Industrial Robots: Types And Applications

The main goal of introducing robotic systems and automatic robots into production processes is to replace or optimize human labor in areas or tasks in which its use is unprofitable, dangerous, or is a source of errors. By eliminating the human factor in some aspects, enterprises reduce scrap rates and increase productivity by increasing the speed and accuracy of routine operations.

In addition, the use of industrial robots reduces the risk of injury and damage to the health of workers in particularly difficult and hazardous work areas. All operations associated with conditions harmful to human health will be transferred to robots in the near future. This practice is already being implemented by enterprises related to the production of chemicals, plastics and plastics, as well as high-temperature and explosive work.

The main production tasks performed by robots:

• automatic loading / unloading of workpieces into machines;
• moving parts between conveyor lines;
• laser, plasma or mechanical cutting;
• arc, spot or laser welding of metal parts;
• grinding, milling and drilling;
• product marking and engraving;
• assembly and packaging of products.

Experts say that today up to 80% of orders on the industrial robot market in Russia are provided by enterprises interested in introducing robots for welding. Welding robots are used for serial welding of the same type of metal parts. The advantages of such solutions in comparison with human labor are associated with the fact that robotic welding guarantees a constant level of quality, reliability, safety and high speed of work. An important aspect is the absence of restrictions related to compliance with labor laws - if necessary, robots can work 24 hours a day.

In recent years, the use of robotics is increasingly spreading in the field of woodworking, electronics, metalworking, the production of plastic parts, the medical and food industries, and mechanical engineering.

Modern robots using "smart" technologies are versatile: they can perform a whole range of tasks, depending on the software settings. Within the framework of the GAP concept (flexible automated production), the programming of industrial robots makes it possible to choose from a set of action scenarios for different stages of the production process. In fact, the robot's control program independently evaluates the external conditions and feedback, reconfiguring to perform new tasks.

Types of robots depending on the control method:

• Remote controlled robots;
• Automatic robotic manipulators.

Remote controlled robots do not eliminate the need for skilled human resources. Robotic technologies are often used in difficult or hazardous working conditions. The person who controls the robot remotely is in a safe, isolated room and is not exposed to harmful effects of high temperatures or chemical vapors.

Autonomous industrial robotic manipulators are used in conveyor manufacturing processes. They are equipped with special manipulators for moving parts and workpieces between conveyor belts and processing machines. After processing, the manipulation robot removes the part and moves it to the next processing / packaging stage or to the finished product conveyor belt.

Today, developers of industrial robots offer not only individual technical solutions, but also complex systems for flexible automated production, including machine tools, robots and software solutions for process control. Such systems ensure a continuous production cycle, minimize the risk of failures due to human factors, and increase the speed and efficiency of work.

Key elements of the automated production complex:

• computer-aided design (CAD) systems;
• a set of programs and devices for automated control and monitoring of technological processes;
• devices for loading, unloading and placing materials and parts;
• industrial robotic manipulators for specialized tasks;
• automatic production transport.

At the metalworking exhibition, you can not only get acquainted with the latest solutions in the field of robotics and test equipment, but also learn about the development trends in this area at the speeches of leading specialists within the framework of the Business Program.

Market trends are obvious - the demand for the introduction of robots into production is steadily growing, and the models of robots offered by leading developers are becoming more flexible, functional and affordable. By 2025, the industrial robots market, according to experts, will replace 20 to 50% of jobs in industrialized countries, and the structure of production processes will change dramatically.