Whether you're looking to streamline your production line, tackle labor shortages, or make your workplace safer, robots are a powerful solution — and ally. But here's the thing: finding the right fit can feel overwhelming with so many options. That’s where we can help!
We’ll walk you through common robot types, from traditional industrial robots to cutting-edge collaborative and mobile robots. By the end, you’ll better understand the applications of these robots and how they can help boost productivity, streamline workflows, and enhance safety in your industry.
What we’ll cover:
- Industrial robots: The backbone of automation in manufacturing.
- Collaborative robots (cobots): Robots designed to work alongside humans.
- Mobile robots: Autonomous and semi-autonomous robots that move around your facility.
- Service robots: Robots designed for unique tasks and industry needs.
- Robot FAQs: Bonus section with answers to 10 commonly asked questions.
Fun fact: You can see most of these robot types for free at the Automate Show.
INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS
First up are the most familiar robotic solutions: industrial robots. These are the heavy hitters of the automation world. They handle high-efficiency tasks and are typically rigid and programmed to perform a set task repeatedly with high precision.
Articulated Robots
Articulated robots, or robots with arms, feature multiple joints that provide exceptional flexibility and range of motion. Their high precision and repeatability make them ideal for complex tasks. They can also lift heavy loads and provide wide-reach coverage, making them versatile solutions for various industries.
One example of this versatility comes from Hutchison Inc., a livestock and equine product manufacturer. After struggling to navigate workforce shortages and product demand, Hutchison employed FANUC's Arc Mate Series robots in a dual-sided cell with welding equipment. While the company was new to robotics, they quickly saw the benefits: increased gate production by 37% and improved weld consistency.
Cartesian Robots
Cartesian robots are straightforward yet effective solutions. They operate on a three-axis system (X, Y, Z), making them perfect for tasks requiring linear motion. Think of them as three-dimensional plotting devices for industrial applications.
The strength of Cartesian robots lies in their simplicity and reliability. Their high accuracy in linear movements makes them perfect for precise operations, while their straightforward design ensures simple programming and maintenance. These robots prove particularly cost-effective for basic automation needs and excel at heavy lifting within their defined workspace.
SCARA and Delta Robots
These specialized robots are designed for speed and precision in specific applications. Selective Compliant Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) robots showcase perfect execution in assembly and handling tasks, exceptional speed in vertical movements, and a compact footprint that preserves valuable floor space. On the other hand, Delta robots have a spider-like design that excels in rapid pick-and-place operations and offers superior precision for lightweight applications.
However, both robots provide high throughput, extreme speed, and precision for high-volume production environments. Take ABB's SCARA IRB 930 robot. It has demonstrated a 10% throughput increase compared to other SCARA robots, particularly impacting electronics and automotive production.
Cylindrical Robots
These robots combine rotational movement with vertical and horizontal motion, operating within a cylindrical workspace. Their versatility shines in various applications across the manufacturing floor. They excel in machine tending operations, assembly processes, and material handling tasks. Their design makes them particularly effective for packaging, palletizing, and precision dispensing operations where consistent circular motion is required.
COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS (COBOTS)
Cobots represent the next evolution in industrial automation by working directly alongside human workers, unlike traditional robots that are confined to cages. They are ideal for quality inspection, assembly lines, and packaging or material handling. You can choose between 4 major types of cobots:
Safety Monitored Stop
These cobots use sensors to create safe interaction zones and automatically pause operations when human workers enter their workspace.
Speed and Separation
These robots go a step further than safety monitored stop cobots, using advanced vision systems to maintain dynamic safety zones around human workers. They can adjust their operating speed automatically or stop completely if a worker is too close.
Hand Guiding
As the name suggests, an operator guides a cobot's motion using a control device. While in automatic mode, the operator provides direct input, and the robot arm responds to help with heavy or repetitive tasks.
Power and Force Limiting
These cobots used sophisticated collision sensors and force limitations to detect when they come in contact with a human worker. This helps them to stop and avoid any injuries.
Beyond safety, these bots are easy to integrate into workflows, provide flexibility, are cost-effective, and can take on mentally or physically demanding tasks. For example, a global leader in pork production uses Universal Robots' UR10e to streamline its process and handle strenuous palletizing tasks. It has seen a 19% improvement in efficiency and much-needed relief for workers.
MOBILE ROBOTS
Mobile robots are built to move autonomously or semi-autonomously, navigating spaces and transporting materials with ease. These robots are game-changers in logistics, material handling, and facility operations.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
These intelligent robots navigate independently using sophisticated sensor systems and AI. Their advanced capabilities provide significant operational benefits. With dynamic obstacle avoidance and flexible routing capabilities, they can adapt to changing environments without requiring infrastructure modifications. Their sophisticated systems enable seamless integration with existing operations, making them a versatile solution for modern manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and even healthcare facilities.
In fact, here's a real-world example that might surprise you: MiR's MiR250 robots handle thousands of patient samples every day for two hospitals in Sweden. These AMRs ensure samples get where they need to go quickly and safely — without impacting workflows.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
AGVs are robots that follow predetermined paths, providing reliable and error-free transport of materials within a facility. They offer safe and efficient material transport, reducing human error and improving accuracy in tasks like moving heavy items across warehouses and distribution centers.
