,与人类相比,使用它们有更大的好处,因为它们消除了支付员工工资的需要。最重要的是,他们不会感到疲倦,这意味着他们可以偶尔在维护季节之间连续运行几天。

工业机器人的类型

如前所述,工业机器人是为特定角色而设计的。编程为处理焊接的机器人不能处理油漆或包装。这些功能上的变化有助于分离工业机器人 分为不同的类型。目前,工业机器人可分为以下主要类型。

铰接式机器人

来源:Pinterest

铰接式机器人是最常见的工业机器人类型。他们有一个工厂机械臂 设计成人类手臂的形式,通过扭转关节在关节处连接。手臂中的连杆通过旋转接头连接在一起,旋转接头通常从两个到十个不等。

关节提供运动自由,允许机器人手臂 在不折断的情况下向任何方向转动。总之,铰接式机械臂有六个关节,使其成为所有工业机器人中最灵活的。这就是为什么它们被最广泛使用的原因。

优点

  • 它具有很高的速度,非常适合需要速度同时保持高精度的工业工作。
  • 它占用的地面空间有限。
  • 与其他类型相比,对齐多个平面要容易得多。
  • 由于它们的许多轴使手臂可以在任何方向上自由移动,因此它们非常灵活。
  • 铰接式机械臂可以处理超出其设计核心功能的多项任务。这使它们成为简化制造流程的最佳选择。

缺点

  • 归根结底,它们并不那么简单。它们需要专用的机器人控制器。
  • 他们的编程非常复杂,有时只能由在操作方面经验丰富的人来运行。
  • 涉及许多复杂的运动学。
  • 工业机器人成本太高,尤其是它的制造成本。

工业应用

  • 食品包装
  • 这是一个机器人焊接臂
  • 物料搬运
  • 机器照料
  • 钢材切割
  • 锻压应用
  • 汽车组装
  • 钢桥制造。

笛卡尔机器人

来源:Pinterest

笛卡尔机器人,也称为直线/龙门机器人 , 是工业机器人 矩形配置的类型。它们带有三个棱柱形关节,可提供线性运动,当它在三个垂直轴上滑动时会产生线性运动。在其他时候,他们配备了手腕,使旋转运动成为可能。 工业自动化制造商广泛使用笛卡尔机器人 ,主要是因为它们的简单性和灵活性,这使得它们非常适合独特的任务。

优点

  • 它提供高定位精度。
  • 它的简单性使它更容易操作。任何了解其工作原理的人都可以进行设置。
  • 编程要容易得多。
  • 它是高度可定制的,使其成为您想要切换到其他任务时的理想机器。
  • 它可以处理重负载。
  • 生产一个要便宜得多。

缺点

  • 由于其尺寸和运动范围,它需要很大的操作和安装区域。
  • 尽管操作简单,但其组装过于复杂。
  • 它一次只能朝一个方向移动。

工业应用

  • 装卸重物。
  • 拾放机器人操作。
  • 组装和子组装。
  • 材料处理。
  • 粘合剂应用。
  • 处理核材料。

SCARA 机器人

SCARA 是 Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm 的首字母缩写,它是一种工业机器人,其工作信封形状像甜甜圈。 SCARA 机械臂 有两个平行接头,可在一处提供顺应性。它的旋转移位垂直定位,末端执行器固定在水平移动的手臂上。

SCARA 机器人 专门从事横向运动,因此,它们主要用作组装机器人 .与圆柱机器人和笛卡尔机器人相比,SCARA 机器人速度更快,集成更容易。

优点

  • 它们非常适合快速和重复的点对点运动,非常适合用作汽车装配线机器人。
  • 它有一个很大的工作区。
  • 它们非常准确。

缺点

  • SCARA 机器人需要专用的工业机器人控制器。
  • 由于其设计和形状,它仅限于平面。
  • 离线编程具有挑战性。

工业应用

  • 装配应用。
  • 处理半导体晶片。
  • 生物医学应用。
  • 包装和标签。
  • 它是码垛机器人手臂。
  • 机器装载。

Delta 机器人

Delta 机器人由通过公共底座连接的平行关节连杆组成。也称为平行连杆机器人,它们更容易控制,因为每个关节都相对于末端执行器定位。这为 Delta 机器人提供了高速运动,使其成为涉及大批量制造的工作的理想选择。

