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The Many Uses for Industrial 6-axis Robots
Industrial 6-axis robots are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace, especially in manufacturing environments. They are normally integrated into a business to handle repetitive and tedious tasks that would otherwise be performed by a human workforce. Simply put, these types of robots are mechatronic systems that are used to automate the monotonous actions of picking up objects and placing them onto surfaces or assemblies in a particular position and orientation. Here we’ll take a look at some of the many uses and benefits that Industrial 6-axis robots bring to a workplace.
When are Robots Used for Assembly?
Industrial 6-axis robots can be used for a variety of tasks, depending on the needs of manufacturers and the product that is being produced. A common application for these robots is assembly. They grab, or ‘pick’ incoming objects from a conveyor belt and organise, ‘place’ or fix the object onto another workpiece or surface. After the object is accurately placed, it is usually then carried by a conveyor belt to the next robotic arm which performs another task.
When are Robots Used for Packaging?
Another popular use for Industrial 6-axis robots is packaging. Similar to the assembly process, Industrial 6-axis robotic arms take a part off of the conveyor belt. Instead of constructing the parts together, the robot organises the item into a packaging container. Typically, robotic arms can operate at high speeds, with the ability to organise items using high-tech vision systems. The appeal for automated Industrial 6-axis systems is clear when you consider their accuracy, speed and efficiency - in some cases, fully automated production lines can be left overnight in what’s known as ‘lights out’ manufacturing.
When are Robots Used for Organisation?
Bin picking is another task performed by Industrial 6-axis robots. Utilising high-quality vision systems, robots are able to sort through large containers holding many parts and then organise those parts into positions ready to be picked up by another robot or human co-worker. Using this system, robot arms can grab a part out of a bin even when they are randomly thrown into the bin together, lying in various positions at random angles.
When are Robots Used for Inspection?
Industrial 6-axis robots can be used for inspection. Industrial 6-axis robots integrated with vision systems can check the quality of an item whilst it is moving on a conveyor belt using conveyor tracking technology. These robots use their vision systems to detect defective products, which can then be removed from the process before any more work is carried out on it. High-quality vision systems can operate at staggering speeds with the ability to pick up on the smallest defects in products.
Why Choose Industrial 6-axis Robots for Your Production?
Industrial 6-axis robots are highly regarded for speed and consistency. When used in some applications they can process up to 200 products a minute! Modern vision systems can identify up to 100 products per second on a conveyor belt, and placement errors can be as small as 0.03 mm!
In manufacturing, consistency is a huge appeal. When products are consistent with each other, you can easily improve quality control and packaging. Businesses become more productive because less time is spent correcting errors. The speed at which an Industrial 6-axis robot completes tasks also helps to greatly improve productivity, this combined with light’s out manufacturing makes an automated workforce extremely efficient.
Conclusion
When it comes to repetitive tasks, Industrial 6-axis robots are capable of outperforming any human. Businesses that employ a robot workforce will become more efficient with the ability to consistently produce products far more accurately than if the tasks were performed manually. Industrial 6-axis robots offer a great return on investment if incorporated into a warehouse or manufacturing setting and are there to help employees, not to replace them.
If you’re interested to find out how robotics can improve your workplace, contact our friendly team here at RoboMotion. For more information you can call 01746 866 711 or email info@robomotion.co.uk. We’re here to help.