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Industrial Robots
The word robot always refers to an automated multifunctional manipulator that works by energy, to perform a variety of tasks.
The first man to use the word robotics was the science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. He wanted to describe the robot technology in his work by this word. He had put three main laws that everybody considered them the most important principles in the use of robotics.
| Two main old invented robots are in use today: There are two main important types of robots that were used long ago and they were developed to be used nowadays. The first one is called MANIPULATOR.The second robot is called TELEOPERATOR.They are still in use today specially in the U.S.A . |
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For robotics systems to be introduced to the industrial world they must have positive factors that would make a difference in using them.
The motivating factors can be categorized as:
1. Technical factors.
2. Economic factors.
3. Social factors.
1. Technical factors:
Robots can do different incomparable tasks that humans can't do. It is generally considered that humans can't match the speed, quality, reliability and the endurance of robotic system. In that they offer:
a) High flexibility of product type and variation.
b) Lower preparation time than hard automation.
c) Better quality of products.
d) Fewer rejects and less waste than labour intensive production.
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2. Economic factors:
a) The needs to increase production rates to remain competitive.
b) Pressure from the market place to improve quality.
c) Increasing costs.
d) Shortage of skilled labour.
3. Social factors:
Some people think that the usage of robotizied systems increase the unemployment of workers and prevent many people from a main income.
But the usage of robots cause a reduction of labour on workers and and prevent dangerous physically harms as robots are used in hazardous areas such as in automobile industries.
TYPES OF ROBOTS:
1. Cartesian coordinate
system (axes or dimensions are 3 intersecting straight lines(x-y-z))
This makes the human task of programming easier and reduces the amount of computer power required.
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2. Cylindrical coordinate
system (one angular dimensions and 2 linear dimensions(r-0-z))
The rigid structure of this system offers them the capability to lift heavy loads through a large working envelope.
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3. Spherical coordinate
system (2 dimensions are angles, the third is a linear distance from
point of origin(r-0-o))
This design is used where a small number of vertical actions are adequate . The loading and unloading of a punch
press is a typical application.
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4. Jointed arm coordinate
system (whose manipulator arm degrees of freedom resemble that of
a human arm).
This is the most common used arm configuration because of its flexibility in reaching any part in the working envelope.
This flexibility allows such complex applications as spray painting and weld sealing to be done successfully.
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ROBOT DRIVE MECHANISMS:
The movement of any axis of a robot can be either linear or rotary.
Sometimes it can be a combination of both. But the rotation to be converted to the linear arm movement there must
be mechanical drives to achieve the movement of a robot.
There are two types of mechanical devices:
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Chain and linkage drives:
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Sensors Being robots used in hazardous areas and industrial processes, therefore they were fitted with sensors to gather information about the nearby environment and objects around to come out with precise results of the work.
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