The Industrial Pick and Place robot buyer's guide

Understanding Robotic Arms

A robotic arm is an automated system crafted to efficiently grasp and relocate objects with speed and precision. While this may feel like a concept reserved for the future, many assembly lines are already leveraging these robots on a daily basis. In addition to assembly tasks, they can also facilitate various operations like logistics when equipped with appropriate mechanisms and software.

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Key components of robotic arms include:

• End-effectors: These are the gripping components attached to the robot's arm that enable it to grasp and secure objects. Various end-effectors like vacuum grippers for smooth surfaces, force-controlled grippers for unevenly shaped items, and magnetic grippers for ferrous materials are available.
• Joints: These are the flexible connectors that impart movement and maneuverability to the robotic arm. The configuration and type of joints define the arm's motion range and dexterity.
• Motors: This component is responsible for driving movement, converting electrical energy into mechanical motion, which allows the arm to accurately position and grip objects.

Defining an Industrial Pick and Place Robot

An Industrial Pick and Place robot is a specialized robotic arm often installed on a fixed stand, equipped with end-effectors that enable it to pick up and transport objects from one location to another.

These automated machines use various end-effectors—such as vacuum grippers, force-controlled grippers, or magnetic options—to grab items and reposition them as required. They can operate along a predetermined path or employ sensors for adapting to changing locations.

If you're involved in logistics or manufacturing, you likely understand the intricacies of the pick and place process. However, deploying an Industrial Pick and Place robot can significantly enhance your workflow, enabling fast, accurate, and uninterrupted operations.

Let’s explore how they can transform logistics.

Advantages of Industrial Pick and Place Robots in Logistics

Robot arms boast numerous advantages over manual labor, such as:

• Increased throughput and productivity since they can work continuously without needing breaks.
• Enhanced precision. Robots excel in high-precision tasks and can reliably place items exactly where required.
• Optimized space utilization. Industrial Pick and Place robots can access areas that may pose risks or challenges for human workers.
• Cost and time efficiency. Although there might be a significant initial investment, the long-term savings from reduced labor costs and improved efficiency are notable.

Moreover, Industrial Pick and Place robots are applicable in various settings. These adaptable machines can elevate the efficiency of your picking, packing, and palletizing functions, driving productivity forward.

For organizations aiming to incorporate robotics, understanding the types available is crucial for selecting the right fit.

Categories of Industrial Pick and Place Robots

There are various types of Pick and Place robots, each tailored for specific tasks and functionalities.

Robotic arms: The most prevalent type, generally employed for basic single-plane pick and place applications. Five-axis arms are ideal for routine tasks, while six-axis arms tackle more complex operations.

Cartesian robots: Comparable to six-axis arms but move in additional planes of motion, enhancing positioning accuracy.

Delta robots: Equipped with sophisticated vision capabilities to recognize and select items by size, shape, and color, these are perfect for assembly and packaging procedures.

Fast pick robots: Designed for high-volume tasks, these robots can efficiently pick up to 300 items per hour from a selection of up to eight SKUs, particularly adept at handling swift-moving products.

Collaborative robots: Function alongside human workers, improving route efficiency and assisting with various tasks, thereby augmenting productivity.

Applications of Industrial Pick and Place Robots

While most commonly used in manufacturing, the versatility of Industrial Pick and Place robots makes them useful across diverse industries.

Their inherent adaptability and accuracy establish them as valuable assets for various applications, such as:

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• Assembly: Pick and Place robots play a crucial role in assembly lines, where they efficiently join components by picking parts from conveyors or designated areas and positioning them accurately for assembly.
• Packaging: These robotic arms can retrieve items from incoming sources and carefully place them into the appropriate containers.
• Bin picking: Advanced vision systems empower Industrial Pick and Place robots to discern, seize, and retrieve specific items based on distinguishing features like color, shape, or size, which are then used in further assembly or packaging.
• Quality control: These robots can meticulously pick up and inspect products for defects, ensuring that faulty items are eliminated from the production line.

In our discussions about industrial robots, the technical jargon may appear straightforward to some, but it can be daunting for individuals purchasing their first robot. This guide aims to clarify the primary vocabulary and considerations when selecting an industrial robot.

