What is an industrial robot?
An industrial robot is an autonomous device consisting of a mechanized manipulator and a control system that can be reprogrammed. These robots are used to move objects and perform various production processes. The use of industrial robots significantly enhances labor efficiency.
History of industrial robots development
The concept of robot-like devices was first articulated in 1954. American engineer D. Devol proposed loading and unloading manipulators that operated based on variable punched cards to perform tasks on machines, specifically loading and unloading. Together with D. Engelberger, he created the first robots for the industry, launching their mass production under the names “Unimate” and “Versatron.”
Description of the “Unimate” and “Versatron” robots
The robots produced by “Unimate” had five degrees of freedom and used hydraulic drives, as well as pneumatic drives for gripping objects. The maximum weight for movement was 12 kg. After completing a task, the manipulator could independently go through all cycles.
The “Versatron” robots had only three degrees of freedom, were controlled by magnetic tape, and had a mechanical structure. Over time, robots began to perform more complex technological processes, such as painting, welding, and cutting, which significantly reduced their cost and facilitated mass implementation in the industry.
Components of an industrial robot
A manufacturing robot consists of mechanical and intellectual components. The intellectual part is responsible for managing all functions, while the mechanical part is divided into systems that provide manipulation and movement of the robot.
Manipulators and their functionality
A manipulator is a mechanism that allows changing the position of objects. It consists of two types of moving links: the first provides smooth and stepwise changes in position in a straight direction, while the second is responsible for diagonal movement. The ratio of these links determines the robot's mobility and capabilities.
A manufacturing manipulator can be equipped with gripping devices for holding various objects, although this is not a mandatory component. The most in-demand gripping device is a mechanical equivalent of a human hand with mechanical "fingers." Suction cups are used for lifting flat objects, while special designs are employed for working with multiple parts.