I. How to classify industrial robots according to their uses
An industrial robot is an automated, position-controllable, programmable, multi-functional robotic arm. This arm can be programmed to handle various materials, parts, tools, and specialized devices to perform a wide range of tasks. Based on their different applications, they can be categorized as follows:
1. Manually operated robot. A multi-degree-of-freedom device operated by an operator.
2. Fixed-sequence robot. A device that performs tasks sequentially according to a predetermined and unchanging method; its execution order is difficult to modify.
3. Variable-sequence robots. Similar to the second type, but the sequence can be modified.
4. Playback Robot: The operator guides the robot to manually perform a task, records these actions, and then the robot reproduces and performs them. Simply put, the robot repeats the same actions based on the recorded information.
5. Numerical Control Robot. The operator provides the robot with motion programs, eliminating the need for manual teaching to execute tasks.
6. Intelligent robots. These robots have the ability to sense their external environment and can successfully complete their tasks even if the working environment changes.
II. Industrial robot sensing and control systems
In this section, we will take a detailed look at the sensing and control systems of industrial robots. The content is as follows:
1. Feelings
The sensory system is like the five senses in a human body, providing the robot with the necessary sensations to help it work more precisely. This part can be mainly divided into two systems:
(1) Sensory system
The sensing system consists of internal and external sensor modules, used to acquire meaningful information about the internal and external environmental states. Intelligent sensors can improve a robot's mobility, adaptability, and intelligence. For some specialized information, the sensitivity of sensors can even surpass that of the human sensory system.
(2) Robot-environment interaction system
A robot-environment interaction system is a system that enables industrial robots to communicate and coordinate with equipment in the external environment. Industrial robots and external equipment are integrated into a functional unit, such as a processing and manufacturing unit, welding unit, or assembly unit. Alternatively, multiple robots, multiple machine tools, or multiple parts storage devices can be integrated into a functional unit capable of performing complex tasks.
2. Control Section
The control unit is equivalent to the brain of a robot, and it can directly or manually control the robot's actions. The control unit can also be divided into two systems:
(1) Human-computer interaction system
A human-computer interaction system is a device that enables operators to participate in robot control and communicate with the robot. Examples include standard computer terminals, command consoles, information display panels, hazard warning devices, and teach pendants. Simply put, this system can be divided into two main parts: the command input system and the information display device.
(2) Control System
A control system primarily governs the robot's actuators to perform prescribed movements and functions based on the robot's operational instructions and signals fed back from sensors. According to control principles, control systems can be categorized into three types: program control systems, adaptive control systems, and artificial intelligence control systems. Based on the form of motion, control systems can be broadly classified into point-based control systems and trajectory control systems.
Through the coordinated operation of these three main parts and six major systems, the industrial robot becomes a high-precision mechanical device with characteristics such as high working accuracy, strong stability, and fast working speed, laying the foundation for enterprises to improve production efficiency and product quality.
