Collaborative Robots, or Cobots, have driven significant changes in industrial automation, increasing the availability of automation solutions by reducing costs and offering a safe and efficient way for humans and robots to work together on multiple projects. Cobots consist of a robotic arm, technology that’s been around for decades, but offer the novelty of being far cheaper than previous fixed robotic installations and most importantly of all they allow for reprogrammability, meaning staff can use them to perform multiple tasks without extensive technical training.
Basics of Collaborative Robot Arms
Collaborative Robot arms enable these robots to perform a wide range of tasks. Typically composed of joints and links, these arms mimic the dexterity and flexibility of a human arm, and can be programmed to perform multiple tasks requiring strength, skill and precision. The number of joints and links can vary, influencing the Cobot’s range of motion and adaptability to different applications.
Joints are the movable connections between different segments of the Cobot arm, allowing it to bend and rotate. Links are the rigid segments between joints, defining the length and structure of the arm. The end-effector, located at the arm’s extremity, is the component that interacts with the environment and performs specific tasks. Cobot arms come in various configurations, each designed for specific applications. Some are designed for precision tasks, while others prioritise strength and payload capacity. The adaptability of Cobot arms makes them suitable for industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare, and with minimal alterations the same cobot arm can be used for various tasks.
Grippers in Collaborative Robot Arms
So, what are grippers? Grippers are ‘hands’ on Cobot arms responsible for holding, manipulating, and moving objects. They come in various types, each tailored to specific applications. The choice of gripper depends on factors like the shape, size, and weight of the objects to be handled. Grippers are often task specific, or specific to a small number of tasks, so understanding how this component works is of paramount importance.
There are three main styles of gripper. Parallel grippers use opposing jaws to grasp objects. Angular grippers utilise a rotational mechanism, suitable for irregularly shaped objects. Vacuum grippers create suction to hold onto flat and smooth surfaces. The selection of gripper type depends on the nature of the task and the characteristics of the objects involved. Grippers find applications in diverse industries, from manufacturing and logistics to food processing. In manufacturing, Cobots equipped with grippers handle tasks like assembly, packaging, and material handling. Grippers are designed to accommodate different materials and shapes, and can be replaced or altered at a low cost, improving the adaptability of Cobot arms across industries.
Cobot Arm Control Systems
The control system is the brain of a Cobot arm, orchestrating its movements and actions, and acts as the interface between its human users and the cobot system. Control systems allow Cobots to perform tasks with precision and efficiency, and are designed to be easily programmable and reprogrammable by staff with minimal training.
(Re)programming is the most fundamental feature of Cobots. Programming interfaces allow operators to define tasks, movements, and sequences, and they are specifically designed to be as simple as possible. The intuitive nature of cobot programming interfaces simplifies the deployment of Cobots, making them accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise, and speeding up the learning curve for staff being trained to work with these tools.
Cobot arms are programmed using interfaces that provide a visual representation of the tasks to be performed. These interfaces often utilise drag-and-drop functionality, making programming more user-friendly. Programming languages such as Blockly and Python are commonly used, catering to both novice and experienced users, providing a balance between functionality and ease of use for employees.
Collaborative Safety Features
In any automated manufacturing line, or in industries such as healthcare, safety is obviously a top priority wherever when humans and robots share the same workspace. Collaborative safety features are implemented to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure a secure working environment. These features enable humans to work alongside Cobots without the need for physical barriers. Safety features in Cobot arms can include sensors, software , and mechanical components designed to detect and respond to potential hazards. Force and torque sensors allow Cobots to detect unexpected contact and immediately adjust their movements. Visual sensors contribute to the identification of obstacles, preventing collisions or providing shutdown conditions.
Considerations for Implementation
Selecting the right Cobot arm components is important for successful implementation, as though cobots are highly flexible tools they must be adapted to the needs of your specific industry. Factors to consider include the requirements of the intended tasks, the environmental conditions of the workspace, and the overall goals of the automation project. Careful consideration of these factors ensures that the chosen Cobot arm components align with the needs of the application.
As Cobot arms become more prevalent in industrial settings, the need for skilled operators and maintenance personnel grows. Training programs are essential to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to program, operate, and maintain Cobot arms effectively. Training initiatives contribute to the integration of Cobots into existing workflows, which are designed to be easy to use but whose effectiveness is enhanced by well-trained staff. While the benefits of Cobot arms are evident, cost considerations play a significant role in the decision-making process. Evaluating the initial investment, ongoing operational costs, and potential return on investment requires financial planning and a review of credit options or operational cash. Understanding the long-term economic impact of Cobot arm implementation ensures that businesses make informed decisions that align with their budget constraints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the components of Collaborative Robot arms will help you bettr understand their potential applications in your workflow. Grippers, sensors, control systems, and other key elements work ito make Cobots versatile, adaptive, and safe collaborators with humans. As industries continue to embrace collaborative robotics, more and more businesses are looking at how they can implement and get the best use out of these tools, so it seems likely cobots will play a growing role in shaping the future of manufacturing and automation.
