4.6 Robots in Automated Production

New definition of industrial robots

Actuated mechanism programmable in two or more axes with a degree of autonomy, moving within its environment, to perform intended tasks

Definition of industrial robots

An automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multipurpose, manipulator programmable in three or more axes, which may be either fixed in place or mobile for use in industrial automation applications

Web based applications

Can connect vehicle sensors wirelessly to Internet services that allow customers to track their vehicles, warn occupants of the need to check vehicle systems such as oil level or tyre pressure and alert them to changing traffic conditions

Need to automate production

Has been do to the need of lowering the cost of production. However the reduction in labour obtained by introducing such systems needs to be balanced agaisnt the initial capital cost of the machines, in addition to ongoing human involvement in programming and maintenance which can be quite high. Decisions will therefore depend on the cost of labour and the production volumes projected In short production times the cost of automation and programming is not justified

Computer integrated manufacturing system (CIM) or flexible manufacturing

Improves management of robotic systems, where computers monitor and control the entire process of manufacturing from scheduling each step of production to keeping track of parts inventories, tool use and warehousing

Explanation of new definition

It recognises that robots are now fulfilling a wider range of activities that can include both industrial and non industrial roles including the following: Industrial robots Service robots Personal care robots Medical robots

Example of M2M

Mobile decides that automatically look for upgrades to apps and upload them to the derived

Single task robots

Perform specific operations. These robots are often limited in their ability to move e.g. left or right, up or down. Most commonly used as servo robots these machines use servomechanisms to control arms and grippers. This technology provides robot arms with great flexibility. These robots may weld joints, hold assemblies or paint parts repeatedly without variation, with a high degree of precision. This type of robot is particularly successful at relieving human operators of boring, repetitive or dangerous take. Single task robots may also be employed in multi robot situations to achieve the desired outcome within an operation cell

Three categories of industrial robots

Quality control and inventory Fabrication or assembly operations Materials handling and transportation

Machine to machine (M2M)

Represents technologies that allow the commutation of devices over wireless and wired connections without the necessity for human intervention

Teams of robots

Robots work in cooperative teams where multiple functions are required. These include moving, locating, holding and fixing processes.cthese processes must be efficiently coordinated and programmed to ensure effective, accurate, repeatable and collision free operations. Assembly operations such as those associated with automobiles require robot systems not only to manoeuvre parts into place but also to hold components precisely while they are being secured. In these situations, multiple robots may be required to strategically weld assemblies held in place by other robots.

Multi task robots

Through their complexity, multitask robots produce a greater degree of flexibility. Making use of priority controlled, preemptive scheduling or even artificial intelligence. Multitasking robots can handle both complex and parallel operation, employing independent secondary axes and using a variety of tools. Preprogrammed tool changes on one of the axes increases the robot's versatility yet still allows the continued independent operation of the other axes

Material handling robots

Transport materials, components and finished products throughout a plant. They may be used for complex palletising of products in a warehouse, retrieving multiple components ready for the assembly line or moving sub assemblies between stations

Components of industrial robots

Typically comprised of 4 components Power source: electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic Tooling: fixed, multiple or interchangeable tools Mechanical unit: structural arm, sensors, joints, actuators Control system: computer or microprocessor driven controller

Quality control robots

Use sensors to inspect products for defects. These robots may be stationed throughout the assembly line and may be independent or programmed as part of a multi tasking robot operation

Fabrication or assembly robots

Work in a variety of ways i.e. single robots- single task, multi task - single task or single robots - multi task situations. Single task robots operate one operation such a spot welding. In multi robot situations a team of robots may work together to place components and hold them in place while other robots drill, weld or rivet. Multi task robots may perform a variety of operations within the one cell using interchangeable heads or multi arms