Industrial robots have become indispensable especially in the manufacturing industry. The tasks performed by industrial robotic arms are too intricate for human arms to manage. The robotic arms of today bear much resemblance to those of yore.
Advances in robotic technology have brought about changes in the function and appearance of industrial robotic arms. The industrial robotic arm you select for your manufacturing plant will depend on a number of factors.
Factors to Consider
The need for industrial robotic arms has gone up because the tasks they can accomplish are also on the increase. As a result, robot manufacturers have come up with a number of Industrial robotic arms for different tasks.
Thus your choice of robotic arm will depend on the tasks you want to be executed in your factory. Here are some factors you should consider when making your choice.
Kinematics
This refers to the movement of the robotic arm as it goes about its tasks. Three things are taken into consideration with regard to the arms structure:
- Axis
- Joint
- Movement
With these in mind, you should be in a position to make an informed decision when choosing your industrial robotic arm. You have a few types of robotic arms to choose from:
- Cartesian: it requires a spacious working area and moves on the diagonal, horizontal and vertical axis.
- The Cylindrical: it has a base and a cylindrical tube that rotates.
- The spherical: it allows the arm to be flexible in movement.
- The Articulated arm robot: it is closest to the human in appearance and provides a lot more freedom in movement.
Repeatability
Once the robotic arm is done with a task, it is expected to get back into its original position. It then goes on to begin a new task. This is what repeatability refers to. You must check the control system because if the arm has a huge margin of error, you will end up with a robotic arm that does not perform the right tasks.
Weight and Size
How much the robotic arm weighs is also important. In addition, size must be considered especially in light of the space available to install it. If the robot you have chosen will fit well into the production system, then you have landed on the right one.
Reach
Reach refers to how far your robotic arm can go. It must be able to comfortably access the work area assigned to it. Before buying the robotic arm, ensure that it has a comfortable reach for the area you plan to install it.
The Robotic Arms maximum Payload Capacity
This refers to the weight of the loads the robotic arm is expected to carry. The arm must be strong enough to bear the load. In addition, the end effector must also have adequate strength to be able to grip the product that the arm is working on.
Drive
This refers to how functional your arm is. There are three types of drive:
- Electric: this one is powered by electricity.
- Pneumatic: it is powered by compressed air.
- Hydraulic: it is powered by hydraulic pressure.
Many of the industrial robotic arms you will come across are built to use the hydraulic system.
Control System
This is in reference to the programming of the robotic arm to perform the tasks that it is programmed to. It learns the steps it is expected to follow in order to carry out its tasks. It also learns how to go back to its original position when the task is completed. The control system is also in charge of determining the arms repeatability.
Conclusion
Getting the right robotic arm for your business operations may be the line between success and failure. With the right type of industrial robotic arm, you are covered and the right tasks will be performed. Keep in mind the kinds of tasks you need the robotic arm for as well as the other factors discussed before you purchase your robotic arm.
