The present world is seeing all kinds of technological advances. From lightning-fast internet speeds to space missions, nothing seems impossible now. Everything we once saw in science fiction movies is the reality now. One such example is robots. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have enabled us to program robots to perform complex functions.
They are taking over most of our jobs, especially the boring and monotonous ones. For example, robots can soon become receptionists or customer care reps. So, the next time you call to get Spectrum internet and TV deal, you could be talking to a robot. Similarly, most factories also use pick and place robots for manual labor. These robots might replace line workers as they can easily take up their duties.
What Are Pick and Place Robots?
As the name suggests, such robots can pick up something from point A and place it at point B. We use them mostly in industrial work and warehouses to move heavy goods around. They are usually smaller than cranes. So, they can fit inside rooms and tiny spaces. Moreover, they have a lot more mobility, and you can maneuver them however you like. So, they can help factory workers to speed things up and increase production.
Most of them do not need an operator as well. So, they can perform a similar task all day without any human help. As a result, they can also reduce worker fatigue and strain injuries. Once you program them, they are good to go. These robots can understand floor plans and product types to make work smoother.
Types of Pick and Place Robots
There are usually five common types of pick and place robots. They are:
- Robotic Arm
- Cartesian
- Delta
- Fast Pick
- Collaborative Robots
The most common ones are usually robotic arms. All of them can work on similar mechanisms and do similar jobs, but there are some key differences. This article will talk about them in detail.
#1: Robotic Arm
Robotic arms are named because of their similarity in shape and function to that of a human arm. They are pretty common in most industries and factories. There can be two types of robotic arms: the 4-axes and the 6-axes. Both of these can transport objects but differ in the level of movement.
The 4-axes robotic arms can make standard pick and place movements. So, they can’t twist or turn the object around. However, the 6-axes ones can do both. As a result, they can change the object’s position to stack them up better or fit a tighter space.
#2: Cartesian
The cartesian robots are also common because of their many possible benefits. You can program them easily, and they are comparatively less expensive. They can move in multiple linear directions on the X, Y, or Z axes. Moreover, the robots are durable because the body supports the axes from both sides. These robots can perform straight-line insertions, ceiling mounts, 3D printing, etc.
#3: Delta
The delta is one of the quickest pick and place robots on the list. So, they are used to perform high-speed functions. They can have multiple arms, and we can mount them on top of conveyors for sorting. As a result, they can pick and sort over one hundred parts per minute. They are amazing for factories that need high levels of quality assurance.
#4: Fast Pick
Stock-keeping units or SKUs can benefit most from fast-picking robots. They are ideal for medium and high-volume applications and can fully automate the picking process. They can complete up to 200 cycles per minute. As a result, we can free up time for most of the workforce to do something more productive.
#5: Collaborative Robots
Collaborative robots can work with their associates to perform tasks. They can be slower and much less complicated in structure as well. But this doesn’t stop them from being one of the most commonly used robots in the industry. They can help associates choose routes in real-time and stay on the job. Moreover, they can also guide them to pick up better locations and become more efficient.
Industrial Applications
Big, medium, and small pick and place robots have multiple industrial applications. They are widely used for assembly lines to pick up parts to-and-fro. Moreover, they can also pick up parts from bins and take them to their necessary assembly lines. In some industries, pick and place robots are also used for inspection. They are usually delta robots and can be responsible for QA. Moreover, we can also use them for packaging heavier objects at high speeds.
