What Is a Handling Robot?
Handling robots are industrial robots used primarily in manufacturing plants to transport workpieces. They come in various forms, including vertically articulated robots, horizontally articulated robots (scalar robots), Cartesian robots, and parallel link robots. Recently, human-contact robots, which operate safely alongside humans without safety fences, have also gained prominence.
Uses of Handling Robots
Handling robots are utilized for tasks such as pick-and-place, packaging, and palletizing in various industries:
1. Pick and Place
This process involves moving workpieces from one position to another, using different types of robots for precision and efficiency.
2. Packaging
Robots in packaging handle workpieces with care, using dual-armed scalar robots and humanoid robots for complex tasks.
3. Palletizing
Used in stacking items on pallets, handling robots simplify and accelerate the palletizing process, with vertically articulated robots being particularly effective for heavy loads.
Principle of Handling Robots
These robots typically feature a gripper or suction hand attached to an arm for grasping workpieces. Recent advancements include 3D vision sensors for improved workpiece recognition, allowing robots to handle items in bulk piles.
Types of Handling Robots
Handling robots vary in design and function:
1. Vertically Articulated Robots
These robots mimic the human arm’s movement and are versatile in handling tasks.
2. Horizontally Articulated Robots
Designed for linear horizontal and vertical movements, they are ideal for specific, repetitive tasks.
3. Cartesian Coordinate Robots
Known for their simple design and precise control, Cartesian coordinate robots are effective in linear motion tasks.
4. Parallel Link Robots
These robots offer precision and high-speed operation but have limitations in terms of weight handling and range.
Other Information on Handling Robots
Advantages of Handling Robots
Handling robots offer consistent performance in repetitive tasks, lifting heavy objects effortlessly and operating continuously. The advent of human-collaborative robots has reduced the need for safety fences, allowing direct interaction between humans and robots.