When discussing robots, many people will have their perceptions of what these machines can do. 

It’s worth mentioning that robots are limited as opposed to humans. While the future promises advanced robots capable of nearly every task, they still have a long way to go. 

Robot limitations

There are various limitations that entrepreneurs consider when designing their robotic machine tending cell. 

Many of the robot arms in the market today come with electrical and mechanical limitations. This means they can only execute limited decision making and manipulation. 

The tips below will help entrepreneurs understand the factors to consider before buying a robot. 

Robot Reach

A robot reach is the unit’s running envelope. Seeing that the envelope is limited, operators are forced to incorporate all their processes within that workspace. 

For the robot to open a door, utilize a tool, and grab parts, the tasks should be executed within the unit’s working environment. 

It’s worth noting that when the robot accommodates a higher payload than recommended, it will always relay an error message. 

You want to make these considerations in the initial stages of your design. 

Robot Payload

Robot payload is one of the fundamental considerations to make before choosing your machine. This should analyze the weight of the part that the robot will carry during the operation. 

The weight of the tool used should also be considered. Remember, your robot will carry a vast range of parts and you will want to ascertain the parts that will be heaviest. This will help you choose your robot according to your needs. 

Gripper Ability

Often, grippers, also known as end effectors come with limited ability. 

Will part of your application require the input of an operator to handle multiple parts at once? Will they need to execute operations using both of their hands? 

If yes, you will have to evaluate the operations thoroughly. This is because robots can only execute one task at a time sequentially. In this case, while you can still use a robot, you will need to overhaul your process. 

In robotic machine tending, many of the manually executed tasks include: tightening the vice, part replacement, and starting the program. 

Once the processing is completed, human workers repeat it over and over again. What should you do to ensure robots execute part placing tasks correctly? 

You will have to utilize mechanical stops and other guiding gadgets to direct the machine. If you want to tighten the vice, you will need to utilize an automated vice. 

With such gadgets, the robot can place the part while the vice automatically tightens it. 

To launch the application, the robot can either: use the programming logic controllers to dispatch signals to the computer numerical control (CNC), to launch the program automatically, or its end effector to press the start button as is the case with humans. 

Attempting to relate this functionality with timers would be a bad idea. This is because timers neither counter an exception not adjust over time. 

If you are not careful, you may end up buying a robot that attempts to grab a part while the CNC door if locked. 

Eventually, entrepreneurs should understand that robots can’t have the same ability as their human workers. 

Gripper Stroke

The type of gripper you choose depends on the type of parts you handle during your operations. 

For instance, does your operation require you to handle parts measuring between 5mm and 80mm? 

If yes, your gripper should be flexible enough to readjust accordingly. There’s already an advanced gripper in the market from Universal Robots capable of readjusting without additional programming. 

Choose a more sturdy custom gripper if your operation requires you to handle only one part. 

Robot Intelligence

Your robot will execute the tasks you program it to do. With advancements in technology and the robotics industry, robots can execute some intelligent decisions. 

Finally

To enjoy effective robotic machine tending services, you need to evaluate operations within your business. Remember, these will determine the type of robot you choose.