Types of Industrial Robots - Tools for Manufacturing
- November 22, 2024
Understanding Industrial Robots
Industrial robots are innovations developed by experienced machine builders that have become essential in modern manufacturing. These robots improve efficiency, reduce errors, and cut labor costs, enabling production processes in machinery and other industrial factories to run swiftly and with high quality. Many companies are now turning to industrial robot manufacturers and machine builders to replace manual labor and meet rising market demands efficiently. Industrial robots, as automated machines, are programmed to execute precise tasks such as assembly, packing, welding, picking, and material handling. They also work in hazardous environments, like high-temperature areas or zones with toxic chemicals, reducing human worker exposure to danger.
Industrial robots come in various types designed to meet specific needs in manufacturing. Understanding the types of industrial robots helps businesses choose the most suitable robots for their operations, as each type is optimized for different applications. Selecting the right type of industrial robot is crucial for improving manufacturing processes and achieving high productivity.
Types of Industrial Robots Used in Manufacturing
For those interested in applying robots in industrial settings, the question often arises about the types of industrial robots available. There are several types of industrial robots, generally classified based on their structure and suitability for particular tasks. Here are some commonly used types of industrial robots:
1. Articulated Robots
Articulated robots are designed with 4 to 6 rotary joints, resembling a human arm, which offers high flexibility and a broad range of movement. They are suitable for tasks in confined spaces and complex environments. Commonly used for welding, material handling, machine tending, and assembly, these versatile robots can handle heavy materials up to hundreds of kilograms. Popular brands include FANUC, ABB, KUKA, and Yaskawa.
2. SCARA Robots – Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm
SCARA robots have four-axis structures with horizontal joint movements, making them exceptionally fast and accurate on horizontal planes. These types of industrial robots are ideal for high-speed applications rather than complex movements, such as pick-and-place, packaging, palletizing, and part assembly, particularly in electronics manufacturing. They excel in limited spaces with high precision and are generally smaller than articulated robots. Popular brands include Epson, Omron Adept, and Yamaha.
3. Delta Robots – Parallel Robots
Delta robots have a spider-like structure with three arms connected to joints at the base. These robots operate with speed and precision over short distances, ideal for tasks requiring quick pick-and-place, sorting, and material handling. They are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries. Prominent brands include ABB, FANUC, and Codian Robotics.
4. Cartesian Robots – Gantry Robots
Cartesian robots feature a structure with three linear joints allowing for precise movement along all three axes. They are highly accurate and suitable for repetitive linear movements, such as CNC machining, 3D printing, pick-and-place, and production line tasks. These robots boast strong, sturdy structures capable of handling significant weight, making them ideal for tasks requiring high precision. Popular brands include IAI Corporation, Bosch Rexroth, and Yamaha.
5. Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to work safely alongside humans in industrial environments. Equipped with in-built sensors, they are lightweight, space-saving, and portable. Cobots are easy to program, flexible in diverse tasks, and safe for direct interaction with humans. Their adaptability supports dynamic work environments. Popular brands include Universal Robots, FANUC, KUKA, and Rethink Robotics.
Benefits and Advantages of Using Industrial Robots
- Reduced Production Costs
Industrial robots, capable of operating continuously around the clock without breaks, significantly reduce long-term labor costs. This uninterrupted productivity allows businesses to achieve higher outputs without a corresponding increase in labor expenses, enabling companies to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on growth.
- Enhanced Precision and Reduced Errors
Designed for high precision, industrial robots minimize production errors, which is crucial for industries demanding strict quality standards. By ensuring each product meets consistent quality levels, industrial robots reduce waste and defective products, which translates to savings in raw materials and enhanced brand reputation through reliable product quality.
- Easy Adaptation to Production Changes
Flexibility is one of the key benefits of industrial robots. They can be easily reprogrammed for a variety of tasks as production needs evolve. This adaptability eliminates the costly and time-consuming process of retraining human workers, allowing businesses to shift production focus quickly and efficiently to meet changing market demands.
- Increased Workplace Safety
Industrial robots take on tasks in hazardous or high-risk environments, such as handling toxic materials or operating in extreme temperatures. By performing these dangerous duties, robots lower the risk of injury or accidents, creating a safer workplace for human employees and reducing costs associated with occupational safety.
- Improved Production Efficiency
Industrial robots are built for high-speed, continuous operation, ensuring that production schedules are met without interruptions. Their capability to perform tasks at a faster rate than human workers leads to increased daily output and a more efficient production cycle, keeping businesses on target to meet customer demand.
- Enhanced Quality Control
Industrial robots contribute to stringent quality control by conducting precise inspections and maintaining consistency throughout the production process. This ability to identify and correct defects early minimizes the occurrence of defective products, reducing the need for costly returns or product recalls and protecting the company’s reputation.
- Simplified Resource Management
By automating labor-intensive tasks, industrial robots streamline resource management, making it easier for businesses to schedule and manage human resources. Robots allow a steady workflow without breaks or interruptions, ensuring that production continues smoothly and resources are allocated effectively.
- Increased Business Competitiveness
With the ability to produce larger quantities at reduced costs, industrial robots provide businesses with a competitive edge. The cost-efficiency and speed of automated production processes enable companies to bring products to market faster and at more competitive prices, enhancing their position within the industry.
- Space-Saving in Factories
Many industrial robots are designed to be compact, taking up less floor space than traditional assembly lines. This space efficiency allows companies to maximize factory layouts, making better use of available space, which is particularly beneficial in smaller production facilities.
- Promoting Business Sustainability
Industrial robots contribute to sustainable business practices by reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste. Their efficient performance and ability to lower resource usage support environmentally-friendly operations, aligning with global sustainability trends and helping businesses meet corporate responsibility goals.
Choosing the Right Industrial Machinery Builder
Selecting an industrial machinery manufacturer and machine builder experienced in designing and producing industrial robots is vital for maximizing production efficiency. At Nippon Kikai, we specialize in manufacturing a variety of industrial robots to suit our clients’ needs—from robots for material handling, welding, and assembly to more specialized applications. Our solutions help businesses save on labor costs, increase operational flexibility, and reduce errors, promoting sustainable, long-term productivity in your business operations.