Industrial robots are multi-jointed manipulators or multi-degree-of-freedom machines designed for industrial applications. They can perform tasks automatically, relying on their own power and control capabilities to achieve various functions. They can be commanded by humans or operate according to pre-programmed procedures. Modern industrial robots can also act according to principles established by artificial intelligence technology.
The main body consists of the base and the actuator, including the arm, wrist, and hand; some robots also have a locomotion mechanism. Most industrial robots have 3 to 6 degrees of freedom, with the wrist typically having 1 to 3 degrees of freedom. The drive system includes the power unit and transmission mechanism, which enables the actuator to produce corresponding movements. The control system issues command signals to the drive system and actuator according to the input program and performs control.
Parallel mechanisms with multiple degrees of freedom are diverse and complex in form, mainly including three-degree-of-freedom and six-degree-of-freedom parallel structures, which are widely used in flight simulators, 6-dimensional force and torque sensors, and parallel machine tools. Their characteristics include: (1) compact structure, high rigidity, and large load-bearing capacity; (2) no cumulative error and high precision; (3) small footprint; (4) high speed and excellent motion performance; and (5) low component wear and long service life.
Application areas of industrial parallel robots
Parallel mechanisms are often used in applications requiring high rigidity, high precision, and high speed, but without the need for large spaces. Specific applications include:
1. Sorting, handling, and packing in the food, pharmaceutical, electronics, and chemical industries.
2. Simulated sports; such as pilot 3D space training simulators; engineering simulators, such as marine swing platforms; testing the operational reliability of products under simulated repeated impacts and vibrations; recreational sports simulation platforms.
3. Parallel machine tools
4. Docking actions; such as space docking of spacecraft; wheel installation on an automobile assembly line; and prosthetic bone setting in a hospital.
5. Bearing motion; such as high-torque bolt tightening; short-distance heavy object handling.
6. Metal cutting processing; applicable to various milling machines, grinding machines, drilling machines, spot welding machines, and cutting machines.
7. Can be used in measuring machines as an error compensator for other mechanisms.
8. Micro-manipulation robots; used for micro-motion mechanisms or micro-mechanisms.
9. Robot joints; can be used as joints in robots, crawling mechanisms, food and pharmaceutical packaging, and transfer manipulators, etc.
With the development of various industries in China in recent years, a large number of parallel robot companies have emerged. Driven by the market and talent, China's parallel robot industry is poised to catch up with foreign countries. Moreover, China possesses many inherent advantages that foreign countries cannot match. The industrial chain, price and cost, technological updates, and market promotion are all stimulating the development of this industry.
