What are Articulated Robots Used For?
The articulated robot is one of several types of industrial robots used to automate production related tasks. Articulated robots are designed with rotary joints that provide them with a high degree of flexibility and agility. Articulated robots are some of the most versatile as they are available in a wide range of sizes, payload capacities, reach capabilities, and axis configurations. Due to their incredible versatility, articulated robots, like the FANUC M-20ia/10L, are the most common out of all robot types. Below is a look at where and how articulated robots are used.
Where Articulated Robots are Used
Due to the extraordinary versatility of articulated robots, they have been deployed in a wide variety of industries. Articulated robots were first implemented in traditional industrial settings. The automotive industry was one of the first to use industrial robots as it is still the largest user today. The ABB IRB 6640 and other robot manipulators are used to automate just about every aspect of auto making. Other industrial settings using articulated robots include the metals and aerospace industries.Articulated robots are also useful in industries requiring cleanliness and precision. Articulated six axis robots are being used in the electronics industry as they are able to handle intricate and delicate parts better than humans. In the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries cleanroom robots help maintain stringent cleanliness standards to prevent contamination. The FANUC LR Mate 200id and other cleanroom robots are frequently used to automate processes in sterile environments.
Articulated robots are also being used in the education, military and defense, agriculture, and entertainment industries. In the education industry, articulated robots are used for the teaching of robotic automation. In the military and defense industry, articulated robots automate the process of explosive disposal. Articulated robots automate planting, harvesting, and spraying in the agriculture industry. While in the entertainment industry they are used for special effects.
How Articulated Robots are Used
One of the reasons articulated robots are so versatile is because they can automate a wide range of applications. Articulated robotic manipulators are commonly used for material handling, welding, material removal, coating, assembly, and quality control applications.- • Material Handling - Material handling is one of the most common types of applications for articulated robots. It covers a broad category of processes for handling robots that include packaging, part transfer, pick and place, palletizing, and machine tending.
- • Welding - Welding is another common application type for articulated robots. Both arc welding and spot welding can be automated as well as laser, ultrasonic, and EBW. Arc welding robots provide the accuracy and precision needed to optimize welding processes.
- • Material Removal - Material removal applications can be quite hazardous which is why they are frequently automated by the Yaskawa MH50 and other articulated robots. Material removal processes automated include cutting, drilling, sanding, grinding, buffing, polishing, deburring, and deflashing.
- • Coating - Coating applications automated by robots include painting, spraying, sealing, and bonding.
- • Assembly - The range of motion and dexterity of articulated robots makes them ideal for robotic assembly applications. Articulated robots can automate small to large assembly processes.
- • Quality Control - Articulated robots ensure thorough testing and inspections of products. They are capable of detecting defects, measuring parts, and testing for proper functionality of goods.
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