Industrial robots are automated machines designed to perform precise and repetitive tasks in a manufacturing environment. They can perform tasks such as assembly, welding, painting, material handling, and machine operation. Industrial robots are characterised by high speed, precision, and the ability to work in difficult or dangerous conditions, which contributes to increased production efficiency.
Industrial Robots
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Manipulator: The main part of a robot responsible for performing physical tasks, such as moving objects or performing assembly operations.
- Controller: A control system that supervises the robot’s operation and is responsible for its programming and motion control.
- Sensors: Sensors that detect position, motion, and other variables in the robot’s environment to enable precise task performance.
- Software: Specialised programs that enable programming, monitoring, and optimisation of robots.
- Human-machine interface (HMI): Tools that enable the operator to interact with the robot in real time, e.g. to modify settings.
Industry usage
- Automotive industry: Robots used to assemble automotive parts and weld components.
- Electronics: Precision assembly of electronic components, such as PCBs.
- Food industry: Automatic packaging and handling of food products.
- Aviation: Assembly of precision components in the aerospace industry.
- Pharmaceutics: Automation of drug packaging and distribution in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Importance for the economy
Industrial robots are the foundation of today’s production lines, enabling mass production with high precision and low costs. By automating processes, companies can increase their productivity and competitiveness in the market, while reducing the risks of human error. The increase in the use of robots in industry can significantly reduce production costs and improve product quality.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
AI supports the analysis and optimisation of tasks performed by robots, improving their efficiency.
Cybersecurity
Robot systems must be protected from cyber attacks, which safeguards production processes.
Internet of Things
Connecting robots to IoT networks enables remote monitoring and control of their operation.
Mechanism of action
- Industrial robots perform tasks programmed with controllers that control their manipulator. Based on sensor data, robots can precisely locate and manipulate objects or perform operations such as welding or painting. Automated programming enables robots to quickly adapt to changing conditions in the production process and HMIs enable operators to supervise their work in real time.
Advantages
- Increasing productivity: Industrial robots work faster and more precisely than humans.
- Improving product quality: The robots perform tasks with repeatability and accuracy, which improves the quality of final products.
- Risk reduction: The use of robots reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the production line.
- Cost optimisation: Automation reduces manual work costs and minimises errors.
- Increasing flexibility: Robots can be quickly reprogrammed to perform different tasks, which increases production flexibility.
Disadvantages
- High initial costs: The purchase and installation of industrial robots require a significant investment.
- Replacing jobs: Automation can lead to job cuts in manufacturing sectors.
- Technology dependence: The automated industry is becoming dependent on technology, which increases the risk of system failures.
- Cyber threats: Robotic systems are vulnerable to hacking attacks, which can disrupt production.
- Need for specialised expertise: Operating and maintaining robots require advanced knowledge and skills.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Industrial robots: Advanced machines tailored to different manufacturing processes.
- Control systems: Controllers that control the robots and optimise their performance.
- Software: Tools for programming and monitoring robot performance.
- Sensors and cameras: Devices that provide precise navigation and quality control of robotic work.
- IT infrastructure: IT systems for managing robots and automated production lines.
Required competences
- Robot programming: Ability to program industrial robots to perform specific tasks.
- Management of automation systems: Knowledge of how to manage automated production lines.
- Robotics engineering: Ability to design and implement robotic systems.
- IT infrastructure management: Competence needed to maintain and monitor automated production systems.
- Cybersecurity: Ability to protect robotic systems from cyber attacks.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Industrial robots can increase energy consumption in manufacturing plants.
- Equipment recycling: Replacing parts and upgrading robots generate electronic waste that needs to be properly processed.
- Waste reduction: Process automation reduces production waste through greater precision in work.
- Resource optimisation: The use of robots improves the efficiency of using raw materials in production.
- Emissions of pollutants: Depending on the process, robotisation can reduce or increase emissions.
Legal conditions
- Occupational safety standards: Industrial robots must operate in accordance with safety standards, such as OSHA (example: ensuring the safety of robot operators).
- Automation regulations: Robot deployment must comply with local industrial automation regulations (example: industrial robotisation regulations).
- Patents and licences: Robots and their software must be protected under intellectual property laws (example: software and robot hardware licences).
- Environmental standards: Automated industries must comply with environmental standards, such as ISO 14001 (example: environmental certification of automated processes).