How do robotic arms work? A comprehensive guide

An introduction to robotic arms

First, what is a robotic arm? Think about your own arm. What can it do? It can bend, grasp objects (with the help of your hand), lift things, and move objects. The tasks performed by robot arms are not all that different, although they tend to be more efficient.

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A robotic arm is a series of connected segments, rather than one solid arm. These segments are connected through "joints" or "axes". Each joint has a motor that acts like a muscle. The more joints or axes a robotic arm has, the more flexible it is.

One common type is the Six-Axis robotic arm, which looks and moves a lot like a human arm. It has segments resembling a shoulder, elbow, and wrist.

In the industrial world, robotic arms perform precise tasks. They have what is called a "work envelope", which is essentially their workspace.

Robotic arms also use an "end-effector", a specialized tool attached to their wrist for interacting with materials and completing tasks. It could be a gripper, welding torch, cutter, sprayer, or drill. What kind of end-effector the robotic arm will have will depend on the task.

But, robotic arms don't come pre-programmed with skills; they need to be taught. Typically, this is done through a controller and a "teaching pendant". Some robotic arms, like Collaborative robots, can be programmed by manually moving them.

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Exploring the mechanics of robotic arms

The mechanics of a robotic arm are like the movements of a human arm but with added flexibility. These arms have parts that act like the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, working together to move and grab objects.

An Industrial robotic arm can be simplified into five main parts:

1. Joints and actuators: These are the moving parts of the robot. Think of them as the robot's joints that can bend or turn. They are pushed or pulled by mechanisms called actuators, which can be powered by electricity, air (pneumatic), or liquids (hydraulic).
2. Links: Links are the segments connecting the robot's joints. They are usually made of sturdy materials like metal tubes and determine how far the robot can reach and how stable it is.
3. Internal sensors: Inside the robot, there are sensors that tell it where its joints are and how they're moving. It's similar to our sense of touch and awareness of our body's position.
4. End of arm tool: Also called an end-effector, this acts as the robot's hand. It can grab things, and sometimes the wrist can turn to make the task easier.
5. Digital I/O and controller: This is how the robot talks to its "brain", also known as the controller. Digital inputs and outputs are electronic signals that control the robot arm's joints. When you give the robot arm a job to do, the controller makes sure it does it with precise movements.

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The various robot arm types

Robot arms, often called robotic manipulators, are a key part of Industrial robots. The term "robotic arms" is used to describe a diverse grouping of robotic mechanisms. While these robots share some commonalities, each has unique features making it more suited to certain tasks.

The different types of robotic arms you'll find include:

1. Six-Axis arm
2. Articulated arm
3. Collaborative robot arm
4. Cartesian arm
5. SCARA arm
6. Cylindrical arm
7. Spherical/Polar arm
8. Parallel/Delta arm
9. Dual arm
10. Anthropomorphic arm

Let's look at the most common types of robotic arms today:

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Articulated arm

Picture a robot arm that's as flexible as your own; that's an Articulated arm. It's one of the most common types in industrial automation, featuring a single mechanical arm attached to a base with a twisting joint. These robots, often with four to six joints, are incredibly flexible and capable of tasks like arc welding, assembly, material handling, and more.

Cartesian arm

Cartesian robots, also known as linear or gantry robots, move in straight lines on three different axes - up and down, in and out, and side to side. Cartesian robotic arms offer precise control and are commonly used in CNC machining and 3D printing applications.

SCARA arm

The SCARA robot, short for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, is a multitasker of sorts. It can move in three directions and twist around. It's lightning-fast and ideal for jobs like assembling things and stacking cases of products or goods on pallets.

Cylindrical arm

Imagine a robot with a single arm that can go up and down. This robotic arm has a rotary joint at the base and can extend its arm to reach for things. Cylindrical arms are compact and perfect for assembly operations and taking care of other machines.

Delta arm

Also called Parallel robots, Delta arms are known for their incredible speed and precision. They have three arms connected to one base and are perfect for high-speed tasks in industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

Polar arm

Also known as Spherical robots, these robots have a base and an arm with one joint that moves back and forth, and two rotary joints that spin. This setup lets them work in a sphere-like work envelope. They're typically used in tasks like die casting, material handling, arc welding, and more.

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The purpose and applications of robotic arms

Robotic arms are like the skilled hands of automation in various industries. They've fast become essential in modern times and have revolutionized various industries, making tasks quicker, more efficient, and safer.

You'll find robotic arms in manufacturing plants, automotive assembly lines, agriculture, and even space exploration.

Most Industrial robotic arms have a primary goal: handling repetitive and occasionally risky tasks that require perfect precision. From assembling intricate products to organizing our food, Industrial robot arms can be programmed to carry out a wide range of functions.

Robotic arms are commonly used in manufacturing applications, where they handle tasks like:

• Arc and spot welding
• Polishing and grinding
• Metal processing
• Material handling
• Machine tending
• Palletizing
• Assembly
• Rubber and plastic work

Robotic assembly is likely one of the first images people have when they think of industrial robots. Automotive manufacturing &#; essentially the first industry to standardize on robotic automation &#; utilizes heavy-duty six axis robots to increase capacity and improve quality in their manufacturing processes.

Today, assembly line robots stretch far beyond automotive, as we see more and more opportunities for high-speed robotic assembly of small intricate parts. Assembly line robot processes provide the speed and precision manufacturers require without sacrificing quality and accuracy. The flexibility of assembly line robots allows manufacturers to optimize workflow, increase capacity, and easily produce a wider range of products because they can perform multiple value-added processes, eliminating the need for expensive fixed automation. Intelligent features like integrated 2D and 3D iRVision and Force sensing enhance the assembly process.

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