Robotised systems have profoundly transformed modern industry, not only by automating repetitive and hazardous tasks but also by optimising processes with much greater precision and efficiency than traditional solutions. Industrial automation with robots has become an essential tool for many industries, from manufacturing to logistics, as well as the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive sectors, and many others. Furthermore, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking automation to an even more advanced level, enabling robots to make decisions, learn from data, and adapt their functions to new conditions.
Next, I will talk about the most common types of robotised systems in industry, their function, and how AI is revolutionising these processes:
Articulated arm robots are probably the most well-known in industrial automation. Their design mimics the structure of a human arm, with multiple joints (typically between 3 and 7) that provide great flexibility and the ability to perform complex tasks in three dimensions. These robots are very common in the manufacturing industry, especially in assembly, welding, painting, and material handling.
Function: These robots can perform precise tasks such as welding, component assembly, loading and unloading parts, visual inspection, and palletising, among others. Their high precision and repeatability make them ideal for assembly and mass production tasks.
AI Application: AI enhances the capability of these robots by integrating computer vision systems and machine learning. This allows the robots to recognise and adapt their movements to variations in the environment or product, such as adjusting to defective parts or changes in the production line without human intervention.
Advantage: They are highly versatile and used in a wide range of applications, with the ability to perform repetitive tasks extremely accurately and efficiently.
Cobots are a class of robots designed to work alongside humans safely. Unlike traditional robots, which typically operate in areas separate from workers, cobots are designed to interact directly with people without the need for safety barriers, thereby improving efficiency in work environments.
Function: Cobots can perform assistance tasks such as assembly, palletising, part transportation, testing, and more. Their flexibility and ease of integration make them ideal for working on production lines where direct cooperation with operators is needed.
AI Application: Cobots with AI have the ability to learn from their environment and human actions, allowing them to adjust their behaviour and make decisions in real time. This is especially useful in tasks where variability and human interaction are inevitable.
Advantage: They improve productivity by enabling direct collaboration between humans and machines, reducing employee fatigue and increasing workplace safety.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are a category of robots designed to move autonomously within a defined space. These robots are commonly used for internal transportation of materials and products in warehouses and factories. Unlike Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), which follow predefined routes, AMRs use sensors and AI algorithms to navigate autonomously, adapting to obstacles in their environment.
Function: AMRs are ideal for material transport tasks, such as moving boxes, components, or finished products within a plant or warehouse. They can perform delivery routes, load and unload goods at specific stations, and optimise workflow in internal logistics.
AI Application: AMRs equipped with AI can learn from their environment using sensors such as cameras, LIDAR, and ultrasound, enabling them to detect obstacles, plan efficient routes, and avoid collisions in real time. Additionally, deep learning algorithms allow them to adapt to changes in the environment without human intervention.
Advantage: They improve internal transport efficiency by eliminating the need for human operators and autonomously optimising transport routes, reducing waiting times and increasing productivity.
Robots with computer vision integrate cameras and image processing algorithms to perform tasks such as inspection, classification, and object manipulation. These robots are commonly used in quality control applications and assembly processes where visual verification of product details is required.
Function: They are primarily used for tasks such as visual inspection, product classification, defect detection, and labelling. Vision robots can verify that parts are correct before being assembled, detect defective or incorrectly labelled products, and ensure that products meet quality standards.
AI Application: AI in vision robots enhances the accuracy of image recognition and decision-making. Computer vision algorithms and machine learning allow robots to "learn" to identify patterns and defects, even in complex situations, such as irregularly shaped parts or low-light environments.
Advantage: They increase the capacity for inspection and quality control, ensuring that products meet standards without the need for human operators.
Automated assembly robots are designed to perform tasks of assembling parts and components quickly and accurately. These robotic systems can work with a variety of materials and parts, and are used in sectors such as automotive, electronics, and consumer goods manufacturing.
Function: They perform assembly tasks, which may include placing components in the correct position, inserting screws or bolts, adjusting parts, and welding or gluing components together.
AI Application: AI enables assembly robots to adapt to changes in the production process, such as variations in parts or conditions on the assembly line. Vision systems and adaptive control algorithms enhance precision and flexibility, allowing for the manufacturing of more complex and customised products.
Advantage: They increase precision, speed, and consistency in the assembly process, reducing human errors and improving the quality of the final product.
Robotised palletising and depalletising systems are used to stack and unpack products, typically in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries. These robots handle products such as boxes, bags, cans, or bottles, placing them onto pallets for storage or distribution.
Function: Robots perform the task of stacking products onto pallets quickly and accurately, improving efficiency in storage and distribution. Additionally, depalletising systems allow products to be unloaded from pallets and transferred to production lines.
AI Application: Palletising and depalletising systems with AI can optimise the arrangement of products on pallets, adapting to variability in product size and shape. Learning algorithms enable the robot to make real-time adjustments, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors in distribution.
Advantage: They increase speed and accuracy in product handling, reduce labour costs, and improve safety by eliminating repetitive and physically demanding tasks for workers.
Robotised systems have transformed the industry, enabling efficient, flexible, and precise automation. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into these systems has taken automation to a new level, providing robots with the ability to learn from their environment, adapt to changing situations, and make autonomous decisions. This not only enhances efficiency and safety but also allows for the customisation of production processes and greater agility in response to the changing market demand. The combination of advanced robots with AI is shaping the future of industry, making processes faster, safer, and more cost-effective than ever before.
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