The robotic arm is the most common manufacturing robot. It features a mechanical arm that is usually programmed to perform the same or similar functions as that of the human arm. A robotic arm is usually made up of seven metal segment that are joined by six joints. With the equivalent of a wrist, an elbow and a shoulder, an industrial robot with six joints closely resembles a human arm.
The impact of the robotic arm in the manufacturing industry continues to grow with benefits in efficiency, cost savings and higher productivity. Companies using robotic arms are able to save on low skilled human labor costs with less human error and waste. A robotic arm is able to enhance both productivity and efficiency thus offering longer operating periods of the same accuracy, strength and most importantly repetitive programmed actions. Robotic arms are also able to fill the positions that are in demand because employees cannot find workers.
What is an industrial robotic arm?
According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), an industrial robot can be defined as robotic system that is designed for manufacturing and has the ability to be programmable and automated to perform physical, production-related tasks without the need of a human operator. An industrial robotic arm also consists of here or more axles which make them capable of moving.
Robotic arms applications
Typically, a robotic arm is used for industrial applications. Therefore, the application is the type of work that the robot is designed to do. For this reason, different applications will have different requirements. For example, a painting robot requires a large movement range but a small payload whereas an assembly line robot will be very fast and precise but have a small workspace.
Since industrial robotic arms are designed for specific applications, they will have their own control law, linkage dimension, movement, accessory and software packages based on their function. The typical applications of industrial robotic arms include the following:
- Product inspection
- Labeling
- Pick and place for printed circuit boards
- Testing
- Assembly
- Packaging
- Welding
- Palletizing
- Painting
An industrial robotic arm also has the ability to help in material handling and providing interfaces. A robotic arm can accomplish its task with high precision, endurance and speed. This type of robotics is most commonly found in the manufacturing industry.
Why are robotic arms being used?
The manufacturing industry uses industrial robotic arms for a few reasons. To some degree, an industrial arm is able to mimic human motion. With such an ability, these automated workers are placed and used in areas of the production line that:
- Require more accuracy or strength than a human can provide
- Are in dire need of reducing dangers towards the human staff
- Feature continuous operation
- Take up roles that are considered too dull and monotonous to humans
Since most robots have the ability to repeat motions and actions with the optimum accuracy for 24 hours a day, it makes them a highly desired commodity in the field of manufacturing. A robotics’ arm accuracy is dependent on maintenance and proper calibration of the equipment. The medical manufacturing industry is an example of an industry that heavily relies on robotic arms.
Robotic arms have precise and accurate laser incisions during surgical procedures making the medical industry to develop a special interest in them. These non-human workers are also used in the production of medicine and vials thus helping with the elimination of potential human contamination as well as other defects.
The use of industrial robotic arms is positively impacting the manufacturing industry. While newer robotics with new specs are being launched, their benefits continue to grow. Companies and business in the manufacturing industry could be looking at a future where labor provided by industrial robotic arms is the norm in every manufacturing floor. Also, special types of robotic arms are expected to enter the manufacturing workspace in the near future.
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