Introduction to Automation and Robotics

In today’s world of fast motion, automation happens to be the very “blood” of the system that optimizes processes, thereby improving productivity while cutting down on the costs of operations. Amid this struggle by businesses to streamline their operations and remain competitive, robots have become an indispensable core component of the industry of automation. With machines that are able to execute repetitive tasks at fast speed, accuracy, and precision, they stand out as orders of magnitude beyond human capabilities. We are going to explore the 7 types of robots which are revolutionizing the automation landscape – something like an insight into how they up productivity and transform industrial processes.

These robots exist in so many shapes and sizes and are made to facilitate certain activities. From simple repetitive motion to very complex, multi-faceted work, there is a robot that can accomplish every task. Among the most impactful that shape industries from manufacturing to healthcare, seven types of robots that we’re going to discuss.

Let’s see which are these 7 types of robots, their unique features, and what impact they create in various industries:

1. Industrial Manipulator with 6 Degrees of Freedom

Industrial manipulators are the most commonly applied robots in automation. They have 6 degrees of freedom, which gives them the ability to travel within three-dimensional space. With the ability of rotating and pivoting around an axis, it brings a wide latitude of motion and flexibility in terms of movement. The usage of such robots usually applies to applications that require precision accuracy for examples like welding, assembly, and painting.

For example, in the automotive manufacturing industry, industrial manipulators, with their accuracy, can assemble various parts with a minimal loss of error and will speed up production. Because they are capable of reaching into awkward spaces due to their multi-axis motion, SCARA robotics can be considered overtly advantageous above human labor when it comes to efficiency and security.

2. SCARA Robotics

SCARA represents Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm. It is made up of high-speed precision parts and moves horizontally, thereby increasing its application to work that involves a lot of movement of materials or components around. SCARA robots have very wide applications. They are typically used in pick-and-place operations: a technique that has become highly valuable in the electronics assembly as well as pharmaceutical industries.

The main difference between SCARA robots is their speed in performing repetitive and fast tasks with no degradation in accuracy. In pharmaceutical packaging, SCARA robots can precisely pick vials or containers and place them on a conveyor belt; very low error rates and ensuring the product lives up to safety standards are entirely possible.

3. Delta Robotics

Delta robots are constructed to be lightweight and have a parallel structure: they are used in very fast repetitions of tasks in food processing, packaging, and the pharmaceutical industry. Its parallel structure allows high-speed operation: mainly for sorting and packaging.

Heavy frame aside, Delta robots possess a perfect design to handle delicate and small products at incredible speeds. In the food industry, the robots are widely deployed for sorting and packaging chocolates, snacks, among many others, where speed is paramount but does not negatively impact the quality.

4. Palletizing Robotics

There are palletizing robots, which cater to the stacking and organization of goods for storage or transportation. In general, they reside inside a warehouse or any logistics center where palletizing robots eliminate human labor and make moving goods easy.

For instance, palletizing robots in a logistics shed can stack boxes or other commodities on pallets properly for shipment in great efficiency. This, therefore, since it can work over heavy loads with minimal stoppages for a long duration, means that palletizing robots are strategically important to warehousing, which minimizes interruption with human labor and the resultant staff injuries.

5. Redundant Manipulation Systems

Since the redundant manipulation systems have many degrees of freedom, which allows them to be more flexible, these robots are intended for complex environments, especially in areas with obstacles or confined spaces. There is added range of motion enabling the robot to perform multiple tasks that demand the precision of dexterity.

Redundant manipulators work in aerospace or healthcare industries, where robots navigate through complex spaces trying to keep precisions. For instance, in surgery, such robots may enable a doctor to perform very delicate procedures that no human can do better, thus improving patient outcomes.

6. Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

The other reason for which Cobots are different from the industrial robots is that they are developed to function safely near humans. Cobots are programmed for sensing human beings, so they try not to cause injury to the humans by either slowing down or changing their motion in time. The Cobots are excellent for close interaction with humans and other environments because the sensing of human presence is primary and default practice for them.

Cobots are very resourceful in different industries, for example, electronics assembly and healthcare. In electronics manufacturing, Cobots would help the workers by handling those small components or assembling circuit boards, so the human staff can be able to handle other complexities. In the medical field, Cobots help in diagnosing patients or helping in patient care, as they are safe and efficient for working conditions.

7. Gantry Robotics

Gantry robots are heavy payload structures that can host the payload on a large area. They are broadly applied in the automotive and aerospace manufacturing industries, as gantry robots are capable of moving very large-sized pieces with much sensitivity and control.

For example, in the automobile assembling line, gantry robots can move and orient significant automobile parts, like engine blocks or chassis parts, and ensure their proper and secure placing. Due to their function in handling weight and precision, gantry robots play an important role in massive industries.

Types of Industrial Robots and Selecting the Correct One

Depending on the complexity of tasks, safety issues, precision levels, and budget constraints, there are various types of industrial robots, which become key in choosing the right one for your industrial settings. 

These are some of the major factors to consider when selecting from one of the 7 types of the robots:

Complexity of tasks: It would be redundant manipulation systems or collaborative robots for precise intricate tasks requiring dexterity.

Precision: In case the precision of your operations is very high, SCARA or Delta robots are perfect for assembly and packaging.

Safety: Safety can be achieved through the deployment of collaborative robots designed with harmonious operation with humans, hence offering a very safe environment where the human-robot interface will be necessary at workstations.

Budget: Industrial manipulators and palletizing robots would be handy for large-scale implementation but would rather blow your budget. For small-scale operation, Cobots offer fine returns on investment without compromising on performance.

Productivity will be improved, labor cost will be reduced, and the operations for your company will be streamlined if you match the right type of robot with your needs for long-term success.

Conclusion

Robots are revolutionizing automation, driving precision, efficiency, and workplace safety. The seven types of robots we’ve explored each bring unique functions, reshaping industries from small-scale electronics to large-scale automotive manufacturing. They’re paving the way for industrial growth and maximizing productivity. For cutting-edge robotic solutions tailored to your industry’s needs, trust Novus HiTech to lead your automation transformation.

Light up the path to an efficient future this Diwali with one of these robotic solutions in your industrial setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What are the 7 types of robots used in the automation industry?

The seven types of the robot include Industrial Manipulators, SCARA Robots, Delta Robots, Palletizing Robots, Redundant Manipulation Systems, Collaborative Robots (Cobots), and Gantry Robots. Each type is designed for a specific function, but each improves different aspects of industrial automation.

SCARA robots are best applied in those industries that highly use this form of robot especially in electronics manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and packaging where they have to perform high-speed, precision-driven operations for repetitive tasks in pick-and-place operations.

2.What is the difference between a Collaborative Robot and an Industrial Manipulator?

Cobots are designed to interact with humans in a safe space. In contrast, industrial manipulators are applied in applications that demand higher intensity strength and precision and where the worker cannot be placed close due to hazards to his safety.

3.What are some advantages of Delta Robots in packaging efficiency?

Delta robots are light but can do quick, repetitive motion. Thus, they prove quite effective in high-speed packaging where precision and speed still count to be more important like in food processing and pharmaceutical packaging.

4.What parameters should be considered while choosing an industrial robot?

While selecting a robot, factors like complexity of the task, precision requirements, safety, and the budget, and the specific needs for the industry are to be considered so that the robot can adequately meet the demands of operation.