Delta 机器人有一个圆顶形外壳,这种设计可以减轻手臂内的重量,这最终是高速的原因。它们主要用于取放自动化 .它们被编程为与其他机器完美同步工作以利用速度;否则,如果像传送带给机器人喂料之类的东西慢一点,那将是一场灾难。

优点

  • 它们是高速机器。由于其设计,典型的 Delta 机器人比 SCARA 机器人快 30%。
  • 尽管它们的速度很高,但它们具有很高的操作精度。
  • 它们具有高生产率输出。他们每秒最多可以处理 3 个零件。
  • 它们是重复和高速工作的更安全选择,这对人类来说可能是危险的。

缺点

  • 他们有很多活动部件,这太复杂了。
  • Requires a dedicated robot controller.

Industrial Application

  • Food industry.
  • Pharmaceutical industry.
  • Electronic industry.
  • Automobile industry.
  • Optical Fiber alignment.

Polar Robots

Source:blog.technavio.com

Polar robots are made of a twisting joint that connects the arm with the base and two rotary joints plus a single linear joint. Due to their spherical work envelope, Polar robots are also called Spherical robots. Another unique design feature in these robots is their centrally pivoting shaft and an extendable, rotating robotic arm . It also has a gun turret configuration that covers a very large volume of space when operational.

Pros

  • They have an extensive reach, with the ability to swing 360 degrees.
  • They can also be able to reach for objects directly above and below them.
  • They can handle a large volume of work.
  • They require very little floor space.

Cons

  • Although it can reach for objects above it, the vertical reach is limited, and it can not do it by itself without a controller.
  • It has very low accuracy and does not do so well when it comes to repetitive tasks.
  • It requires a very sophisticated control system.
  • It is slowly being phased out.

Industrial Application

  • Handling of glass.
  • Die casting.
  • Stacking and unstacking.
  • Forging.
  • Welding robot.
  • Material handling.
  • Injection molding.

Cylindrical Robots

Source:industrial-electronics.com

Cylindrical robots possess a single rotary joint at their bases and another prismatic joint connecting the inks. They have a cylindrical working space, hence their name, that comes with a pivoting shaft and an extendable robotic arm that moves by sliding vertically. This unique movement affords the robots, both vertical and horizontal movements.

The arm is also designed to allow the robot to reach tight work envelopes without any loss of speed or repeatability. Cylindrical robots are ideal for tasks that involve the picking or materials from the ground thanks to their advanced pick and place robotic arm.

Pros

  • They are simple to operate and install.
  • They require minimal assembly to start running.
  • They can reach all around without any issue.
  • They require very little floor space.
  • They can handle large loads.

Cons

  • They have low accuracy levels.
  • They have become outdated too quickly.

Industrial Application

  • Transport of LCD panels.
  • Robotic assembly systems.
  • Coating applications.
  • Die casting.
  • Foundry and forging application.
  • Machine loading and unloading.

Cobots

Source:Pinterest

There is a more recent version of industrial robots in use today that is worth mentioning here. Collaborative Robots are industrial robots that can work alongside humans without any need for stringent safety barriers. They have a rounded design and are equipped with special sensors that give them the ability to always know where humans are to give them the space to assist workers.

Pros

  • They are able to work side by side with human workers increasing their efficiency
  • They can be repurposed easily which means they can be moved to another job quickly.
  • They cost much less to build compared to the other types of robots

Cons

  • They are very slow because speed has been sacrificed for human safety.
  • They have a low payload capacity, again because of safety issues.

Industrial Application

  • Machine tending.
  • Assembly of movable parts.
  • 打包。
  • Vision systems.

How Do Robotic Arms Work?


Robotic arms are designed based on the human arm, and they work almost in the same manner. How a robotic arm works depends on the task it has been designed for. In general, however, there is a specific way that all robotic arms function. They all depend on joints for movements and are equipped with other features that make this possible, sensors, for instance.

To get a better view of how they work, we must know the industrial robot parts that make up the robotic arm. They include the following:

Controllers

Source:Pinterest

Industrial robot controllers are the brains of the robot. They are the processors that carry the executable program that determines the movements that the robotic arm makes. They can either be automatically programmed or allow for manual operations by a qualified technician. In some places, they take the form of huge computer systems, and at times they are reduced to a simple joystick.

