Robots In Manufacturing: Cathy Doe CSC 105-02 Robots In Manufacturing


Introduction: Introduction What is the definition of a 'robot'? Robot comes from the Czech word robota, meaning drudgery or slave-like labor. "A reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through various programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks" Robot Institute of America, 1979


History Robots in Manufacturing: History Robots in Manufacturing When did robots, as we know them today, come into existence? The first modern industrial robots, called Unimates, were developed by George Devol and Joe Engelberger in the late 50's and early 60's. The first robot patents were by Devol for parts-transfer machines. Engelberger formed Unimation and was the first to market robots. As a result, Engelberger has been called the 'father of robotics.'


Why Use Robots?: Why Use Robots? Most robots are designed to be a helping hand. They help people with tasks that would be difficult, unsafe, or boring for a human to do.


Robotic Components: Robotic Components Software based control panel Computer Interface for control and monitoring Mechanical robot hardware


Where Are Robots Used?: Where Are Robots Used? 90% of all robots used today are found in factories. These robots are referred to as industrial robots. Although many types can be found in manufacturing today the most common are jointed arm robots. Ten years ago, 9 out of 10 robots were being bought by auto companies - now, only 50% of robots made today are bought by car manufacturers. Robots are slowly finding their way into warehouses, laboratories, research and exploration sites, energy plants, hospitals, even outer space.


Slide7: Areas of Manufacturing where Robots Are Used Aerospace Automotive manufacturing and supply Chemical, rubber and plastics manufacturing Electrical and electronics Entertainment-movie making Food stuff and beverage manufacturing Glass, ceramics and mineral production Printing Wood and furniture manufacturing


Specific Robotic Tasks In Manufacturing: Specific Robotic Tasks In Manufacturing Assembling products Handling dangerous materials Spraying finishes Inspecting parts, produce, and livestock Cutting and polishing Welding


Advantages of Robotics: Advantages of Robotics Competitive Advantage Robots can do some things more efficiently and quicker than humans. Mechanical Robots never get sick or need to rest, so they can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Greater output per hour with consistent quality Continuous precision in repetitive operation Robots don't get bored, so work that is repetitive and unrewarding is no problem.


Limitations of Robotics: Limitations of Robotics Today's robots: Are not creative or innovative Can not think independently Can not make complicated decisions Can not learn from mistakes Can not adapt quickly to changes in their surroundings Every successful business must depend on real people for these abilities.


The Robotics Downturn : The Robotics Downturn In general, there was a significant slump in the mid to late 1980's in industrial robotics. However in the early 1990's sales rebounded to surpass early 1980 numbers and dollars.


State of the Industry: State of the Industry An estimated 140,000 industrial robots are in use in the United States. Automotive manufacturing and supplies account for 65% of North American sales. Material handling robot orders, the largest application area, grew 26%. Material removal robot orders increased 33%. Arc welding robot orders increased 18%. Robotics Industry Association (RIA) 2004


Some Examples of Robots In Manufacturing: Some Examples of Robots In Manufacturing Wash-Down Robot for hygiene in food processing Palletizer for stacking products on pallets for shipping Occubot A testing system for car seats Robotic Sprayer automated paint sprayer


Wash-Down Robot: Wash-Down Robot Wash-Down Robot Used in food processing in compliance with strict hygiene requirements. The KUKA Wash Down Robot


Palletizer: Palletizer Bundles and stacks boxes onto pallets for storage and shipment.


Occubot: Occubot Continuously presses its “OccuForm” dummy into the same seats. Measures the degree of wear and resistance based on force. Ethernet interface available to measure endurance testing of all kinds for advanced analysis.


Robotic Sprayer: Robotic Sprayer Automated paint spraying


Summary: Summary The robots of today are based on computer technology. The robotics industry is thriving. Higher production capacity can be achieved using robots. Higher quality products are manufactured using robots. Robots don’t talk back!


Bibliography: Bibliography www.kuka.com/en/products/systems www.kawasakirobot.co.uk/applications www.roboticsonline.com/public/articles/articledetails.cfr www.thetech.org www.theezine.net/articles/1590/