A robotic arm robot is a mechanical system that imitates the movement of a human arm.

It achieves controlled movement along multiple axes through joints, connecting rods, actuators and end effectors.

These systems are transformative in the field of automation because they can precisely handle material processing, assembly, and even robotic surgery. They are also good at performing repetitive and dangerous tasks that require precision beyond human capabilities.

What makes robotic arm robots truly outstanding is their versatility. With customizable degrees of freedom (DoF) and precision-driven control systems, they can handle a wide range of tasks, from delicate medical procedures to heavy industrial robot tasks.

To achieve accuracy, the algorithm and control system calculate the joint angles and motion paths in real time. On the other hand, techniques such as inverse kinematics ensure precise positioning and smooth movement.

To better understand the functions of robotic arms, it is necessary to examine their main components. These include bases, connecting rods, joints, actuators, sensors and end effectors. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall performance and capabilities of the robot.



Base

The base is the foundation of the robotic arm robot. It maintains the stability of the entire system, ensuring that the robot does not tilt, vibrate or move during operation.

In fixed systems (such as those used in manufacturing), the base is fixed to the floor or a solid platform to achieve maximum stability. For robots that need to move between different stations (such as warehouse automation robots), the base may be installed on wheels or tracks to achieve mobility.

The design of the base is of vital importance. It must be capable of withstanding the weight of the robot, taking into account its range of motion, and supporting the force generated during movement - especially in industrial robots that lift heavy loads.

For instance, robots designed to lift automotive parts require a sturdy base that can absorb vibrations and support the weight of the mechanical arm. On the other hand, lightweight collaborative robots that assist humans may use smaller and more flexible bases to move freely.



Connecting rod

The connecting rod is a rigid section that constitutes the structure of a robot, connecting joints and determining the overall shape of the robot. Each connecting rod plays a crucial role in defining the robot's workspace, range of motion and intensity.

The design of these connecting rods is of vital importance. Longer connecting rods can enable the robot to extend further and increase its working space. However, longer connecting rods may introduce unnecessary flexibility and reduce accuracy. On the contrary, shorter connecting rods can enhance stability and control ability, but they will limit the robot's reach range.

Material selection is also very important. Lightweight materials such as aluminium or carbon fiber can enhance speed and efficiency, while stronger materials like steel are suitable for heavy-duty robots handling large loads.

For instance, robot arms used for material handling might adopt lightweight connecting rods to increase speed, while welding robots in industrial robot Settings might use heavier connecting rods to achieve better stability and strength.



Joint

Joints are moving parts that connect the robot's connecting rods, enabling the robot to bend, rotate or extend. The type and number of joints determine the degree of freedom (DoF) of a robot - a key factor in determining its flexibility and range of motion.

There are three main types of joints in robotic arm robots:

Rotational joints: These joints allow rotation around a single axis, similar to the human elbow. They are commonly found in joint robots and are suitable for tasks that require precise movement, such as welding or assembly.

Sliding joints: These joints allow for linear motion along a single axis - imagine opening a drawer. They usually appear in Cartesian robots or grasping and placing systems that require linear motion.

Spherical joints: These joints offer rotational movement along multiple axes, similar to the human shoulder. Although not very common, they offer excellent flexibility in robots that require agile and multi-directional movement, such as robotic hands or humanoid robots.

The number of joints directly affects the degree of freedom of a robot. For instance, a robot with six joints (six degrees of freedom) can move flexibly and imitate the movements of a human arm. Meanwhile, robots with only three joints will have a simpler and more restricted range of motion, but they may perform well in repetitive and high-speed tasks.

Choosing the right joint combination is crucial for achieving performance goals - whether it is assembling electronic products, handling fragile materials or performing robotic surgeries.

Spherical joints provide rotational motion around multiple axes, allowing for a high degree of flexibility and agility. These joints are not very common in manipulator robots, but they can be found in some special applications that require a wide range of motion, such as robotic hands or humanoid robots.

When designing the joints of a robotic arm robot, factors such as the range of motion, load capacity and wear resistance must be taken into consideration. The choice of joint type and design will directly affect the performance, flexibility and overall capability of the robot, making it a key aspect in the robot design process.



Actuator

Actuators are the "muscles" of robotic arms - they generate movement by driving the robot's joints. Different types of actuators should be selected based on the speed, accuracy and load requirements of the robot.

Common types of actuators include:

Electric actuators: Renowned for their precision, they are suitable for tasks that require precise positioning, such as fixture control or fine assembly work.

Hydraulic actuators: Powerful and robust, these actuators perform exceptionally well in heavy industrial robots capable of lifting large loads.

Pneumatic actuators: Fast and lightweight, these actuators are popular in simple repetitive automation tasks such as packaging or sorting.

For instance, in an industrial robot setup, a robot welding machine might employ powerful hydraulic actuators, while a robot assembling fragile electronic products might rely on precise electric actuators for careful positioning.

Select the appropriate actuator to ensure that the robot has the speed, power and precision required to perform its expected tasks.

Most modern robotic arms use electric servo motors as actuators at each joint. These motors (usually brushless DC motors or AC synchronous motors) are selected for their high power-to-weight ratio and precision. Each motor is equipped with a gearbox (a harmonic driver and RV reducer commonly used in industrial robots) to amplify torque and maintain position under load. The output drive joint of the gearbox. The angular position of each joint is measured by an encoder (optical or magnetic) or a resolver, providing feedback on the joint Angle or rotational speed.



End effector

The end effector is the component that enables a robotic arm robot to interact directly with the environment or objects within its workspace. It is responsible for performing the main tasks of the robot, such as grasping, cutting or welding. The design of the end effector is of vital importance as it must be compatible with the structure of the robot and capable of handling the required load, precision and specific task requirements.

The commonly used types of end effectors in robotic arm robots include fixtures, suction cups and welding torches. Each type of end effector offers different capabilities and trade-offs, making it suitable for specific applications.

Fixtures are used to grasp and hold objects. They come in various designs, such as parallel fixtures, corner fixtures and adaptive fixtures. Fixtures can be designed according to different clamping forces, materials and sizes to adapt to various objects and applications. For instance, parallel fixtures can be used for grasping and placing applications, while adaptive fixtures can be used for handling objects with irregular shapes.

Suction cups are used to lift and handle objects with smooth surfaces, such as glass or metal plates. They form a strong bond between the end effector and the object by relying on vacuum pressure, allowing for precise and gentle handling. Suction cups can be designed in various sizes, shapes and materials according to different object types and surface conditions.

A welding torch is a dedicated end effector used for performing welding tasks, such as arc welding or spot welding. They are designed to deliver the required heat and current to the welding area, ensuring a strong and durable joint is formed between the connected materials. The welding torch must be compatible with the robot's control system and be capable of withstanding the high temperatures and currents involved in the welding process.

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