Industrial robotic arms are becoming more versatile with each successive generation. Major advances in encoders and motors and simplified programming environments let users task their robots with delicate motions and increased payloads, all while in smaller and more compact spaces. If you’re wondering how a robot could contribute to daily production in your company, then you need to keep reading to find out what an industrial robotic arm can do for you.
Tasks attributed to industrial robotic arms
Pick-and-drop is the most common task a robot will perform. However, this is almost an underuse of your robot’s potential. Modern units come ready to be tasked with welding, cutting, routing and milling, assembly, machine tending, packaging and working with an injection press. In fact, if you look at the robot profiles on FANUC’s site, you’ll see the numerous tasks they have been designed to perform.
Modern robotic arms can perform complex and delicate tasks
Robots are helpful when it comes to simple, repetitive tasks. However, they now come programmed and designed to tackle complex tasks that would take a human a long time, pose a hazard, or require high torque in small spaces. Modern robots are capable of in-mold labeling, overmolding, insert loading, laser cutting. They are extremely versatile in material application and can handle everything from primer to plasma, and foam to tape. Precision, versatility, agility, and power allow these modern robots to outperform their progenitors by exponential bounds.
Reuse your robot to perform multiple tasks and extend its life
One of the biggest advantages of modern robotic arms is that they can be used for more than one task. You no longer have to purchase single-function robots that anchor to one place and are there virtually permanently. Nowadays, you have cobots and robotic cells that allow robots to be moved into other stages in the assembly process. Cells can be programmed to be useful for multiple tasks. Best of all, they are easy to move and even easier to integrate.
Freeing up personnel for parallel tasking
Robots eliminate or minimize the manual labor required of your staff. This is a significant benefit of having a reliable, versatile robotic arm in your assembly process. Humans are now free to accomplish other tasks and increase your overall productivity. Allowing robots and humans to parallel task ensures that all resources, human or mechanical, are in the optimal places on the factory floor. Humans do some tasks better, while others are carried out most efficiently by a robot. Having the best man/bot in the right place for the job will streamline your production line and cut down on interruptions, delays, and mistakes.
DIY-Robotics cells can do anything you want them to because you design them! Before you start building your cell, learn more about our process by consulting our Ultimate Guide to Build Your Own Industrial Robotics Cell.
