Exploring the World of Industrial Robots

Industrial robots can handle a wide range of jobs. Whether the task involves injection molding, packaging, material handling, or another repetitive process, many business operations can be automated with robotic technology. The potential applications are extensive. However, if you have been comparing different industrial robot manufacturers, determining which option is most suitable for your operation can be challenging.

There are many robotic systems available, and each is designed with different capabilities. Before choosing a manufacturer, it is useful to understand the major categories of industrial robots. Knowing what each type can do will make it easier to determine which robot is best suited to your particular application.

The different types of robots

Industrial robots come in several different configurations, and each type has its own strengths and intended applications. Understanding these differences can help you narrow down the options available for your business.

Cartesian robots are commonly used with CNC equipment and in 3D printing applications. They are particularly recognized for their precision and the ability to adjust their operating speed according to the requirements of a task.

Collaborative robots, commonly called cobots, are designed to provide a high degree of flexibility. They can be used for applications such as pick-and-place operations, palletizing, quality inspection, and many other processes. Cobots are also designed with safety functions that allow them to operate near human workers in appropriate environments.

Articulated robots are frequently used for assembly, material handling, packaging, and similar manufacturing processes. Their structure resembles a human arm, although their mechanical configuration differs from that of collaborative robots. Cobots generally operate across three axes, while articulated robots can be designed with four, five, or six axes of movement.

SCARA robots are often selected for assembly work, screw-driving operations, and other manufacturing tasks. They operate along three axes while also incorporating rotary motion, making them useful for applications that require fast and controlled movement.

Delta robots are particularly common in pick-and-place operations. They are used in a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical production and food and beverage processing, where fast and precise handling is often required.

Polar robots are used for processes such as die casting, injection molding, and material handling. Their movement is produced through a combination of one linear joint and two rotary joints, allowing them to reach and manipulate objects within a defined working area.

Industry-leading robotic manufacturers

The industrial robotics market includes numerous manufacturers, each with its own technologies and advantages. In general, manufacturers that provide both flexibility and ease of operation can offer useful solutions for a wide range of production environments. Several established companies are known for providing robots for different industrial applications.

Techman Robots produces collaborative robotic systems that include integrated vision technology. Built-in vision is a notable feature because many competing systems do not include vision capabilities directly within the robot. Techman robots are also recognized for software that can be accessed using Windows-based laptops, making operation and programming more accessible.

Their collaborative systems also include safety functions that allow the robots to work alongside human employees in many suitable environments. Additional options, including robot stands and workstations, provide greater flexibility when integrating the robots into a production area.

Fanuc robots are designed with user-friendly operation and programming in mind. Like Techman's collaborative systems, Fanuc cobots can be deployed in environments where robots work alongside human employees.

Fanuc products are frequently used for CNC applications and factory automation. Their robots can be found across numerous industries and production facilities, making them suitable for a broad range of automated manufacturing processes.

Kawasaki produces several categories of robotic systems, including six-axis robots, SCARA robots, and pick-and-place machines. One example of their capabilities can be found in technology inspection applications.

Kawasaki robots combine high operating speeds with flexibility, allowing them to perform in many different types of production environments. Their adaptability also makes them useful for factories where requirements can vary from one area of the facility to another.

Staubli offers SCARA robots, collaborative robots, automated guided vehicles, and autonomous mobile robots. Their systems are designed to provide speed, precision, accuracy, and relatively straightforward operation while supporting collaborative applications.

Staubli robots are particularly well known for features that make them suitable for food-processing environments, as well as for their use in automotive manufacturing. However, their applications extend well beyond these sectors, and their adaptable designs allow them to perform many different industrial tasks.

ABB Robotics develops robotic solutions for a broad range of industries. Its product lineup includes multiple types of industrial robots as well as accessories and supporting equipment, giving businesses flexibility when selecting systems for different applications.

For companies looking for collaborative robots that incorporate safety functions, ABB also provides solutions designed to support human-robot collaboration.

Identifying the right robot

Once you understand the major robot categories and have reviewed some of the leading manufacturers, you can begin narrowing down the choices for your particular operation.

When selecting an industrial robot, several important questions should be considered. What operating speed does the application require? How important is flexibility for the process? What payload capacity does the robot need to handle?

You should also consider whether your team needs software that is simple to learn and operate, or whether you have the resources and time required for additional training.

Answering these questions can help eliminate unsuitable options and bring you closer to identifying the robotic system that matches your application's requirements.

Contact one of our robotic specialists

Robots can take on hazardous, physically demanding, and repetitive tasks, but selecting the appropriate industrial robot for a particular application may initially seem complicated. With so many configurations and manufacturers available, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your production process.

A robotics specialist can help evaluate those requirements and determine which type of robotic solution may be appropriate for your operation. Professional guidance can make the selection process easier and help you better understand how different robotic systems could fit into your workflow.

Businesses interested in evaluating the potential benefits of robotic automation can also use a robotics savings calculator to estimate the potential return on investment that a robotic system could provide over a three-year period.