Determining Robot Applications

Initially, understanding the specific application the robot will serve is essential in deciding the type of robot necessary for purchase. For instance, if your objective is a compact pick and place solution, a Scara robot might fit your needs well. Conversely, if you seek to place small items rapidly, a Delta robot is likely the best choice. If your application requires collaboration with human operators, a collaborative robot should suffice.

In this context, we will specifically examine industrial robots, which cater to a broad range of applications—including material handling, machine tending, welding, and material removal. Modern industrial robot manufacturers typically offer tailored solutions for every application, necessitating that you define your objectives to navigate the myriad of available models.

Payload Considerations

The payload indicates the maximum load a robot can handle within its working reach. When transporting an item from one machine to another, the combined weight of the item and the robot gripper should be factored into the payload. For further clarification on payloads, refer to our article discussing the distinctions between payload and grip force.

Axes of Rotation

The number of axes on a robot correlates directly with its freedom of movement. For straightforward applications such as transferring items from one conveyor belt to another, a basic four-axis robot is adequate. However, when operating in confined spaces that require extensive twisting and turning, a six or seven-axis robot may be necessary. The appropriate number of axes typically depends on the task at hand. Notably, having an excess of axes can be beneficial if the robot is repurposed for different applications in the future. However, it may introduce unnecessary complexity if not utilized effectively.

Manufacturers often employ varying terminology for axis or joint names. Essentially, the first joint (J1) is the closest to the robot base, followed by J2, J3, J4, and so forth, culminating at the wrist. Some companies, like Yaskawa/Motoman, adopt a lettered nomenclature system for their axes.

Robot Reach

Understanding the maximum range that the robot must cover for your application is vital. Choosing a robot is not only about the payload but also its reach. Manufacturers typically provide specifications for the robot's work envelope, allowing you to determine suitability for specific tasks. The maximum vertical reach is assessed from the lowest point the robot can access (often near its base) to the highest point the wrist can extend. Similarly, the maximum horizontal reach is measured from the robot's center base to the greatest distance the wrist can cover horizontally. Additionally, observing the range of motion (expressed in degrees) is crucial, as these measures can differ amongst robots and may limit their usage for certain applications.

Precision and Repeatability

This aspect is application-dependent. Repeatability measures a robot's ability to reach the same coordinates consistently. Generally, robots can achieve accuracy within 0.5mm, with some capable of finer tolerances. For example, in tasks like assembling electronic circuit boards, a highly repeatable robot is essential; however, for less precise applications, extreme precision may not be necessary. This measure is often expressed in terms of plus or minus due to the 2D nature of motion, as the tool's position can exist anywhere within the defined tolerance radius.

Speed Considerations

Speed descriptions are subjective and measured based on the task's urgency. Spec sheets typically state maximum speeds, yet it is important to recognize that all speeds can be adjusted from zero to the maximum. This metric is often expressed in degrees/second. Some manufacturers may also include maximum acceleration rates.

Robot Weight

The mass of the robot is a critical aspect when designing a robotic cell. If the industrial robot is meant to be installed on a custom bench or rails, knowing its weight is essential for ensuring adequate support.

Inertia and Braking Systems

Virtually every robot manufacturer provides details regarding the braking system of their models. Some robots come equipped with brakes across all axes, while others do not. For ensuring precise positioning within the workspace, it's critical to have an appropriate quantity of brakes. Information on segment inertia can also be beneficial, particularly when designing safety mechanisms. Additionally, examining the applicable torque on the axes is crucial; if the torque requirements for a maneuver exceed the maximum allowable values, the robot could encounter overload shutdowns.

IP Ratings

Depending on the intended operational environment for your robot, achieving a specific Ingress Protection (IP) rating might be necessary. For robots working with food products, laboratory equipment, medical tools, or in hazardous environments, differing IP ratings are mandatory. This international standard necessitates verifying whether your application requires specific protection or if local ratings can be utilized. Many manufacturers offer identical robots with varying IP ratings based on their operational context.

We hope this article provides you with valuable insights for your next industrial robotic investment. We've curated comparison sheets for industrial robots with payloads ranging from 5 to 10 kg as well as those between 20 to 50 kg. These grids focus solely on industrial robots specific to material handling, excluding Scara, Delta, or welding robots. We believe you will find the process of comparing different robots to be enlightening!

Contact us to discuss your requirements for a 10kg stamping manipulator. Our knowledgeable sales team can assist you in identifying the options that best align with your needs.