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R&A Module 1 - Robot Parts and Functions

The controller is the "brain" of an industrial robot arm and allows all parts to operate together. It functions like a computer and can connect the robot to other systems. The controller runs programs written in code that control the robot's movements. Industrial robot arms vary in size and shape, with some resembling the human arm. The arm positions the end effector using joints like shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Each joint provides another degree of freedom of movement. Many modern robots have six degrees of freedom. The end effector connects to the robot arm and comes into direct contact with materials. Common end effectors include grippers, vacuum pumps, and welding torches. Some robots can change end effectors and

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307 views3 pages

R&A Module 1 - Robot Parts and Functions

The controller is the "brain" of an industrial robot arm and allows all parts to operate together. It functions like a computer and can connect the robot to other systems. The controller runs programs written in code that control the robot's movements. Industrial robot arms vary in size and shape, with some resembling the human arm. The arm positions the end effector using joints like shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Each joint provides another degree of freedom of movement. Many modern robots have six degrees of freedom. The end effector connects to the robot arm and comes into direct contact with materials. Common end effectors include grippers, vacuum pumps, and welding torches. Some robots can change end effectors and

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The Ultimate
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Robot Parts and Functions

The controller is the "brain" of the industrial robotic arm and allows the parts of the robot to
operate together. It works as a computer and allows the robot to also be connected to other
systems. The robotic arm controller runs a set of instructions written in code called a program.
The program is inputted with a teach pendant. Many of today’s industrial robot arms use an
interface that resembles or is built on the Windows operating system.
Industrial robot arms can vary in size and shape. The industrial robot arm is the part that
positions the end effector. With the robot arm, the shoulder, elbow, and wrist move and twist
to position the end effector in the exact right spot. Each of these joints gives the robot another
degree of freedom. A simple robot with three degrees of freedom can move in three ways: up
& down, left & right, and forward & backward. Many industrial robots in factories today are
six axis robots.

The end effector connects to the robot's arm and functions as a hand. This part comes in direct
contact with the material the robot is manipulating. Some variations of an effector are a gripper,
a vacuum pump, magnets, and welding torches. Some robots are capable of changing end
effectors and can be programmed for different sets of tasks.
The drive is the engine or motor that moves the links into their designated positions. The links
are the sections between the joints. Industrial robot arms generally use one of the following
types of drives: hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic. Hydraulic drive systems give a robot great
speed and strength. An electric system provides a robot with less speed and strength. Pneumatic
drive systems are used for smaller robots that have fewer axes of movement. Drives should be
periodically inspected for wear and replaced if necessary.

Controller:

Every robot is connected to a computer, which keeps the pieces of the arm working together.
This computer is known as the controller.
The controller functions as the "brain “of the robot. The controller also allows the robot to be
networked to other systems, so that it may work together with other machines, processes, or
robots.
Robots today have controllers that are run by programs - sets of instructions written in code.
Almost all robots of today are entirely pre-programmed by people; they can do only what they
are programmed to do at the time, and nothing else. In the future, controllers with artificial
intelligence, or AI could allow robots to think on their own, even program themselves. This
could make robots more self-reliant and independent.
Arm:

Robot arms come in all shapes and sizes. The arm is the part of the robot that positions the end-
effector and sensors to do their pre-programmed business. Many (but not all) resemble human
arms, and have shoulders, elbows, wrists, even fingers.
This gives the robot a lot of ways to position itself in its environment. Each joint is said to give
the robot 1 degree of freedom. So, a simple robot arm with 3 degrees of freedom could move
in 3 ways: up and down, left and right, forward and backward.

Drive:

The drive is the "engine" that drives the links (the sections between the joints into their desired
position. Without a drive, a robot would just sit there, which is not often helpful. Most drives
are powered by air, water pressure, or electricity.

End-Effector:

The end-effector is the "hand" connected to the robot's arm. It is often different from a human
hand - it could be a tool such as a gripper, a vacuum pump, tweezers, scalpel, blowtorch - just
about anything that helps it do its job. Some robots can change end-effectors, and be
reprogrammed for a different set of tasks.
Sensor:

Most robots of today are nearly deaf and blind. Sensors can provide some limited feedback to
the robot so it can do its job.

Compared to the senses and abilities of even the simplest living things, robots have a very long
way to go.

The sensor sends information, in the form of electronic signals back to the controller. Sensors
also give the robot controller information about its surroundings and let it know the exact
position of the arm, or the state of the world around it.

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