unit 4.6 robots in automated production

Characteristics of robots

They are automatically controlled, reprogrammed, multi-purpose manipulated program with 3 or more axis.

They have caused a redundancy in skilled workers in favor of one technician in control of large numbers of robots

Work envelope

It is the 3D space a person can work in in terms of clearance and reach, therefore most robots cannot exceed their work envelope. However their are robots that are designed with outstanding flexibility and so they follow a track making a larger work space.

Load capacity

Is the weight a robot can manipulate

Single task robots

Can only take up one task at a time.

Ad:

• Low risk of error

• Complies learnability for operator

Disad:

• Slow process as not much can be done

• Expensive relative to the outcome

Multi task robots

Robots that take up multiple tasks at once.

Ad:

• Quicker and more efficient

• Varied input and output

Disadvantages:

• Higher risk of error

Team of robots

They are faster and more efficient, and follow the production line process. They are able to work independently following a program, without human input.

Repetitive action with increased accuracy.

Dis ad: Other robots are much more flexible

M2M

• The wireless and wired communication between machines, like vending machines

• Have their own control system containing machine vision sub system acting as their eyes

First generation robots

, simple mechanical arm, that under takes detailed motions.

Require constant supervision by humans

Second generation robots

Robots that are equipped with sensors for their surrounding, they synchronize with one another, and do not need constant human supervision, but a few checkups.

They are controlled by a external unit

Third generation robots

Autonomous robots that have their own control unit, and can operate largely with no supervision of humans. Individually not intelligent but as a whole is intelligent.