In today's era of rapid technological development, industrial robots have become an indispensable and important component of the manufacturing industry. They are changing the production mode of traditional manufacturing industry with their high efficiency, precision, and reliability, promoting the upgrading and transformation of the industry. The widespread application of industrial robots not only improves production efficiency and product quality, but also reduces labor costs and intensity, creating huge economic benefits and competitive advantages for enterprises.
definition
Industrial robots are multi joint robotic arms or multi degree of freedom machine devices designed for the industrial field. They can automatically perform tasks and rely on their own power and control capabilities to achieve various functions.
classification
Classified by structural form
1. Cartesian coordinate robot: It has three linear moving joints and moves along the X, Y, and Z axes of the Cartesian coordinate system.
2. Cylindrical coordinate robot: It has one rotating joint and two linear moving joints, and its workspace is cylindrical.
3. Spherical coordinate robot: It has two rotating joints and one linear moving joint, and its workspace is spherical.
4. Joint type robot: It has multiple rotating joints, flexible movements, and a large workspace.
Classified by application field
1. Handling robot: used for material handling, loading and unloading, and palletizing.
2. Welding robots: used for various welding processes, such as arc welding, gas shielded welding, etc.
3. Assembly robot: used for component assembly work.
4. Spraying robot: used for surface spraying treatment of products.
The working principle and components of industrial robots
（1） Working principle
Industrial robots receive instructions through the control system and drive the execution mechanism to complete various actions. Its control system usually includes sensors, controllers, and drivers. Sensors are used to perceive information such as the position, posture, and working environment of robots. The controller generates control instructions based on the feedback information from the sensors and preset programs, and the driver converts the control instructions into motor motion to achieve the robot's actions.
（2） Components
1. Mechanical body: including the body, arms, wrists, hands, and other structures, it is the motion execution mechanism of the robot.
2. Drive system: Provides power for the movement of the robot, usually including motors, reducers, and transmission mechanisms.
3. Control system: It is the core part of the robot, responsible for controlling the movement, actions, and operations of the robot.
4. Perception system: composed of various sensors such as position sensors, force sensors, visual sensors, etc., used to perceive the working environment and self state of the robot.
5. End effector: It is a tool used by robots to complete specific tasks, such as grasping tools, welding tools, spraying tools, etc.
Advantages and application areas of industrial robots
（1） Advantages
1. Improve production efficiency
Industrial robots can work continuously, with fast movement speed and high precision, which can greatly shorten the production cycle and improve production efficiency. For example, on the automobile production line, robots can complete tasks such as welding and painting the body in a short period of time, improving production efficiency and output.
2. Improve product quality
The robot has high precision and good repeatability in its movements, which can ensure the stability and consistency of product quality. In the electronics manufacturing industry, robots can accurately perform chip placement and assembly, improving product quality and reliability.
3. Reduce labor costs
Robots can replace manual labor to complete repetitive and high-intensity tasks, reducing the demand for manual labor and thus lowering labor costs. At the same time, the maintenance cost of robots is relatively low, which can save a lot of costs for enterprises in the long run.
4. Improve the working environment
Some dangerous and harsh working environments, such as high temperature, high pressure, toxic and harmful substances, pose a threat to the physical health of workers. Industrial robots can replace human labor in these environments, improving the working environment and ensuring the safety and health of workers.
（2） Development Trends
1. Intelligence
With the continuous development of artificial intelligence technology, industrial robots will become increasingly intelligent. Robots will have the ability to learn autonomously, make autonomous decisions, and adapt to their environment, enabling them to better complete complex tasks.
2. Human machine collaboration
Future industrial robots will no longer be isolated individuals, but partners capable of collaborating with human workers. Human robot collaborative robots will have higher safety and flexibility, and can work together with human workers in the same workspace to complete tasks.
3. Miniaturization and lightweighting
In order to adapt to more application scenarios, industrial robots will develop towards miniaturization and lightweighting. Small and lightweight robots can work in narrow spaces, making them more flexible and convenient.
4. The application fields are constantly expanding
The application areas of industrial robots will continue to expand, in addition to traditional manufacturing fields, they will also be widely used in medical, agricultural, service and other fields.
Challenges and Countermeasures Faced by the Development of Industrial Robots
（1） Challenge
1. Technical bottleneck
Although industrial robot technology has made great progress, there are still bottlenecks in some key technological aspects, such as the perception ability, autonomous decision-making ability, and flexibility of robots.
2. High cost
The purchase and maintenance costs of industrial robots are relatively high, and for some small and medium-sized enterprises, the investment threshold is high, which limits their widespread application.
3. Talent shortage
The research and development, application, and maintenance of industrial robots require a large number of professional talents, but currently there is a shortage of related talents, which restricts the development of the industrial robot industry.
（2） Response strategy
1. Strengthen technology research and development
Increase investment in research and development of key technologies for industrial robots, break through technological bottlenecks, and improve the performance and intelligence level of robots.
2. Reduce costs
Through technological innovation and large-scale production, the cost of industrial robots can be reduced, their cost-effectiveness improved, and more enterprises can afford them.
3. Strengthen talent cultivation
Strengthen the education and training of industrial robot related majors, cultivate more professional talents, and meet the needs of industrial development.
7、 Conclusion
As an innovative force in the manufacturing industry, industrial robots have played an important role in improving production efficiency, product quality, and reducing labor costs. With the continuous advancement of technology and the expansion of application fields, the development prospects of industrial robots are broad. However, there are also some challenges in the development process that need to be addressed through measures such as strengthening technology research and development, reducing costs, and cultivating talents. I believe that in the future, industrial robots will bring more opportunities and changes to the development of the manufacturing industry, promoting its development towards intelligence, efficiency, and greenness.
Post time: Aug-07-2024
