A robot consists of many components that enable it to carry out various tasks and functions effectively. Whether you are looking forward to building a simple or complex robot soon or you wish to replace its parts, here is a simple guide for you.
This blog will help you learn about the several parts of a robot, their usefulness, and how to source them.
End Effector
The end effectors are the part of a robot that allows it to carry out tasks. It is the point where the robot actually makes contact with the workpiece, typically located at the end of the robot’s arm.
It is also referred to as the End-of-Arm Tooling (EoAT). It could include gripping tools like vacuum grabbers and high-speed claws, cutting wheels, hammers, screw drivers, welding tools, and many other tools, depending on the specific application or industry.
Medical robots, on the other hand, have various types of effectors, which can include surgical tools or suturing devices. End effectors are essential because they are the part that makes direct interaction with substances within our environment.
Some robots are also designed to accommodate different tools at the end of the robot arm. This is made possible through some fixtures that grip the tools and allow changing the tools from one form to another.
As such, the robot will be able to perform various tasks. For example, a robot can create a hole in a material through a drilling tool and also change tools and deburr the same workpiece.
Robot Arm
The robot arm functions similarly to the human arm. It consists of the links and the joint. The links are like the bones in humans; they are solid, rigid, and connected to one another through the joints.
They also allow the effector to be attached to its end, enabling it to carry out tasks. The joints, links, and actuators all work together to enable the robot’s movement.
Actuator
While the links are like the bones of the arm, the actuator acts like the muscle, enabling the robot to move.
They allow for the movement of the arm and end effector by converting electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy sources into mechanical energy, thereby causing motion. Without the actuator, the arm will not function; therefore, it is the powerhouse of the arm.
Sensors
Sensors in a robot also function similarly to the human senses. It enables the robot to gather information about itself and its environment, allowing it to perceive the world through sight, sound, and touch.
Internal sensors are the device that allows the robot to gather information about itself. These include data related to velocity, position, motion torque, and other relevant parameters. External sensors, on the other hand, allow the robot to collect data about the environment. Such information includes force, proximity, and view of the surroundings, among others.
Sensors in a robot can include basic equipment such as a camera, which allows it to gather data about the visual representation of its surroundings. This microphone helps it detect sounds, as well as thermometers and barometers, which enable it to sense temperature and pressure, respectively.
Some robots are also equipped with smell and taste sensors, which means they’ll be able to detect odour and taste. The most commonly used sensors in industrial applications are those for vision, which also encompass various types.
Optical Sensors
Optical sensors can be used to determine the thickness of a film, the roughness of a surface, the colour of an object, and so on. Some robots are also designed with a microscope, thereby allowing them to view tiny particles. Optical sensors can also be used to determine velocity and the rate of flow of liquid.
Laser Scanner
Laser scanner sensors are also widely used in industrial settings. They can accurately measure machined parts. Some handheld laser scanners are also valuable in inventory management.
Laser scanners can also be mounted in drones, allowing the drone to take inventory as it flies through warehouse aisles
Vision Systems
Vision systems have enhanced the functionality of. There are now autonomous mobile robots that can detect obstacles while moving and create alerts, as well as recognize people and objects. Vision Systems can also recognize human faces.
Controllers
The controller determines how a robot behaves or how well it performs its function. They are available in different sizes and shapes and are essential for motion, logic, and safety.
Controllers also determine how fast and effectively the robot responds and interacts with external stimuli. There are 3 categories of controllers:
Programmable Logic Controller PLC
PLC is the oldest and cheapest controller. It is typically used for basic motion control and features a simple data logging capability compared to other forms.
Programmable Automation Controller PAC
This is more advanced than PLC and has a greater capability. It is suitable for many applications compared to PLCs.
Industrial Personal Computer (IPC)
It is significantly more expensive and offers enhanced computing capabilities. It is used for more complex motion control, features multiple interfaces, and can store vast amounts of data.
Battery
This is a part of a robot that powers it when it isn’t connected to another power source. As such, it is responsible for storing energy and supplying it to other components of the robot.
When selecting a battery for a robot, several key factors should be considered, including capacity, charging requirements, and chemistry. Therefore, it is best to select a battery with a short charging time and a longer operating capacity. Here are different types of batteries based on their chemistry.
NiMh
Nickel-metal-hydride batteries are the most popular battery type. They have an excellent weight-to-capacity ratio with a small memory effect.
The memory effect means you must completely discharge a battery before recharging it; otherwise, the battery capacity decreases with each subsequent charge.
NiCd
These are nickel-cadmium batteries, which are prone to a higher memory effect; as such, they may require replacement with other battery types.
Lead Acid
They are relatively cheap and have a high capacity.
LiPo
These are lithium-ion polymer batteries, often referred to simply as lithium batteries. They are now gaining popularity in robotics due to their excellent capacity-to-weight ratio. They are also not prone to memory effects.
Robot Base / Mounting Systems
The mounting system within a robot helps position the robot firmly on a surface, enabling it to carry out its task effectively. There are also various kinds of mounts depending on specific usage.
The pedestal mount is vital for raising the robot arm. Some mounts also feature casters, allowing for the robot’s movement. Some special types of Mounts can also be placed in an inverted position to enhance the reach of the robot arms.
Others can be placed vertically depending on the specific robot application. There are also the modular mounts, which are used for fastening sensors. Sensor mounting systems are appreciated for their strength, lightweight, and durability.
Robot Safety Components
Ensuring safety while working with a robot is essential. Most robots thus have safety components that help protect the operators, the robot itself, and people around them. Some of the robot safety components include the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and robot safety sensors.
Robot Safety PLCs
While an ordinary PLC has a microprocessor and input and output circuits, the safety PLC has three to four processors with a watchdog or supervisory timer that creates alerts when the PLC fails.
It also features the input and output circuits necessary to verify the correct connectivity. Some ordinary PLCs also come with emergency stop features, such as a proximity sensor; however, in most cases, these features do not suffice for a safety PLC.
Robot Safety Sensor/Laser Scanner
Laser scanners can also be used to prevent accidents or hazards when using a robot since they can detect the presence of humans.
It can provide information to the robot when a person enters its zones, and as such, the robot could reduce its speed by 25 to 50% or even stop, depending on the zones a person enters.
Conveyor Belts
The robot and conveyor system work hand in hand. Its function is to help transport items from one point to another in the robotic system.
There are different types of conveyors, but the ones commonly used in food processing operations are those that are easy to clean or sanitize. You might also want to consider speed, width, height, and the overall weight it can support, among other factors, when selecting a conveyor.
Vibrating Feeders
These are useful in operations involving assembling and packaging. They are used in moving small parts to the robot so that it can pick them up. The vibration feeders also align or arrange the small parts in an accurate position, making pick and assembly activities easier and effective.
Sourcing the Right Robot Parts and Components for Your Needs
RobotCNCParts is a global manufacturing company specializing in the production of precise and highly effective robot components. Whether you are sure about the part you need or require guidance on the ones that best suit your needs, we are here to help.
We’ve served hundreds of happy clients in the robotics industry over the years. Whether you’re a start-up, SME, or large enterprise, we can help you build prototypes, custom parts, or production, depending on your needs. Contact us now.
Conclusion
Several parts of a robot work together to ensure that the robot performs its function effectively. While a robot can help automate your operations, working with the right production company that understands your unique industry needs is key.
