Types of Industrial Robots Used for Manufacturing

Given the rapid development of robotics and automation technologies, the manufacturing industry has seen an upsurge in incorporating robotics engineering and technology into its manufacturing procedures. Today, industrial robots do operations with great accuracy and repeatability, resulting in higher-quality goods.

However, the advantages of industrial robots don’t end there. Creators can elevate output as industrial robots can function without resting. In addition, robots can work in dangerous times, which enhances employee protection & the entire security of the manufacturing warehouse. Such advantages have made companies integrate various industrial robot types into their production sections to increase plant profitability & productivity.

But what are these industrial robots & how many types of industrial robots are there? Here, we will discuss the different versions of industrial robots on the market, how they operate, and where they work the best. 

Industrial Robots - The Many Types to Know!

According to the commonly used definition provided by ISO 8373:2012, an industrial robot is "an independently controlled, reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator, configurable in three or more axes, and can either be mounted or movable for application in industrial automation."

Industrial robots can be divided into seven categories based on their mechanical design. However, they can also be grouped to their physical features, motion control, power supply management, and mechanical structure. Here are the main types:

Articulated Robots

An articulated robot's mechanical movement and arrangement closely mimic a human arm. A twisting joint is used to attach the arm to the base. The number of rotational joints that make up the arm can range from two to ten, each serving as an axis and increasing the range of motion.

These robots are used as plastic Injection molding robots in food packaging, machine tending, material handling, steel cutting, etc.

Cartesian Robots

Cartesian robots are a type of rectangular robots. Side-entry IML robots and Top entry IML robots fall under them. These industrial robots contain three prismatic joints that allow them to slide along their three perpendicular axes (X, Y, and Z) to provide linear motion. Such versatile robots have various applications like pick and place robots, nuclear material handling, assembly and sub-assembly, and more.

SCARA Robots

The Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, or SCARA, features three axes of motion (X, Y, and Z) and a rotational motion. Compared to Cartesian Robots, SCARA Robots often move more quickly and integrate more easily. They also excel at lateral motions. SCARA robots are typically used for palletizing, assembling, and bio-medical applications.

Delta Robots

Since they comprise parallel joint links coupled by a single base, delta robots are also known as parallel link robots. The end effector's placement can be readily adjusted with its arms thanks to direct control of each joint over it, allowing for high-speed operation. These robots usually serve as pick & place Injection molding robots or in product transfer.

Polar Robots

In polar robots, the arm and base are connected by a twisting joint, and the links are connected by a combination of two rotational joints and one linear joint. It enables an extended rotating arm & an eccentric pivoting shaft. They have many uses, like die casting, injection molding, and material handling.

Cylindrical Robots

This little robot, well suited for confined locations, has at least one rotary joint for rotating motion and a prismatic joint for linear mobility. Easy assembly, machine loading, die casting & machine unloading are common uses for cylindrical robots.

Collaborative Robots

Cobots, or collaborative robots, can engage directly and securely with people in a shared office. The market is filled with various collaborative robot models and manufacturers. Common cobot applications include pick and place robots, palletizing, quality control, and machine tending.

Apart from these, there are other types of robots as well. They include -

Autonomous Mobile Robots

AMR is a fast-expanding market sector for industrial robots. They are made in various sizes and forms best suited for the jobs they were created to do.

Autonomously Guided Vehicles (AGV)

AGVs are an older technology than AMRs and often take the shape of a wheeled vehicle. AGVs cannot create a map of a facility. Instead, they rely on pre-established paths. 

Recap

The next generation of industrial robots will continue to be shaped by quick advances in artificial intelligence mixed with the most recent mechatronics advancements.

However, one must understand and choose among the right type of industrial robots for their operations when integrating industrial robotics and automation into their enterprises. If you need clarification, let Delta Stark help.

 Delta Stark is committed to providing its clients with high-quality industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions. We have helped major OEMs like Bluestar, Carrier, Danfoss, Godrej, Haier, and more in India.

For more insights about how we can assist you in achieving your production targets, get in touch with us today.