The Top 5 Types of Robotics Used in Modern Manufacturing Processes

The Top 5 Types of Robotics Used in Modern Manufacturing Processes

Robotics has revolutionized the modern manufacturing process by increasing efficiency, enhancing product quality, and reducing costs. The diversity of industries utilizing the power of robotics is vast, from automotive to food production, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 types of robotics used in modern manufacturing processes and their diverse applications.

1. Cartesian Robots

Cartesian robots are also known as gantry robots, and they are often seen in packaging industries and assemblages. They are designed to move back and forth in three axes – X, Y, and Z – following a pre-programmed algorithm. Thanks to this, they are versatile to carry out different manufacturing processes such as picking, placing, and sorting. The fact that they can achieve high precision, speed and repeatability makes them an excellent choice for packaging operations.

2. SCARA Robots

SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, and they are primarily used for gripping objects and assembling. The arm is designed in a cylindrical fashion, and the joint rotations are used for tangential manipulation and horizontal pivoting. SCARA robots are ideal for use in industries such as the automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals due to their high precision and speed. They are often used for packaging processes, chip mounting, and small electronic assemblies.

3. Articulated Robots

Articulated robots are commonly used in industries such as the automotive, food, and aerospace sectors, where mobility is paramount. These robots use rotary joints connecting two or more arms to move in multiple directions. They offer great flexibility and are often deployed in a diverse range of uses, from packaging and welding to painting and precision tasks such as surgery. An example of an articulated robot in the automotive industry is spot welding.

4. Delta Robots

Delta robots are ideal for pick and place operations in fast-paced industries like packaging and electronics. These robots move swiftly and precisely along the X, Y and Z axes, making them an excellent choice for assembly and precision tasks. The mechanics of the arm allow them to be deployed in harsh environments and offer fast-changeovers that give manufacturers a competitive advantage. Their use in the food industry is rapidly growing, with tasks like transferring baked products and picking and packing fast-moving conveyors being some of their most prominent tasks.

5. Collaborative robots

Collaborative robots – cobots – have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to work alongside humans safely. They are designed to be lightweight, scalable and have advanced sensors that enable them to recognize the difference between human and machine activity. Their use in the manufacturing process has brought many benefits, including flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency. Cobots are widely used in an array of different manufacturing processes, from welding, packaging, and screwing.

In Conclusion

The modern manufacturing process has adopted robots in areas previously thought of as impossible, from simple packaging to intricate surgeries. The right robotic solution depends on the specific needs of a given manufacturing process. Robotics has become an indispensable tool due to the benefits of high precision, efficiency, and quality. Manufacturers who want to stay ahead of the competition must adopt robotics and take advantage of the diverse range of applications they offer.