Arms

This is the part that does the actual work. It consists of three main parts:the shoulder, the elbow, and the wrist, just like humans. All these three parts are linked to each other through axes and joints controlled by the central processor, the controller. Each part has to move in relation to the other for efficiency to be attained.

End Effector

Source:Pinterest

This is the part that performs the functions of the hand. Most times, A robot end effector is made up of two claws that hold objects by closing and opening automatically. Some can spin and make maneuvering movements when holding or moving objects.

Drives

Source:Pinterest

These are the motors between the joints that control the maneuvers and the movements of the robot arms . They usually use belts that are replicas of the ones found in car engines.

Why Do You Need Robotic Arms?

Source:Pinterest

Industrial robotics companies have been on the rise in the last two decades, and as time progresses, so are the technological advancements in the robot world. Soon, we will have robots performing all the work around us. As much as they are causing disruptions as far as human labor is concerned, there is no denying that robots have made life much easier.

The following are some of the advantages of using industrial robotic arms .

Improved Worker Safety

Construction jobs are labor-intensive, and they involve a lot of heavy machinery that can pose a danger to human workers. Being exposed to harmful chemicals can also have a detrimental impact on people’s health. Industrial robotic arms have greatly reduced this risk as they can work in any condition since they are inanimate machines. They can handle repetitive work without losing focus even for a second.

Decreased Costs

Although the initial cost of acquiring a robot can be high, the long term benefits are huge. On top of scrapping the need for salaries, time offs, and other accruing benefits, robots are not prone to errors. The losses that factories have suffered due to the destruction of machines and products out of human negligence are things of the past.

Increased Productivity

What used to take days to achieve can now be attained within hours. The thing with human labor, it is prone to burn out, and rest is necessary. The only way you can keep production running for 24hrs is through shifts. Robots, on the other hand, can run for days without taking a single break. An intelligent assembly work cell can put in work that is equivalent to 4 people working at the same time.

Better Product Quality

Humans cannot replicate the accuracy and precision involved when robots are part of the production process. Robots used in manufacturing are guided by laser-sharp guidance technologies, which means every cut and measurement they make is right on the money. Articulated robots , for example, are the embodiment of accuracy in the robot world. Better accuracy translates to products with higher qualities.

Reliability

Industries that use robots in manufacturing have seen production increase exponentially. As long as they are serviced regularly, they will keep doing consistent work no matter how harsh the conditions may be. The same thing cannot be said of human workers prone to sickness and fatigue, which ultimately affects their output.

What Industries Use Industrial Robots?

Source:Pixabay

A lot of manufacturers have switched or are in the process of fully automating their production process. The reasons for this are many, but the main one is that robots are reliable, reduce the cost of paying salaries, and save money that can be redirected to other things. The following are some of the industries that utilize robotic arm applications in their manufacturing processes.

Automotive Industry

Robotics in automotive manufacturing were among the very first to be adopted as far as industrial robotics go. As of now, you will not find any car maker that does not employ a car manufacturing robots for over 75% of its production. The automotive industry accounts for about 30% of the total industrial robotic arm 装置。 The most commonly used robot by car manufacturers is the ABB IRB 6640 that is good for welding car frames into place.

Aerospace industry

Just like the automotive industry, the making of planes requires a lot of robot power. The demand for air travel is increasing the world over, and to meet this demand, there is a need to manufacture more airplanes faster than before. Industrial robots are the answer to this need as they are faster and can be programmed to handle any kind of task. Applications like motor parts painting , sealing, drilling, and welding are some of the things that are handled by automated machines.

Electronics Industry

Electronics are part of our lives, and we cannot do without them. Their manufacture involves a lot of components whose assembly can be easily lost to humans. Industrial robots are now being heavily used in the manufacture of electronics as they are more adept at dealing with tiny and sensitive parts of electric appliances. The use of cleanroom robots, for instance, has greatly improved the quality of electronics as they prevent dust from ever coming into contact with the internal parts during assembly.

