Manufacturing industries saw tremendous change as a result of the industrial revolution, one of which was the introduction of robots and automation. They were brought to the market in order to boost productivity and save operational expenses. Robots are now highly programmable and controlled, allowing them to execute complicated tasks utilizing artificial intelligence. Continue reading to learn about the many functions of robotics in production, their influence, and their future. Continue reading.
Introduction:
Robotics in manufacturing is being used in multiple different areas due to automation. Manufacturing robot uses include welding, assembly, transportation, raw material handling, and product packaging. As a result, a growing number of firms are utilizing robotic automation for a variety of operations.
Discover the remarkable ways robots are revolutionizing the machine-building industry and join the movement towards a brighter future. Read on to learn more about the positive impact of robots and how they are changing the face of manufacturing as we know it.
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ROBOTICS’ ORIGIN IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY (1938-1979)
The introduction of numerically controlled machinery and the growing popularity of computers enabled the development of the first industrial robots. Griffith “Bill” P. Taylor invented the first industrial robot that fulfilled the ISO standard in 1937.
It featured a single electric motor and was built to look like a crane out of Meccano components. Grabs and rotations were two of its five movement axes. The robot was programmed to position wooden blocks in specified patterns using paper tape with holes punched in it that powered solenoids.
In 1954, George Devol applied for the first industrial robot patent. His robot was capable of transporting objects within a radius of 12 feet or less. In 1956, he formed Unimation to concentrate on robot development and coined the phrase “universal automation.”
In 1962, Unimation developed UNIMATE, the first robot used by a major manufacturer, General Motors.
In 1969, Victor Scheinman invented the Stanford arm at Stanford University. 6-axis articulated robot that runs entirely on electricity. Manufacturers may now utilize robots for welding and assembly activities now that this new technology is accessible.
ASEA created the ASEA IRB, an entirely electric robot, in Europe in 1975. It was also the first robot to be outfitted with an Intel chipset and a microprocessor controller.
Vicarm and Unimation released the PUMA robot arm in 1978, with assistance from General Motors. This arm, which was originally designed for manufacturing lines, is currently utilized by robotics researchers.
In 1979, OTC Japan released the first generation of specialized arc welding robots.
THE MODERN AGE OF ROBOTICS IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY (1980-PRESENT)
Robotics innovation surged substantially after 1980. In 1981, Takeo Kanade invented the first robotic arm with joint-mounted motors. It was more faster and more accurate than its predecessors.
Yaskawa USA Inc. released the Motorman ERC control system in 1988. This is possible since at the time, a maximum of 12 axes could be controlled. The Motorman ERC system was modified in 1994 to allow up to 21 axes. In 1998, the controller was upgraded to 27 axes and the ability to synchronize up to four robots was added.
In 1992, FANUC robotics also developed the first prototype of an intelligent robot.
Linatex established the first collaborative robot in 2008. (cobot). Instead of keeping the robot behind a safety barrier, one Danish rubber and plastics manufacturer chose to place it on the ground. They may program the robot themselves using a touchscreen interface instead of hiring a programmer.
It was clear from the start that this was how things would proceed in the future.
HOW ARE ROBOTICS USED IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY?
Nowadays, robots (co-bots) work alongside human workers on practically all tasks. In manufacturing, robotics is utilized for repetitive operations and to optimize the assembly workflow. Several businesses require hazardous and time-consuming operations that might endanger human employees.
Moreover, individuals might become exhausted and distracted after working long hours, perhaps leading to harm or mistake. Because of their high level of machine learning, manufacturing robots cannot assist these businesses in eliminating such errors.
The Tesla Gigafactory is one of the most modern factories ever constructed, employing self-navigating autonomous vehicles capable of unrestricted mobility to transport commodities between workstations.
Robotic process automation (RPA) is a new technology with several applications in various industries. These robots can mimic human thinking, speed up procedures, and alter commercial processes.
Technology may act as an extra employee in various supply chain departments, cooperating with back-office operations and IT systems to efficiently accomplish repetitive tasks such as purchase management orders and invoicing processing.
According to a Capgemini survey, 91% of respondents said that RPA could save firms time on repetitive procedures, while 84% of RPA users stated that robotics could significantly reduce expenditures. It is only one of the numerous reasons why robot applications in manufacturing have a bright future. This industry’s estimated need for advanced robots will likely exceed $3.7 billion by 2021.
AUTOMATION OF ROBOTS AS A COMPETITIVE BUSINESS SOLUTION
ROBOTICS IS CHEAP AND TIME SAVING
As a result of growing sales, manufacturing robot applications now require less time and cost less money to manufacture. They are outfitted with quality enhancements and regulated safety standards incorporated into cutting-edge facilities, saving money on labor costs and unnecessary downtime, and they can operate constantly, increasing production and decreasing downtime.
ROBOTICS IS SCALABLE FOR PRODUCTION
Robots may be scaled down to be used in expanding businesses and in high-production, high-volume applications. Modern robots can be used in low- to medium-volume industrial settings. They may now be quickly programmed and set up for new activities, thanks to recent advancements. They may be used in a variety of places across manufacturing plants thanks to transportable bases.
ROBOTS CAN BE EASILY PROGRAMMED
There are two easy methods for programming robots available today. The first method, known as offline programming, allows a user to model a whole cell or work area and design the sequence of operations required to complete a task. The second method uses a teach pendant, in which a programmer or engineer instructs the robot through a sequence of activities. After that, the instructions may be stored and updated as required.
NEW JOBS ARE CREATED BY ROBOTICS
Manufacturing employment are also created through robotic automation. Programming, engineering, end-effector design, operators, data analysts, robot production, and systems integration are all required.
People are needed to assist with equipment maintenance. ROI may be equal to growth, increasing revenues and producing savings for customers as well as jobs for the local community.
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