The Nature and Function of Assembly Robots

The assembling of components is an irreplaceable step when it comes to the manufacturing industry. This is because the manufacturing sector is majorly involved in coming up with products that are a function of the amalgamation of many parts. This may create a lot of heavy-duty and detailed work which may require a great investment of human resource particularly when the labour required is being sourced exclusively from people.

This work has however been made easier with the advent of assembly robots. An assembly robot is a machine that is specifically built and programmed to put together the component parts of an object in order to modify the said item to function as required. Assembly robots have the ability to minimise waste without reducing the level of productivity.

Apart from ensuring waste moderation while maintaining and even increasing yield, assembly robots also reduce lead times by fast-tracking the production process. This is made possible by their highly efficient and massively dependable components which offer a higher degree of consistency when compared to human labour. The workers are also saved from the monotonous assembly line tasks thus freeing them up to be utilised in other less demanding areas.     

The unique aspects of the products being assembled usually demand the customization of assembly robots especially when it comes to vision and end effectors so as to enable accuracy in finer details.  This means that they can be reconfigured without much difficulty depending on the task at hand. All in all, assembly line robots are a great investment when looking to be cost effective while maximising profit.

Tasks Performed by Assembly Robots

Assembly robots perform the following tasks as far as the manufacturing process is concerned:

Segment Recognition

The commencement of the production process is heavily reliant on the assembly robot’s ability to pinpoint the raw materials required for the assembling procedure. The robot must be able to detect the various segments of the object it is meant to put together lest it joins items that need to stay apart.

Segment Categorisation

There are various ways to categorise segments as far as the manufacturing process is concerned. An assembly robot must be able to divide parts based on the specifications required for example size, shape, colour and use. It is such systematic grouping that prevents the mix up of different parts which may be extremely detrimental to the production process.

Segment Selection

The manufacturing process demands the use of different parts and tools per time. Assembly robots must therefore have the ability to accurately select the segments that are needed at each state of the production process. The required parts are presented to the robot in different ways in order to facilitate the process of selection for example flexible and bowl feeding as well as bin picking.

Segment Manipulation

This is the part of the assembly process that is specifically done through the robot end effectors. It basically involves processes such as gripping, placing, welding, drilling and fastening. In a situation where one robot is performing multiple tasks, a wide range of end effectors may be needed.

This therefore requires the presence of a tool changing feature particularly in cases where the entire assembly process has been automated. The assembly robot must also have the ability to use the varieties of end of arm tooling available according to their designated specifications and functions.

Product Perusal

The inspection of finished goods is of great importance so as to enable the correction of any discrepancies that may exist therein. Assembly robots must thus have the visual ability to effectively scrutinize a product so as to ensure achievement of consistency in terms of quality. 

Conclusion

There is a plethora of benefits that can be derived from the adoption and use of assembly robots chief among them increased productivity, reduced lead time and cost effectiveness. Get one today and begin your journey of unlimited possibilities.

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