Mar. 10, 2025
A robotic arm is an automated system designed to grasp and move objects quickly and precisely. While this may seem futuristic, assembly lines commonly use these robots day in and day out. Moreover, they can also aid other types of operations'such as logistics'if they're fitted with the right mechanisms and programs.
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Let's break down their key components:
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An Industrial Pick and Place robot is a specialized robotic arm typically mounted on a stable stand with end-effectors that allow it to grasp and move objects from point A to point B.
These automated machines utilize end-effectors like vacuum grippers, force-controlled grippers, or magnetic grippers to grab items, and then maneuver them as needed. They can either operate on a fixed path or use sensors to adjust to varying positions.
If you're a logistics or manufacturing professional, you probably can give us a TED talk about the pick and place process. But, an Industrial Pick and Place robot can help you supercharge your workflow by operating fast, accurately, and around the clock.
Let's take a look at how.
Robot arms have several advantages over human labor, such as:
Furthermore, you can use an Industrial Pick and Place robot for a wide range of applications. These versatile systems can streamline your picking, packing, and palletizing processes to optimize productivity.
If you're looking to implement robotics in your workspace, understanding your options is essential to finding what works for you.
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There are several types of Pick and Place robots, each with its specialties and strengths.
Robotic arms: The most common type, used for basic single-plane pick and place tasks. Five-Axis arms handle standard tasks, while Six-Axis arms handle more complex ones.
Cartesian robots: Similar to Six-Axis arms but move in even more planes of motion, offering better positioning accuracy.
Delta robots: Equipped with advanced vision technology to identify and pick items based on size, shape, and color. Ideal for assembly and packaging applications.
Fast pick robots: Perfect for high-volume applications, picking up to 300 items per hour from a pool of up to 8 SKUs. Great at handling fast-moving items like promotional products or batteries.
Collaborative robots: Work alongside humans, optimizing routes and guiding associates through tasks, boosting efficiency and productivity.
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While the most common use of Industrial Pick and Place robots is manufacturing, they have many possible applications.
Their built-in versatility and precision make them perfect tools for various industries, such as:
Buying an Industrial Pick and Place robot is no small investment. Here's what you'll want to keep in mind before swiping your credit card.
Look for options rated for at least 200 picks per minute for small, light parts, and faster if you need to move bulkier components. Throughput is measured in parts per hour, and also factors in things like the time required for the robot to move between pick and place locations. Got a high-volume operation? Look for a throughput of over 10,000 parts/hour.
Payload is how much weight a robot can lift and move at once. For most small parts, a capacity of 5 kg/10 kg should be enough. Need heavy-duty applications? Look for robots rated for over 50 kg.
You need precise, constant, repetitive movement with virtually zero mistakes. Look for a repeatability rating of at least ±0.2 millimeters ' ideally ±0.1 millimeters for highly accurate placement. Multiple redundant sensors, like vision systems and force/torque sensors, help ensure accurate, repeatable pick and place operations.
The number of axes determines the range of motion and flexibility of a pick and place robot. The rule of thumb is: That more axes translate to greater movement and versatility.
For order fulfillment applications where items go onto a conveyor belt, picking bin, or directly into a packaging container, a robot with four to five axes is the right fit. But, you'll need six or more axes for applications where the robot needs to rotate or move linearly to perform tasks within its workspace.
This is a component of the workspace that defines the maximum distance (both horizontal and vertical) within which a Pick and Place robot can manipulate objects.
Since the robot must pick and place items with high precision, reach helps you determine its suitability for your specific operations. The maximum horizontal reach is the distance from the center of the robot's base to the farthest point of its gripper or custom end-of-arm tool. Vertically, it's measured from the robot's base to the maximum height its wrist can extend.
How easy will the Industrial Pick and Place robot be to program and integrate into your operations? A simple, intuitive graphical programming interface (GUI) can work wonders. Ideally, look for a CAD model with import capabilities and simulation modes for testing programs.
Open API and compatibility with various vision and conveyor systems are also helpful.
Choosing the right end-effector is critical for ensuring the robot can effectively perform its intended tasks. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with an expensive paperweight.
Match the end-effector to the shape, size, and material of the objects being handled. For instance, vacuum grippers are suitable for smooth, non-porous objects, while force-controlled grippers are better for delicate or irregularly shaped items.
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You may be thinking 'I need to mortgage my house to buy one of these things,' right?
It depends. Industrial Pick and Place robots range from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000.
