Types of Industrial Robots
At this point, you should have a clear understanding of the types of robots used in manufacturing. Now we can delve into the classification of industrial robots. Industrial robots are usually categorized based on their mechanical structure. This section will explain each robot's motion, industry application, and axis configuration.
The 4 main robot types in manufacturing are:
- Articulated robots
- SCARA robots
- Cartesian robots
- Delta robots
Articulated Robots
Articulated industrial robots are the most common type in the manufacturing. Industrial robots have multiple joints that provide specific movements or positions. In robotics, the joints are called axes, and each axis provides degrees of freedom (motion). Multi-joint robots can have up to 10 or more joints or axes attached to a base. They have more degrees of freedom than any other industrial robot. Articulated robots are used in packaging, painting, welding, material handling and dispensing applications. The most common type of articulated robots operate on a 6-axis configuration. They can pick and handle small and large workpieces and perform small, delicate tasks.An example of a working articulated robot is the FANUC M10 series, a pick-and-place specialist that can handle payloads of up to 10 kilograms and has 6-axis control.
SCARA Robots
SCARA robots, or selectively compliant articulated robots, are used in assembly applications.
SCARA robots perform faster than Cartesian robotic systems and are suitable for small assembly lines. SCARA robots have the smallest footprint compared to Cartesian and delta robots. They operate in a 4-axis configuration and perform vertical assembly tasks - such as transferring parts from a pallet to a conveyor - between two parallel planes. An example of such a robot is the FANUC SCARA, which has a payload of 4 kg and can reach 400 mm. its design allows it to operate in small-part assembly. These robots are used in applications such as pick and place, assembly, inspection, packaging and distribution.
Cartesian Robots
Cartesian robots are commonly used in the manufacture of CNC machines and 3D printing.
printing. Cartesian robots operate on three or more linear axes using a Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, and Z). Their coordinates allow them to move left and right, in and out, and up and down. Cartesian robots work in a rectangular workspace, which allows them to reach most work areas. These types of robots are positioned to work "above" their workspace, thus saving floor space. Cartesian robot applications include pick and place, dispensing, assembly and inspection.
Delta Robot
The Delta robot consists of three arms attached to a base and can only move in the X-direction, with no rotation in the Y- and Z-directions.
They can only move in the X-direction and do not rotate in the Y- and Z-directions. They are often called "spider robots" because of their thin, lightweight arms and ability to move at high speeds. Some Delta robots can perform up to 300 pickups per minute. Delta industrial robots are used in a wide range of industries such as food, pharmaceutical, and electronics manufacturing. They are primarily used in pick and pack applications, but can also be used for assembly and inspection. Just recently, Delta robots were used for 3D printing.
How does robot integration work?
So far, you have learned about the different types of industrial robot applications. Each industrial robot requires a unique end-of-arm tool that enables the robot to perform a specified action. Below are unique robotics applications and examples used in many production lines.
Pick and Place Robots
Pick-and-place robots are common in manufacturing environments. These robots are deployed on production lines to automate the process of picking up items and placing them in the desired location. In the video below, the robot co-assembles a contact lens package by picking up individual components and placing them in the correct position for the assembly process.
Parts Robot Tooling
Tool-to-part applications require an industrial robot to move a specific tool to an item or part. The Custom Riveter is an example of a parts robot tool. In the video below, the robot uses a rivet gun to pick up and place rivets onto each loaded metal plate. A second machine can read the finished product through cameras and sensors and assign it to the appropriate box.
Parts-to-tool robots
Parts-to-tool industrial robots are used to move items or materials to a designated tool. The robot maintains constant contact between the part and the tool throughout the process. The video below demonstrates a small work assembly cell where the robot is programmed to pick up material and move it to a Lance-N-Loc press. As you can see, the robot maintains contact with the sheet metal and the press machine.
Integrated robotics: advantages and disadvantages
Many organizations are integrating robotics into their production lines because it can provide long-term ROI and increase productivity. As you know, industrial robotics can automate processes that can be dangerous and tedious. Labor is often unpredictable and sometimes even inconsistent. Robotics can provide not only accuracy, but also consistency. Here are some of the pros and cons when using robotics to automate your needs.