What Are Parallel Robots?
Parallel robots are industrial robots that use arms connected in parallel to perform high-speed, precise movements to a single point.
The arms are composed of parts called links and joints, and three-arm products are the most common type. Parallel robots are easy to maintain due to their simple configurations. The mechanism involves multiple motor outputs at a single point at the end of the arm, which enables high output and high precision motion.
Carbon fiber pipe/CFRP pipe is used for the arm of parallel robots. Parallel robots are utilized in pick-up operations of automated equipment.
Uses of Parallel Robots
Parallel robots are widely used in industry.
The following are examples of applications of parallel robots:
- Stacking and arranging pallets of food products
- Labeling cosmetics and other products
- Picking up lightweight semiconductor parts, etc.
Because of their high speed and precision, SCARA robots are used for relatively light tasks such as sorting and picking up workpieces, including moving them. Industrial robots, other than SCARA robots, are generally expensive to install due to their high performance and often require complex maintenance work.
In many cases, they also require specialized teaching work, which requires the consideration of expensive teaching work. Parallel robots, on the other hand, have a simplified structure compared to industrial robots other than SCARA robots.
Therefore, their advantage is that they are inexpensive to install and easy to maintain and manage.
Principle of Parallel Robots
Parallel robots are simply composed of motors, bearings, and link arms. Generally, three Link-arm are connected in parallel, and each Link-arm has its own motor.
The base of the main body is fixed to the ceiling, while the tip of the arm is suspended by the link-arm. Parallel robots are characterized by their parallel link mechanism. Parallel link is a mechanism in which multiple motor outputs are concentrated at a single point at the end of the arm. Generally, articulated robots require each joint to move in turn to move the tip of the robot arm. This is the serial link mechanism.
On the other hand, in a parallel link mechanism, multiple joints are connected to the same final output destination, and each of them is operated in parallel to move the final output destination. This is called a parallel link mechanism, and it can operate at higher speeds than robots that operate with a serial link mechanism. A parallel link mechanism consists of arms, motors, and bearings. Therefore, the structure is simple and can be introduced at low-cost.
Parallel robots sold by various manufacturers are also less expensive than other articulated robots. Because they are inexpensive, they are easily accessible to those in charge of manufacturing sites. By taking advantage of their high-speed operations, operations such as pick-and-place can be automated. If multiple units are introduced in appropriate situations, it can be expected to automate multiple processes in a factory.
Other Information on Parallel Robots
Differences From SCARA Robots
SCARA robots are horizontally articulated industrial robots with three rotational axes for horizontal motion and one axis for vertical motion. Parallel robots and SCARA robots are similarly applied in transporting workpieces on a conveyor belt. The difference between these two is their horizontal operation and high speed.
SCARA robots, also known as horizontal articulated robots, are serial link robots. These robots are strong in horizontal movements relative to the ground and can perform tasks such as horizontal screw tightening and workpiece suction.
Parallel robots, on the other hand, are basically good at tasks that are vertical to the ground. In other words, it is difficult to perform tasks such as screw tightening that can be performed by SCARA robots. However, parallel robots can work faster than SCARA robots and are more efficient than SCARA robots when it comes to vertical work.