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Robots are complex machines that come in various types, each designed to perform specific tasks and functions. These types of robots are based on their applications, functionalities, and operational methods.
Industrial Robots
These are the most common types of robots found in factories and manufacturing plants. They include articulated robots, SCARA robots, Cartesian robots, and delta robots. Articulated robots have a human-like arm structure with rotary joints, which makes them flexible and ideal for tasks requiring a wide range of motion. They are used in welding, assembly, and material handling. SCARA (Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) robots have two parallel arms with rotary joints. They are ideal for tasks that require vertical movement and compliance in the Z-axis, such as assembly, pick-and-place, and packaging. Cartesian robots, also known as gantry robots, have three linear movements based on the Cartesian coordinate system. They are suitable for tasks like CNC machining, 3D printing, and packaging. Delta robots feature a unique parallel kinematic design with three arms connected to a common effector. They excel in high-speed picking, packing, and sorting tasks, especially in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Service Robots
Service robots are designed to assist humans in various tasks outside traditional industrial settings. They are classified into personal and professional service robots. Personal service robots are developed to help individuals with daily activities. They include vacuum cleaning robots, lawn-mowing robots, and elderly care robots. Professional service robots are intended for specific applications in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and logistics. These robots include surgical robots, underwater drones, and warehouse automation robots.
Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots are machines built to resemble and imitate human behavior. These robots are used for research, entertainment, and assistance. Humanoid robots are developed to assist humans in daily activities. These robots come with features such as speech recognition, facial expressions, and mobility. They are used in healthcare, hospitality, and customer service sectors.
When looking for the right robot for a business, several factors should be considered. These include the robot's cost, what it's made for, how much work it can do, and how easy it is to maintain. By thinking about these factors carefully, a business can choose a robot that fits its needs and budget the best.
Determine the purpose
Robots are mainly used for different purposes. Before buying a robot, the intended use should be determined. For instance, if a cleaning robot is to be purchased, it should be determined whether it will be used for homes or large areas like hotels and malls. Some common uses of robots are in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, security, and hospitality.
Assess capabilities
After determining what the robot will be used for, the next step is to assess its capability. The evaluation should include the things the robot is able to do, the level of its automation, and how much work it can do. Moreover, the evaluation should also include the robot's ability to perform specific tasks, navigate different environments, and detect and avoid obstacles.
Consider cost
When buying a robot, its cost and budget should be considered. The total cost of ownership should also be included in the budget, which consists of maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. The robot that offers the most value for the investment should be chosen.
Evaluate ROI
The return on investment (ROI) of the robot should be evaluated to determine if it is worth the cost. The ROI can be calculated by comparing the total cost of the robot to the savings it will generate over time. Businesses should determine how long it will take for the robot to pay for itself by calculating the expected lifespan, operating costs, and benefits of the robot.
Seek expert advice
Recommendations from industry experts and vendors should be sought to obtain valuable insights and information. This can assist in making an informed decision and reduce the risk of costly mistakes. Moreover, it will help to read reviews, case studies, and testimonials to learn about other people's experiences and how the robot has benefited them.
Robots are designed to perform specific tasks. Their functions may differ depending on the industries where they are used. For instance, industrial robots are used in manufacturing to enhance productivity. They can perform tasks like welding, assembling and painting with precision. Service robots are used in healthcare, hospitality and other sectors to offer services. For example, robots can assist doctors in performing surgeries, offer companionship and deliver food.
The good thing about robots is that they can perform tasks that are dangerous for humans. For example, in the construction and mining industries, robots can go to places with high temperatures or toxic fumes. Furthermore, robots can work continuously without getting tired. They can also work 24 hours in a day if powered by electricity.
Robots are built with some features that enhance their performance. One of the notable features is artificial intelligence (AI). Robots with AI can learn from experiences, make decisions and solve problems without human intervention. They can also adapt to changes and perform different tasks. Another important feature is sensors. Sensors detect changes in the environment and help robots gather data. For instance, cameras, temperature sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and lidar.
Robots are designed in different ways depending on their applications. For instance, industrial robots are fixed and mounted on a robot arm. They are used for repetitive tasks in manufacturing. Mobile robots are designed with wheels and legs to move from one place to another. They are used in logistics and delivery. Humanoid robots are created to resemble human beings. They can perform tasks like teaching, nursing and offering companionship. Additionally, robots have various designs that consist of three main parts; the mechanical body, control system, and the operational system.
Robotics safety is critical in protecting employees, assets, and organizations from losses. Therefore, companies must implement and adhere to safety standards to ensure everyone is safe.
Some of the safety and quality measures include;
ISO 10218
This is an international standard for industrial robot safety. It was developed by the technical committee of the international electrotechnical commission. The standard outlines the safety requirements for robot manufacturers, integrators, and end-users. It covers the entire robot life cycle, including design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and operation. Companies must comply with this standard to ensure their robots are safe.
IEC 61508
This is the standard for industrial robots functional safety. It addresses the safety of robots and their control systems. The IEC 61508 standard provides a framework for assessing robot safety risks and implementing measures to mitigate them. It applies to all types of robots, including industrial, collaborative, and mobile robots.
OSHA
The occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) does not have specific regulations for robot safety. However, it has general industry standards that apply to robots. These include hazard communication, machine guarding, and electrical safety. Companies must comply with OSHA standards to ensure their workplaces are safe.
ANSI/RIA R15.06
The American national standards institute/robotics industry association (ANSI/RIA) has a standard for robot safety. This standard covers industrial, collaborative, mobile, and service robots. It provides guidelines for risk assessment, design, installation, and operation of robots. The R15.06 standard was recently updated to include new types of robots.
What are the advantages of robots?
Robots are used in various industries due to their numerous benefits. They enhance efficiency and production by carrying out jobs quickly and precisely. Additionally, robots can be used to perform dangerous tasks, hence preventing accidents in workplaces. Also, they can work long hours without becoming tired or bored.
What are the types of robots used at home?
Several types of robots are used at home to assist with various chores. Vacuum cleaning robots are popular for carrying out the cleaning duty autonomously. Additionally, there are lawn mowing robots to tend to the lawn and pool cleaning robots to maintain the swimming pool's hygiene. Moreover, robots are available in the kitchen to assist with cooking and other related tasks.
What are the types of robots used in schools?
Robots can be used in schools for educational purposes. Teaching robots are among the most common types used in schools. They assist teachers with administrative duties and offer personalized tutoring to students. Additionally, programmable robots are used in schools to introduce students to coding and engineering skills.
