What is Robotics?

2008-12-04T00:46:00.000-08:00

The Robotic Industries Association defines robot as follows: "A robot is a reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools or specialized devices through variable programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks."

A robot may include a feedback-driven connection between sense and action, not under direct human control. The action may take the form of electro-magnetic motors or actuators that move an arm, open and close grips, or propel the robot. The step by step control and feedback is provided by a computer program run on either an external or embedded computer or a micro-controller.

Industrial Applications of Robots:

Material handling
Material transfer
Machine loading and/or unloading
Spot welding
Continuous arc welding
Spray coating
Assembly
Inspection

Welding Applications
Spray Painting Applications
Assembly Operations
Palletizing and Material Handling
Dispensing Operations
Laboratory Applications
Water Jet Cutting
Work Cell

Robots produce mechanical motion that, in most cases, results in manipulation or locomotion. Mechanical characteristics for robotic mechanisms include degrees of freedom of movement, size and shape of the operating space, stiffness and strength of the structure, lifting capacity, velocity, and acceleration under load. Performance measures include repeatability and accuracy of positioning, speed, and freedom from vibration.

A robot control system directs the motion and sensory processing of a robot or system of cooperating robots. The controller may consist of only a sequencing device for simple robots, although most multi-axis industrial robots today employ servo-controlled positioning of their joints by a microprocessor-based system.