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The price hinges on several factors, such as speed, throughput, accuracy, payload, and additional features. As a rule of thumb, the bigger and more complex the robot, the more you'll have to pay for it. Additionally, you should consider installation, training, and maintenance costs - although thankfully these don't add up to much.
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So, what can an Industrial Pick and Place robot do for you? They offer a transformative solution for streamlining operations, reducing errors to virtually nil, and enhancing productivity by several orders of magnitude. And it doesn't take vacations.
But, remember, before you invest, carefully assess your requirements, including factors like:
Do your research, get demos, consult with a variety of experts, and make sure you get a complete bird's eye view of what's out there before you commit.
Additionally, consider the potential impact on your workforce and develop strategies to nip transitional challenges in the bud. Play your cards right, and you'll be well on your way to increased productivity, reduced labor costs, and record-setting profits!
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Want to bring a pick and place robot to your own business? RO1 by Standard Bots is the best choice for small-scale startups and established industrial giants.
Talk to our solutions team now to set up a free, 30-day onsite trial and receive specialized advice on everything you need to deploy RO1.
The main selection criterion for an industrial robot is the field of application.
Depending on the robot's ultimate task, there are four main types of robots to choose from: articulated, Cartesian, SCARA or parallel.
Each of these robots has its own advantages and constraints such as the number of axes, maximum load (called payload) and range.
Each of these criteria will allow you to refine your choice.
Cartesian robots can only move along linear axes, making them very profitable and easy to program. They are perfectly suited for repetitive tasks, such as unloading machines.
Their main advantage is that they allow a high level of positioning accuracy throughout the working area. For example, most coordinate measuring machines are manufactured with this structure. Additionally, the modularity of the structure makes it possible to produce large robots that can, among other things, control all the machines on a production island.
Some examples of applications include using Cartesian robots for assembly operations that require very precise positioning, for machine tool control (workpiece loading/unloading and tool change) and pick-and-place operations for injection molding machines.
If you work with loads that are heavier than average, you should consider Cartesian gantry robots. This type of robot is larger and has a higher payload and range.
SCARA robots work along vertical axes by rotating on the same plane. They are faster and more flexible than Cartesian robots.
They are especially notable for their ability to carry out vertical insertion operations by only using movement of the Z axis.
The configuration of this robot allows for simple and inexpensive structures. Most SCARA robots are manufactured with only four degrees of freedom and are used for simple assembly operations that do not require complete part orientation capability. For these tasks, SCARA robots will be more precise (repeatability of tasks) and less costly than articulated robots.
However, if you require six degrees of freedom for complete part orientation, an articulated robot would be a more practical option as it will offer greater operational flexibility.
The articulated robotic arm is built on the principle of a human arm. It is made up of a series of joints, each joint giving it a degree of freedom (from 4 to 7 DOF). This very flexible structure gives it the ability to reach any position and orientation in its work envelope, in spite of obstacles.
This robot structure is used for a wide range of applications:
' arc welding
' spot welding
' material handling
' machine feeding/loading
They are however more difficult to program than other robots and are also more expensive. They are increasingly available in a collaborative version (cobot).
Parallel robots are constructed from articulated parallelograms connected to a common base.
In the parallel robot category you will mainly find Delta robots, also called Spider robots. This robot configuration is capable of delicate and precise movements.
They offer very dynamic movements and are the ideal solution for assembly and packaging tasks with a low payload, or for pick-and-place operations on light objects (from 10 g to 1 Kg). These industrial robots are frequently used in the food industry as well as the pharmaceutical and electronics industries.
Most robots are designed to be flexible and carry out various functions.
However, most manufacturers offer lines of robots dedicated to particular applications.
These specific lines have specialized equipment. For example, welding robots are generally equipped with welding torches; painting robots are especially waterproof and have special protection; palletizing robots are designed with a more rigid structure, etc.
The maximum load (payload) of a robot is measured in kilograms. It is the weight a robot can lift. It includes the tool weight (EOAT).
Maximum payloads vary greatly depending on the application, product and robot used. They are therefore very important for accurately calculating the dimensions of a robot. DirectIndustry makes choosing easier by offering you a filter for robots by maximum load.
A robot's range is measured in millimeters. A robot's maximum range is measured from the center of the robot to the longest extension of its arm. The maximum range varies for each robot model, it is fundamental in order to adapt the robot to what it is used for. The work space the robot operates in is called the working envelope. This depends on the range and the conception of the arm.
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