Industrial robots are now gradually entering factories.
The robot uses a large number of modern electronic information and control technologies. For example, the robot's control system uses motor drive technology for rotation , and sensor and vision detection and computer analysis and calculation technology are used for data acquisition and positioning. The actuator also uses precise control technology.
Unlike the humanoid robots in movies, many industrial robots are not humanoid; in fact, they are often separate entities composed of a series of oddly shaped mechanisms, such as robotic arms , displays, and control boxes. This does not affect their efficiency and reliability. Currently, many high-end industries, such as shipbuilding and automobile manufacturing, are using industrial robots extensively. The application of these robots has greatly improved the precision of mass production. International standards organizations have already defined the relevant terminology for robots; here we will briefly introduce the various components.
The controller system is "a set of logic control and power functions that monitors and controls the robot's mechanical structure and communicates with the environment [equipment and users]." It is the robot's brain and can include motion controllers, internal and external communication systems, and any potential power stages. This involves electronic modules such as power conversion controllers, motor drive controllers, and data acquisition and computing controllers.
A robotic arm is defined as "a machine whose mechanism typically consists of a series of interconnected or sliding parts, intended to grasp and/or move an object (part or tool) typically on several degrees of freedom or axes. A robotic arm does not include an end effector." Robotic arms are often referred to as robotic arms. They are part of a robot and define the number of axes equipped on the robot to achieve the movements required to perform a specific task. Precise motor control technology is used here, therefore a highly flexible, precise, and reliable controller is essential.
Teach pendant: A multi-functional portable device used for programming and teaching industrial robots. A teach pendant typically consists of an LCD touch panel, an enable button, and an emergency stop button. The teach pendant connects to the robot controller system. An LCD display is used here to enable data acquisition, display, and transmission.
Robot end effector: A device attached to the robot's "wrist" or end-of-arm tool (EOAT). The system controller controls the robot end effector using discrete inputs/outputs (I/O) for simple tools or industrial communication protocols for more advanced tools. This involves various electronic controllers, such as indicator light controllers, relay controllers, MOS controllers, and motor controllers.
Vision and Sensors : These devices on a robot can scan its surroundings and stop (for industrial robots) or slow down (for collaborative robots) when a human approaches. Vision/sensing is achieved through LiDAR, radar-based safety area scanners, or 3D cameras. In addition to safety area scanners, collaborative robots sometimes wear sensor-based "safety skins" that stop the robotic arm when someone touches or approaches it. This involves camera capture, video capture controllers, radar controllers, etc., enriching the industrial robot's perception of its external environment through sensor interaction. Simultaneously, large amounts of sensor data can be transmitted to the system or remotely monitored, which utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
The construction of a robot system requires the integration of technologies from multiple aspects, including mechanical and electrical structures, electronic information technology, control systems, robot functions, and safety considerations.
