Industrial Robotic Systems Are on the Rise
Early science fiction cast robots as menacing monsters. Gort, an extraterrestrial robot, incinerates humans with laser-beam eyes in the 1951 film “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” A comely female automaton uses her wiles to enslave workers in the 1927 movie “Metropolis.”
To counter the robots-seeking-to-destroy-or-shackle-humankind stories, a more benign theme emerged: that of a servile android that was one part butler, one part CPU and an all-around household handyman. The “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” series of stories both feature helpful robots and droids that befriend and support human colleagues.
Characters like Data and C-3PO are beloved and spark the popular imagination, but robot reality is quite a bit different. Some robots travel in space, but most bots are earthbound, working-class heros.
By far the largest employer of robots is the automotive industry, but many other types of production lines also rely on them. Sales of robotic systems are on the rise, with global demand growing by about 8 percent annually. 2015 saw the largest worldwide sales of industrial units. Businesses purchased in 2015 more than 240,000 robotic systems according to World Robotics.
What Do Industrial Robotic Systems Do?
What are all these robots doing in factories and warehouses? Here are some of the most common applications for industrial robotic systems.
Material Handling
Material handling robots take care of an array of tasks in production lines. Robots select, pack, palletize and feed machines. Robots often work in conjunction with conveyor belts. Synchronizing a robotic arm with an industrial conveyor belt speeds repetitive tasks and makes operations safer and more efficient. Most industrial robots work in some aspect of material handling.
Welding
Spot and arc welding are specialties of robots especially in the automotive industry. Robots make quick, accurate and sound joins, lessening the chance of errors. Large factories have been using robotic welders for decades, but smaller shops are beginning to adopt the technology, too. While spot and arc welders are the most common applications, robots also work at other types of welding, including laser, wig and tig.
Assembly
Assembly applications include inserting, fixing and press-fitting. Robotic arms are custom tooled for individual tasks and specific industries.
Dispensing
Dispensing robots paint, glue, spray and pour liquids. Moving materials can also be a part of a dispensing robot’s duties.
All Systems Go With Robots
Robotics is a growing field, in industry, medicine and other disciplines. Well-designed high-speed robotic systems make industry more efficient. Storee construction specializes in the installation and repair of robotic and conveyor systems. Please contact us for information about our services.