Food Industry

Food packaging is now handled exclusively by robots. In some places, it is even part of the requirements to employ the services of robots in a sensitive job that is the packaging and warehousing. The advantages of using robots in food processing is that there is less chance of contamination since robots are precise and fast. Putting food into the right portions and sizes has also become the hallmark of robotic food processing.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry

The sorting, bottling, dispensing, and inspection of medications is now a preserve of industrial robots . Robots have now been programmed to measure the exact amount of drugs on the last milligram. Robots in the medical and pharmaceutical industry have made it easier to handle drugs in a better way that avoids excessive wastage and contamination.

Delicate medical devices like surgical tools are now manufactured to the exact sizes as needed using medical robots that are changing the world. When medical tools are compromised, it makes it harder for doctors to treat their patients properly.

How Much Does A Robotic Arm Cost?

Source:Pixabay

Robots used to cost a lot more in the past than they do right now. Mass production has made it possible for the prices to come down a little, but they are still on the higher end of the budget. In the present market, the average i ndustrial robot price is about $25,000, but it can rise to over $400,000 depending on the model and the size.

A robotic arm price also tends to go higher as you add more peripherals and extra features. Application-specific additions, like collision sensors and safety cages, which are a necessity, can double the initial price of the whole machine.

As an interested buyer, you can either go for a brand new robot or a cheap industrial robot arm that has been used before. One advantage of going for a second-hand robot is that you save on the cost, although you will experience some little mishaps along the way.

The Best Programmable Robotic Arms of 2020

As the use of robotic arms across all industries rises, models are being created to handle application-specific tasks for various manufacturers. The following are the best programmable industrial robotic arms of 2020.

DOBOT Magician Educational Programming Robot

Source:Pinterest

This is a robotic arm that is designed for multi-tasking. It can handle 3D printing, laser engraving, pick and place, drawing, and writing machines. It is equipped with over 20 coding languages, while at the same time, it is simple enough to be used by a beginner level individual.

LewanSoul LeArm 6DOF Full Metal Robotic Arm

Source:Amazon

This is an arm that is powered by a servo to effect movement flexibly. It has a metal claw that is strong enough to handle heavy loads in any direction. Control of the robot can be done wirelessly and, at the same time, can be controlled through a smartphone.

QJRB800-1 Robot Arm

This is a robotic arm created by EVS that has a maximum payload of about 1700 pounds. The whole robot itself with the other parts combined is about 5600 pounds which gives a very stable foundation for any heavy lifting task common in most manufacturing industries.

Owi Robotic Arm Edge

Source:Pinterest

This is a robotic arm equipped with five joints controlled by a wired-5 switch controller that can be operated remotely. D batteries can power the robot at the same time it can be powered by AC power. It has a base rotation of 270° and has an extended life on the gearbox.

How To Choose Industrial Robotic Arms

Source:Pinterest

When it comes to choosing a robot arm, there are things you must consider first.

Application

Just because it is a robotic arm does not necessarily mean that you can use it to open your beer, each robotic arm is designed for a specific application. An arm designed for painting cannot be used as a polishing arm or vice-versa. Unless the robotic arm is a multi-purpose one, then you are stuck with one function robotic arm.

Payload

Payload refers to the maximum amount of load that the robotic arm can handle. If you are dealing with a heavier load like industrial packaging, then you will need to go for a big robot arm that can handle heavier loads with a simple pick and place automation .

Degree of Freedom

The movement a robotic arm can maneuver depends on the number of axes. The more the number of axes, the more flexible the arm will be in terms of movement. Bigger robotic arms require more axes as it takes more effort for them to turn.

Speed

If you are dealing with repetitive tasks, then you will be best served with a high-speed robot arm that is as fast as possible, an articulated robot is an example of a fast robot that is suitable for such a task. Some robotic arms come with the options that allow the controller to adjust the speed.

Cost

You can only get what you can afford. If you’re dealing with high volume work like manufacturing, you will need more than one robotic arms, which will cost you a lot. If all you are looking for is a simple contraption for home use, then a simple low-cost robot arm is what you should be going for.

结论

Industrial robot technology is becoming indispensable as time goes by. The manufacturing industry is as good as done with human labor already as we speak. The little left of human labor is reduced to maintenance and the controlling of these robots when the need arises. Someday, in the future, robots will be the standard feature in all industries around the world.


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