The IO communication of industrial robots is like a crucial bridge connecting robots with the external world, playing an indispensable role in modern industrial production.
1、 Significance and role
In highly automated industrial production scenarios, industrial robots rarely operate in isolation and often require close coordination with numerous external devices. IO communication has become the core means to achieve this collaborative work. It enables robots to keenly perceive subtle changes in the external environment, receive signals from various sensors, switches, buttons, and other devices in a timely manner, as if possessing a keen sense of "touch" and "hearing". At the same time, the robot can accurately control external actuators, indicator lights, and other devices through output signals, acting as a commanding "commander" that ensures the efficient and orderly progress of the entire production process.
2、 Detailed explanation of input signal
Sensor signal:
Proximity sensor: When an object approaches, the proximity sensor quickly detects this change and inputs the signal to the robot. This is like the "eyes" of a robot, which can accurately know the position of objects in the surrounding environment without touching them. For example, on the automobile assembly production line, proximity sensors can detect the position of components and promptly notify robots to carry out grasping and installation operations.
Photoelectric sensor: transmits signals by detecting changes in light. In the packaging industry, photoelectric sensors can detect the passage of products and trigger robots to perform packaging, sealing, and other operations. It provides robots with a fast and accurate way of perception, ensuring the precision and stability of the production process.
Pressure sensor: Installed on the fixture or workbench of the robot, it will transmit pressure signals to the robot when subjected to certain pressure. For example, in electronic product manufacturing, pressure sensors can detect the clamping force of robots on components, avoiding damage to components due to excessive force.
Button and switch signals:
Start button: After the operator presses the start button, the signal is transmitted to the robot, and the robot starts executing the preset program. It's like giving a 'battle order' to the robot to quickly get into work.
Stop button: When an emergency situation occurs or production needs to be paused, the operator presses the stop button, and the robot immediately stops the current action. This button is like the "brake" of a robot, ensuring the safety and controllability of the production process.
Reset button: In the event of a robot malfunction or program error, pressing the reset button can restore the robot to its initial state and restart operation. It provides a correction mechanism for robots to ensure the continuity of production.
3、 Analysis of Output Signal
Control actuator:
Motor control: The robot can output signals to control the speed, direction, and start stop of the motor. In automated logistics systems, robots drive conveyor belts by controlling motors to achieve rapid transportation and sorting of goods. Different motor control signals can achieve different speed and direction adjustments to meet various production needs.
Cylinder control: Control the expansion and contraction of the cylinder by outputting air pressure signals. In the machining industry, robots can control cylinder driven fixtures to clamp or release workpieces, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the machining process. The rapid response and powerful force output of the cylinder enable the robot to efficiently complete various complex operational tasks.
Electromagnetic valve control: used to control the on/off of fluids. In chemical production, robots can regulate the flow and direction of liquids or gases in pipelines by controlling solenoid valves, achieving precise production control. The reliability and fast switching ability of solenoid valves provide a flexible control method for robots.
Status indicator light:
Operation indicator light: When the robot is in operation, the operation indicator light is lit to visually display the working status of the robot to the operator. This is like the "heartbeat" of a robot, allowing people to keep track of its operation at any time. Different colors or flashing frequencies can indicate different operating states, such as normal operation, low-speed operation, fault warning, etc.
Fault indicator light: When the robot malfunctions, the fault indicator light will light up to remind the operator to handle it in a timely manner. At the same time, robots can help maintenance personnel quickly locate and solve problems by outputting specific fault code signals. The timely response of the fault indicator light can effectively reduce production interruption time and improve production efficiency.
4、 In depth interpretation of communication methods
Digital IO:
Discrete signal transmission: Digital IO represents signal states in discrete high (1) and low (0) levels, making it ideal for transmitting simple switch signals. For example, on automated assembly lines, digital IO can be used to detect the presence or absence of parts, the opening and closing status of fixtures, and so on. Its advantages are simplicity, reliability, fast response speed, and suitability for situations that require high real-time performance.
Anti interference ability: Digital signals have strong anti-interference ability and are not easily affected by external noise. In industrial environments, there are various sources of electromagnetic interference and noise, and digital IO can ensure accurate signal transmission and improve system stability.
Simulated IO:
Continuous signal transmission: Analog IO can transmit continuously changing signals, such as voltage or current signals. This makes it very suitable for transmitting analog data, such as signals from sensors for temperature, pressure, flow, etc. In the food processing industry, analog IO can receive signals from temperature sensors, control the temperature of the oven, and ensure the baking quality of food.
Accuracy and Resolution: The accuracy and resolution of analog IO depend on the range of the signal and the number of bits of analog-to-digital conversion. Higher precision and resolution can provide more accurate measurement and control, meeting the strict industry requirements for production processes.
Fieldbus communication:
High speed data transmission: Field buses such as Profibus, DeviceNet, etc. can achieve high-speed and reliable data transmission. It supports complex communication networks between multiple devices, allowing robots to exchange real-time data with devices such as PLCs, sensors, and actuators. In the automotive manufacturing industry, fieldbus communication can achieve seamless integration between robots and other equipment on the production line, improving production efficiency and quality.
Distributed control: Fieldbus communication supports distributed control, which means multiple devices can work together to complete a control task. This makes the system more flexible and reliable, reducing the risk of single point of failure. For example, in a large automated warehousing system, multiple robots can collaborate through fieldbus communication to achieve rapid storage and retrieval of goods.
In short, IO communication of industrial robots is one of the key technologies for achieving automated production. It enables the robot to closely cooperate with external devices through the interaction of input and output signals, achieving efficient and precise production control. Different communication methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and in practical applications, they need to be selected and optimized according to specific production needs to fully leverage the advantages of industrial robots and promote the development of industrial production towards intelligence and efficiency.
Post time: Sep-19-2024
