Assembly line robots act as a link between hard automation and humans. They are designed to operate faster and more accurately than humans. What’s more, an extra tool can be added to enhance their functionality. They are easy to reprogram and learn.
Many manufacturing companies are embracing these robots to reduce accidents within the workplace, and promote collaboration between the gadgets and humans. As the demand for prompt service delivery, precision, and high productivity rise, robot manufacturers are going out of their way to advance the robot technology to ensure that they can cover a wide range of applications.
Assembly Line Robot Types
Assembly line robots are classified into three structures which are; four axis SCARA robots, six axis articulated robot arms, and the contemporary Delta robot. The Delta robots have a ceiling affixed spider appearance and utilize motors at the foundation to maneuver connected arms. These characteristics give them exclusive speed. However, they have fewer payloads in comparison to their articulated design counterparts. The delta robots come with a maximum of four axes.
Assembly line robots can come with force sensing and vision systems. Force sensing assists with various assembly operations such as relaying feedback to the robot controller in regard to the collaboration of parts, and the amount of force being applied. Vision systems direct the robot when it comes to selecting components from the conveyor.
This eradicates or cuts down the need for accurate orientation. Visual systems allow the robots to convert pieces to ensure they are suitably fitted while enabling it to revolve as desired. These sensing characteristics make the assembly line robots ideal for running short productions.
Robotic Assembly Applications
There are numerous assembly line robotic applications which include; manufacturing, consumer electronics and computers, automotives, household equipment, and medical related gadgets. When it comes to the manufacturing industry, individuals of the younger generation tend to appreciate them more than the older generation. While the older generations are of the opinion that the robots are designed to replace workforce, the younger generation appreciates their ease of use, efficiency, and flexibility. Some of these fears are understandable. However, the world cannot run away from the fact that automation is increasingly becoming unavoidable. It is worth noting that the future of assembly line robots will not be limited to the manufacturing industry only, they are likely to be used in homes. Below are some of the applications where assembly line robots have demonstrated precision and speed.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry has made strides in researching for both progressive and new applications in robotics. While human intervention is necessary to execute ideas, create new plans, and substantiate functionality, players in the industry have designated a big chunk of the research to industrial robots. Many companies in the aerospace industry are seeking to minimize risks and enhance the safety of workers.
Warehouse Logistics
In the past, many robotic applications were restricted to assembly line executions. Today, industrial robots are more practical and can execute more tasks. Manufacturers are currently researching to ascertain many different ways in which they can be used within a warehouse. Automated robots are flexible which makes them ideal for maneuvering through intricate floor plans and huge storerooms efficiently, fast, and safely than humans. Warehouse robots can highly reduce operational costs.
Automotive Manufacturing
Some of the popularly known automotive manufacturers have utilized robotics for many years. Many manufacturers are fast adopting robots today since they have become more affordable. The popularity of robots in the industry is set to increase exponentially in the near future.
Office And Home Equipment
While purchasing unassembled furniture can be cost effective, some pieces can be intricate and difficult to assemble. Some of them may require exclusive tools which many consumers may lack. However, many manufacturers today are embracing computer regulated collaborative robots within their facilities to aid in the furniture assembly
Finally
Assembly line robots are not intended to replace human tasks in the manufacturing industry. They will work alongside humans to improve productivity and cut down costs.