1, Robot body manufacturing
The backbone of the industrial chain is located in the manufacturing of robot bodies in the middle of the industrial chain, which is the location of the "body" of industrial robots. In this stage, different types of robots are endowed with different functional characteristics: multi joint (multi axis) robots are known for their flexibility and versatility, collaborative robots emphasize friendly cooperation, SCARA (horizontal) robots focus on horizontal precision, Cartesian coordinate robots excel in long linear motion, and parallel robots and AGV/AMR mobile robots have the ability to move freely. These robots with different forms are all born to adapt to different working environments and needs, and have become an indispensable part of industrial production.
2, Upstream core components
The heart of robot operation is located at the core component upstream of the industrial robot industry chain, and is the key to the operation of the entire robot system. These components not only determine the performance and efficiency of the robot, but also directly affect the cost and application scenarios of the robot. The core components mainly include control systems, reducers, servo systems, sensors, and end effectors, each with its unique functions and roles.
1. Control system:
The control system is regarded as the "brain" of the robot, responsible for commanding and coordinating the operation of various components of the robot. The control system usually consists of controllers, hardware processors, and software algorithms.
① Controller: The controller is the core of the control system, responsible for receiving data from sensors, processing this data according to preset programs, and issuing corresponding instructions. The performance of the controller directly affects the reaction speed and accuracy of the robot, thus requiring extremely high processing power and reliability.
② Hardware processor: Hardware processors play the role of computing engines in control systems. It requires rapid processing of large amounts of data to ensure that the robot can respond in real-time to various complex work tasks.
③ Software algorithm: Software algorithm is the soul of control system. By writing and optimizing control algorithms, robots can perform various precise actions such as path planning, motion control, and obstacle avoidance.
2. Reducer:
Reducer is a key transmission component in industrial robots, whose main function is to convert high-speed, low torque motor output into low-speed, high torque output to drive the joints and actuators of the robot. The quality and accuracy of the reducer directly determine the motion accuracy and stability of the robot. Common types of reducers include RV reducers and harmonic reducers.
① RV reducer: RV (RotaryVector) reducer is a reducer based on the principle of cycloidal pinwheel transmission, which has the characteristics of high rigidity, high torque and high precision, and is widely used in multi joint robots and heavy-duty industrial robots. The high precision and low backlash characteristics of RV reducers make them particularly suitable for applications that require high-precision positioning, such as welding, assembly, etc.
② Harmonic reducer: The harmonic reducer achieves high-precision transmission through the combination of flexible bearings and wave generators. It has the advantages of compact structure, high transmission ratio, and high torque capacity, and is commonly used in lightweight robots or applications that require high precision. Harmonic reducers are widely used in robotic arms, especially in applications that require precise control, such as electronic manufacturing and medical device assembly.
3. Servo system:
The servo system is the core power device for industrial robots to achieve efficient motion. It is usually composed of servo motors, servo drivers, and encoders, which are jointly responsible for driving the motion of the robot.
① Servo motor: A servo motor is a key component that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy and directly drives the joint motion of a robot. Servo motors need to have high dynamic response capabilities to achieve precise positioning and speed control of robots. Different industrial robots will choose servo motors of different specifications and powers according to their application scenarios to meet their motion requirements.
② Servo driver: The servo driver is the core component that controls the servo motor, and adjusts the motor's speed and position by receiving instructions from the controller. Servo drivers need to be able to quickly respond to control signals and accurately adjust the operating status of motors to ensure the smoothness and accuracy of robot movements.
③ Encoder: Encoders are used to measure the speed and position of servo motors, and provide feedback to the control system to achieve closed-loop control. The accuracy of the encoder directly affects the motion accuracy of the robot, and high-resolution encoders can significantly improve the positioning accuracy of the robot, especially in assembly and processing scenarios that require high precision.
4. Sensor:
Sensors endow robots with the ability to perceive the environment and their own state, enabling them to safely and accurately perform tasks in complex and changing work environments. There are many types of sensors, including position sensors, torque sensors, visual sensors, and tactile sensors.
① Position sensor: Position sensors are used to measure the position and posture of robots, commonly including angle sensors and displacement sensors. Through these sensors, robots can achieve precise motion control and avoid collisions and interference.
② Torque sensor: Torque sensors are used to measure the force and torque that robots experience during their work process. Torque sensors are particularly important in collaborative robots and assembly robots, as they can help robots perceive and adjust the applied force, thereby improving work accuracy and safety.
③ Visual sensors: Visual sensors provide robots with "visual" capabilities, allowing them to recognize and locate objects. Combined with image processing algorithms, visual sensors can assist robots in achieving complex tasks such as object recognition, classification, and tracking.
④ Tactile sensors: Tactile sensors enable robots to perceive contact forces and surface features. They are commonly used for fine assembly and surface treatment tasks, enabling robots to adapt more flexibly to various work environments.
5. End effectors:
The end effector is the part of an industrial robot that performs specific tasks, equivalent to the robot's "hand". The design and selection of end effectors directly affect the efficiency and applicability of robots. Common end effectors include robotic arms, fixtures, welding guns, spraying devices, etc.
3, Downstream system integration
The downstream system integration of the industrial chain where robots showcase their abilities is the grand stage for industrial robots to showcase their capabilities. Here, robots showcase their skills in various industrial fields through welding, palletizing, handling, assembly, spraying, and more. These application scenarios almost cover all industrial fields, and in every industry, the figure of industrial robots emitting light and heat can be seen.