Drones (UAVs)
UAV stands for unmanned aerial vehicle but is more commonly known as a drone. These aerial robots can assist with surveying, inspections, and deliveries. Since they can take the skies to see hard-to-reach areas and deploy quickly, they are ideal for complex terrains or challenging environments. In fact, they are becoming increasingly popular in industries like construction, logistics, infrastructure, and energy.
SERVICE ROBOTS
Service robots are as diverse as the environments where they assist operations. From industrial applications to specialized fields, they are designed to perform tasks that assist humans in daily or dangerous activities. Here are just a few examples of different service bots.
Humanoids
Humanoid robots are engineered to resemble and replicate human behaviors, making them ideal for tasks that require interaction. These robots are used in customer service, education, and entertainment, where their human-like appearance and actions create engaging and effective interactions, such as guiding visitors, teaching students, or acting as companions.
Customer Service Robots
Customer service robots are designed to enhance the customer experience by providing information, answering questions, and assisting with tasks. Commonly found in retail, hospitality, and transportation hubs, these robots offer consistent, reliable support, reducing human workload while improving customer satisfaction.
Exoskeleton Robots
Exoskeletons are wearable robotic systems that augment human strength and mobility, helping workers perform physically demanding tasks. Widely used in industrial, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare settings, they enhance safety, reduce fatigue, and boost productivity, particularly in heavy lifting or rehabilitation scenarios.
Inspection Robots
Inspection robots are critical for monitoring infrastructure and equipment, especially in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas. They improve safety by minimizing human exposure to dangerous environments and provide accurate, consistent inspection data, making them indispensable in industries such as oil and gas, utilities, and manufacturing.
Agricultural Robots
Agricultural robots transform farming by automating tasks such as planting, harvesting, and crop monitoring. By enabling precision farming and reducing labor costs, these robots increase efficiency and productivity, supporting sustainable agricultural practices in modern farming operations.
Medical Robots
Medical robots are assisting in surgeries, rehabilitation, and patient care. These robots improve precision, safety, and efficiency in medical procedures while freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on patient interactions. Examples include surgical systems, therapy aids, and telepresence robots like Diligent Robotics' Moxi, which supports hospital staff by handling non-patient-facing tasks.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP FOR ROBOTS
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a robotic solution, just like when implementing anything new for your business. Start by evaluating your specific application requirements to pinpoint what tasks will benefit the most from implementation. From there, consider particular features you’ll need: payload capacity, speed, precision, integration capabilities, etc. Then, calculate the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and training, or use an ROI calculator to make the case for investment. Finally, consider the availability of support and training resources to ensure long-term success.
The right robot can transform your operations. We’re seeing it more and more across industries. The best way to explore your options and see what’s truly possible for your business is to attend an event like the Automate Show. See these solutions in action, talk to the experts, and make your next move with confidence. Your future awaits — at Automate!
BONUS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are industrial robots?
Industrial robots are automated machines used in manufacturing to perform tasks like assembly, welding, and material handling. They improve efficiency and precision.
How do collaborative robots (cobots) differ from traditional industrial robots?
Cobots work alongside humans and are designed to be safe, flexible, and easy to program, making them ideal for smaller tasks and environments.
How do I choose the right robot for my application?
The right robot depends on your specific tasks, production volume, and environment. Factors like payload capacity, precision, speed, and ease of programming should be considered. Many robotics suppliers offer consultation and demo opportunities to help businesses find the best solution.
Are there robots that combine multiple capabilities?
Yes, some robots are hybrid designs that incorporate features from various types to handle complex tasks. For example, a mobile collaborative robot (cobot on wheels) may combine mobility with human-robot interaction.
What industries benefit most from robotics?\
Robotics significantly benefit industries like manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and logistics. Many are using them to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety.
How safe are robots around humans?
Safety is a top priority in industrial robotics. Cobots, in particular, are built with safety features like sensors and force-limited actuators to ensure they can work alongside humans without causing injury. Additionally, robots used in hazardous environments are typically kept in secure enclosures to protect workers.
Can robots work autonomously?
Many robots, especially autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), are designed to work without human intervention. They use sensors and AI for navigation and task completion.
What are the costs associated with industrial robots?
Costs can vary widely based on the type of robot, its capabilities, and the required infrastructure. While industrial robots typically have a higher initial investment, they provide long-term savings through increased efficiency and reduced labor costs.
How easy is integrating robots into an existing production line?
Integrating robots into an existing production line depends on factors such as the complexity of the tasks, compatibility with existing machinery, and the level of customization required. Many robots, especially cobots and modular systems, are designed to be flexible and can be integrated with minimal downtime.
What kind of training is required to operate industrial robots?
While industrial robots are becoming more user-friendly, operators typically need basic training in programming, safety protocols, and maintenance. Some robots offer intuitive programming interfaces, and operators may be able to learn through hands-on experience. Training programs and certification courses are available for more advanced robotics systems.
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