ROBOTICS IN MANUFACTURING DEFINITION • Robots used in manufacturing are automatic equipment that have been programmed to do tasks humans can’t do, ones which are repetitive, may be dangerous or need exactness beyond human capability. These machines can be modified for different purposes because they can be programmed. They are programmable and adaptive to various tasks from simple assembly processes to complex operations such as welding, painting and inspection. Industrial robots on the other hand, a subcategory of manufacturing robots observe multiple movements’ axes that make them operate with a high level of flexibility and precision. HISTORY • Robotics and automation started with the ideas and models originated from Greek legends and with inventors like Leonardo da Vinci. Nevertheless, the history of robotics only started from the early part of twentieth century due to rapid freezing and rapid innovations in science and technology. The word “robot” was originally invented in 1920 play by the Czech writer Karel Čapek in the play, R. U. R. Rossum’s Universal Robots and meant as mechanical, human-like creatures created for work. Alphabets being the starting points, the American inventor George Devol came up with the first programmable robot at early 1950 known as ’’Unimate’’. This robot could be conned to do some other routine exercise and was developed to work with the material that was functional in industries. Looking back today, one realizes that the foundation of industrial robotics as a phenomenon of the future was created by Devol. HISTORY KEY MILESTONES • 1. 1961: Introduction of Unimate • 2. 1970s: Expansion and Diversification • 3. 1980s: Introduction of PLCs and Microprocessors • 4. 1990s: Emergence of Collaborative Robots (Cobots) • 5. 2000s: Advancements in AI and Machine Learning • 6. 2010s: Rise of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) TYPES OF ROBOTS INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS • Articulated Robots: Have rotary joints, typically ranging from two to ten axes, providing high flexibility. Used in applications such as welding, painting, and assembly. • SCARA Robots: Designed for high-speed and high-precision tasks like pick-and-place operations, assembly work, and packaging. • Cartesian Robots: Operate on three linear axes (X, Y, and Z), ideal for tasks requiring linear motion, such as CNC machining and 3D printing. • Delta Robots: Feature a parallel-arm design, known for speed and precision in handling lightweight objects, commonly used in packaging and sorting. • Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Designed to work alongside humans, enhancing productivity and safety. Used in various tasks like assembly, inspection, and machine tending. TYPES OF ROBOTS MOBILE ROBOTS • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): Mobile robots used for transporting materials within a facility, following predefined paths using guidance systems like magnetic strips, lasers, or GPS. • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Advanced than AGVs, can navigate autonomously using sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms. Adapt to dynamic environments and make real-time decisions. TYPES OF ROBOTS SPECIALIZED ROBOTS • Welding Robots: Designed for welding applications, providing high precision and consistency. • Painting Robots: Equipped for painting tasks with high accuracy and uniformity. • Assembly Robots: Perform precise and repetitive assembly tasks. • Inspection Robots: Perform quality control and inspection tasks using advanced sensors and imaging systems. • Palletizing Robots: Automate stacking and arranging products on pallets for shipping and storage. ADVANTAGES • 1. Increased Output and Faster Production Cycles • 2. Enhanced Precision and Accuracy • 3. Cost Efficiency • 4. Improved Workplace Safety • 5. Consistency in Performance and Quality Control • 6. Operational Flexibility • 7. Increased Efficiency in Complex Tasks • 8. Scalability • 9. Data Collection and Analysis • 10. Reduction in Waste and Scrap DISADVANTAGES • 1. High Initial Investment • 2. Ongoing Maintenance and Repair Costs • 3. Job Displacement and Workforce Impact • 4. Complexity in Integration • 5. Programming and Technical Challenges • 6. Lack of Flexibility in Certain Situations • 7. Dependency on Technology • 8. Initial Learning Curve • 9. Cybersecurity Risks • 10. Environmental and Ethical Considerations PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES USED • 1. Robot Operating System (ROS) • 2. RAPID (ABB) • 3. KRL (KUKA Robot Language) • 4. Val3 (Stäubli) • 5. Teach Pendant Programming • 6. Offline Programming CONCLUSION In conclusion, since there is a lot of programming languages helping developing the robots and the types of robots that are helping the world develop more and more. That’s right robots are helping us, but at what cost ? And with this development robots will take full control on manufacturing ?
