Robotics
Industrial robots and machines are used in various factories, warehouses, and sectors. They perform a variety of small to complex tasks with ease. A wide range of applications use industrial robots that rely on motion control systems for precise regulation of movements and positioning. This brings accuracy to recurring tasks in manufacturing processes.
In many industries, robots can load and unload processing machinery, retrieve components from conveyors and load them into shipping containers, and categorize or sort random parts into an ordered format.
Power transmission products like couplings of various kinds, gearboxes, bearings, and motors are essential to applications demanding advanced and highly precise motion control. They are responsible for advanced and accurate machine functionality and resultant efficiency.
Featured Products
Elastomer Jaw Couplings are integral to measuring, precision and feed drives, robotics, grinding, and milling spindles. They are backlash-free, vibration-damping, electrically isolating, and axially pluggable couplings. Their average temperature range is between -60° and +250°F.
These couplings have stainless steel metal bellow and are torsionally stiff with high accuracy. They are suitable for automation, conveyor and control technology, and robotics applications. Their average temperature range is between -22° and +212°F.
Steel Disc Couplings are torsionally rigid and free of backlash. They allow for reliable transmission of torque through steel discs, which are loaded by compression and tension. These couplings are available in various sizes with different torque output and rotational speeds.
Gear Couplings are made of high-strength steel. They facilitate the positive transmission of torque positively by means of crowned teeth, which are constantly meshing with straight-toothed tooth sleeves. Gear couplings have extremely high power densities.
Key Applications of Robotics
Manufacturing Automation
Industrial robots and machines in different shapes and sizes tackle complex manufacturing needs, such as fabrication, finishing, transfer, and segmentation of parts. They also allow real-time data exchange between various production stages. The interconnectedness leads to improved monitoring of manufacturing processes.
Material Handling
In material handling, robotics is used widely for the consistent movement of goods, which is crucial. Some of the major applications include bin picking, case packing, palletizing, and logistics. It is also possible to apply SKU-specific changes to robot motion profiles, grip strength, accelerations, and swing velocities.
Healthcare
Robotic surgery is becoming commonplace in many countries. Robots and automated machines with steady arms and hands can easily execute precise movements, many of which are beyond human range. They are also used to automate many lower-level tasks so surgeons can concentrate on high-level work.
Agriculture
Agricultural robot applications increase productivity by automating repetitive tasks. These include harvesting, pruning, weed control, mowing, spraying, sorting, and packing. Robotic systems’ accuracy and speed help boost yield, reduce wastage, and usher process automation.
Food Processing
Advanced robotic systems are capable of handling delicate food items and boosting the efficiency of packaging efficiency. They combat labor shortages and are crucial in cases when human contact with food during processing and packing is prohibited. Sorting, portioning, and quality checks are some major uses of robotics in food processing.
Key Products for Robotics & Motion Control
Power transmission components are vital for robotic applications to function across industries. They should not cause misalignment between shafts and damage parts of machines like bearings and seals in the machine. This, in turn, aids in the accuracy and reliability of robotic systems. The following major products are used to power automated control systems in various industries:
Couplings
Couplings, like Elastomer Jaw Couplings, are used in complex motion control applications, like medical positioning systems and robotic systems, for dampening vibration and compensating for radial, axial, and angular misalignment. They also prevent backlash when torque transmission happens. Metal Bellows Couplings are ideal when there’s a need to transmit torque and rotary motion from shaft to shaft with elevated torsional stiffness.
Gearboxes
Planetary gearboxes, gear motors, and speed reducers provide greater torque while reducing the output shafts’ speed. They are known for their high gear reduction ratios. Gear motors combine an enclosed gear set with a motor to boost torque and performance while lowering speed. Thus, robots can handle heavier loads and carry out forceful operations.
Motors
Different types of motors, like DC motors, Servo motors, AC motors, and linear motors, power robotic joints and end-effectors. Each motor has its unique advantage and is suitable for robotics and automation applications with varying power, torque, speed, and precision needs.
Actuators
Actuators convert an energy source into physical, mechanical movement. Pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric actuators use different forms of energy, like compressed air, liquid, and electric energy, to satisfy the requirement for specific positioning tasks and eliminate human intervention.
Bearings
Bearings support rotating shafts, axles, and other parts of automated machinery for smooth and frictionless motion. They assist the joints and rotary actuators of robotic systems. They also minimize vibrations and lead to improved stability and accuracy during high-speed robotic operations.