Ways to Improve Your Robotic Applications

Deploying robotic applications can be extremely advantageous to any manufacturing process. However, they can be further enhanced through the addition of robotic technology, workcells, and robot upkeep. Automating with industrial robots can be a quick effective way to streamline production. Below are some ideas on how robotic applications can be improved in order to capitalize on their full benefits.

Integrate a Vision System

Integrating a robotic vision system with your industrial robot can enhance its capabilities to elevate almost any robotic application. Vision systems take applications from basic, simple, and rigid processes to more complex and variable ones. Vision provides robots with sensory feedback of sight for intelligent operation. A FANUC LR Mate 200id with vision can distinguish between different part types and adapt to changes that occur during manufacturing. A “blind” robot would need to be reprogrammed with every part or process change, significantly slowing down cycle times. With vision systems robotic applications become more flexible expanding the manufacturing capabilities of robots. Robotic applications are more precise, accurate, and fast with the addition of robot vision technology.

Add Robotic Force Sensors

Up until recently robotic applications fell short for those that required a sense of touch or force. Industrial robots could only operate from programmed specifications and lacked the sensory feedback needed for complex manufacturing processes. That has all changed with the development of robotic force sensor technology. Force sensors provide touch feedback to robots, measuring the amount of pressure or torque needed or being applied. Integrating robots with these sensors can significantly improve many types of robotic applications including assembly, grinding, polishing, and drilling. These sensors allow robots to successfully determine how much force to use for increased product quality of robotic applications. A FANUC M-10ia used for sanding utilizes force sensors to gauge the correct amount of pressure needed resulting in smooth, uniform parts. While a ABB IRB 2600 can use force sensors to determine if more or less torque is needed for inserting parts during assembly. Force sensor technology enhances robotic applications and ensures product quality will not become compromised during manufacturing.

Deploy a Robotic Workcell

Deploying a robotic workcell can help optimize robotic applications. There are many benefits of robotic workcells as they can streamline productions. Workcells boost productivity as robots are able to operate to their full potential since safety barriers allow for robot speed restrictions to be lifted. This improves cycle times of robotic applications and allows more parts to be completed in less time. Workcells can also improve the efficiency of applications since parts can be continuously fed to robots, preventing them from becoming idle. In addition, workcells can be configured to handle multiple robotic applications. A FANUC R-2000ib can weld workpieces and then inspect the weld seam through vision assistance inside the same cell.

Perform Routine Maintenance

Taking the time to complete robotic preventative maintenance will ensure your robot or robotic system will continue to operate properly. When your robot is functioning correctly your robotic applications will be able to run at their full potential. Preventative maintenance reduces the risk of unplanned downtime and the breakdown or malfunction of equipment which will negatively impact robotic applications. Keeping up with maintenance improves the overall effectiveness of applications as it ensures they will be completed with precision and accuracy.