What Is Robotics?

Robotics is the intersection of science, engineering and technology that

produces machines, called robots, that replicate or substitute for human
actions. Robots perform basic and repetitive tasks with greater efficiency
and accuracy than humans, making them ideal for industries like
manufacturing and automation sectors.

How Do Robots Work?

Some robots are pre-programmed to perform specific functions, meaning
they operate in a controlled environment where they do simple,
monotonous tasks — like a mechanical arm on an automotive assembly
line.

Other robots are autonomous, operating independently of human operators

to carry out tasks in open environments. In order to work, they use sensors
to perceive the world around them, and then employ decision-making
structures (usually a computer) to take the optimal next step based on their
data and mission.

Robots may also work by using wireless networks to enable human control
from a safe distance. These teleoperated robots usually work in extreme
geographical conditions, weather and circumstances. Examples of
teleoperated robots are the human-controlled submarines used to fix
underwater pipe leaks during the BP oil spill or drones used to detect
landmines on a battlefield.

Types of Robotics
Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots are robots that look like or mimic human behaviour.
These robots usually perform human-like activities (like running, jumping
and carrying objects), and are sometimes designed to look like us, even
having human faces and expressions. Two of the most prominent examples
of humanoid robots are Hanson Robotics’ Sophia and Boston
Dynamics’ Atlas.
Cobots
Cobots, or collaborative robots, are robots designed to work alongside
humans. These robots prioritize safety by using sensors to remain aware of
their surroundings, executing slow movements and ceasing actions when
their movements are obstructed. Cobots typically perform simple tasks,
freeing up humans to address more complex work.

Industrial Robots
Industrial robots automate processes in manufacturing environments like
factories and warehouses. Possessing at least one robotic arm, these robots
are made to handle heavy objects while moving with speed and precision.
As a result, industrial robots often work in assembly lines to boost
productivity.

Medical Robots
Medical robots assist healthcare professionals in various scenarios and
support the physical and mental health of humans. These robots rely on AI
and sensors to navigate healthcare facilities, interact with humans and
execute precise movements. Some medical robots can even converse with
humans, encouraging people’s social and emotional growth.

Agricultural Robots
Agricultural robots handle repetitive and labour-intensive tasks, allowing
farmers to use their time and energy more efficiently. These robots also
operate in greenhouses, where they monitor crops and help with harvests.
Agricultural robots come in many forms, ranging from autonomous
tractors to drones that collect data for farmers to analyse.

Microrobotics
Microrobotics is the study and development of robots on a miniature scale.
Often no bigger than a millimetre, microrobots can vary in size, depending
on the situation. Biotech researchers typically use micro robotics to
monitor and treat diseases, with the goal of improving diagnostic tools and
creating more targeted solutions.
Augmenting Robots
Augmenting robots, also known as VR robots, either enhance current
human capabilities or replace the capabilities a human may have lost. The
field of robotics for human augmentation is a field where science fiction
could become reality very soon, with bots that have the ability to redefine
the definition of humanity by making humans faster and stronger. Some
examples of current augmenting robots are robotic prosthetic limbs
or exoskeletons used to lift hefty weights.

Types of robotic arms

The term “robotic arm” broadly describes a group of robotic mechanisms.
These different robot types tend to have similar applications. However,
each type has distinctions that typically lead to it being optimized for
certain tasks over other robotic arms. Types of robotic arms include:

 Articulated arm

 Six-axis

 Collaborative robot

 SCARA

 Cartesian

 Cylindrical

 Spherical/Polar

 Parallel/Delta

 Anthropomorphic

Articulated arms are general-purpose robotic arms with 5 or more joints or

degrees of freedom. The articulated arm is an umbrella term for many
other robot types. For instance, a six-axis robot is an articulated arm with
six degrees of freedom. Articulated arms cover the broadest range of robot
types used in industry and include six-axis and collaborative robots. You
will find an example of this robot type in the banner image of this article.

Six-axis robots are the most common articulated arm. This also makes
them the most common robotic arm used in industry today. Thanks to their
flexibility, they are a great general-purpose robotic arm. This gives the six-
axis an impressive list of uses. The six-axis robot is the most easily
identified industrial robot.

The collaborative robot is a robotic arm purpose-built for hybrid work.

This means it is designed to work near humans. Certain safety features
allow for significant risk reduction in hybrid work environments. This is a
relatively new robot type and its uses are still being explored.
Collaborative robots are becoming more prominent in the industry as more
manufacturers are being exposed to their benefits. The future is exciting
for collaboratives.

SCARA robots are selectively compliant robot arms. This means they
don’t have the same flexibility afforded to articulated arms. This limits
them in some respects but gives them certain advantages over articulated
arm types.

Cartesian robots are rigid systems that move around in a 3D coordinate

plane. These robots are typically constructed of 3 linear actuators. One
actuator moves left and right in the x-axis. An additional actuator is
attached to the x-axis actuator. This actuator moves up and down in the y-
axis plane. A final actuator is attached to the y-axis member and moves
back and forth in the z-axis plane. Cartesian robots are positioned for small
applications.

Cylindrical robot arms are designed around a single arm that moves up and
down a vertical member. This vertical member rotates the arm
horizontally. The arm can extend and retract to perform its task. These
robots are very compact and are deployed for small and simple tasks.

The first modern industrial robot was a spherical (polar) robot. This robot
type has a simple design that isn’t as common today as it once was.
Spherical robots are similar to cylindrical robots except they swap the
vertical linear axis with an additional rotary axis. This axis allows it to
rotate vertically. It was designed for simple tasks that don’t require high
speed or complex motion.

Parallel/Delta robots are high-speed options for robotic automation. These

robots’ unique design allows them to reach incredible rates of speed. The
delta robot is a great choice for high-speed and lightweight tasks.

Anthropomorphic robots are a rare sight in industrial settings. These robots

boast two or more arms and a friendly face. They are often deployed in
collaborative environments where they are working in near proximity to
human operators.
1. ABB

You can usually recognize an ABB robot by its white colour

with distinctive red logo.

ABB was founded in 1988 and is based in Zürich,

Switzerland. As well as robotics, it specializes in other
automation technology and power equipment.

The company has an annual revenue of around $28

billion and in 2002 it became the first company in the
world to sell 100,000 robots.

2. Fanuc

You can usually recognize a Fanuc robot by its bright yellow

colour.

Fanuc was founded in 1972 and is based in Oshino, Japan

with its headquarters at the base of the iconic Mount Fuji.
The company specializes in robotics and other automation
equipment, particularly CNC machines.

The company has an annual revenue of $4.7 billion and has

installed over 750,000 robots worldwide.

3. KUKA

You can usually recognize a KUKA robot by its distinctive

orange colour.

KUKA was founded in 1898 when it started as a

manufacturer of acetylene gas. The company first ventured
into industrial automation in 1956 with an automatic welding
system and created its first welding robot in 1971.
The company is based in Augsburg, Germany, and has an
annual revenue of $2.5 billion of which $899 million is in
robotics.

4. Yaskawa

The Motoman range of robots is produced by Yaskawa,

which you can usually recognize by their white and blue
coloring.

Yaskawa was founded in 1915 but their first robot was

released in 1974. It was the first electrically driven
industrial robot in Japan, as robots before then were all
hydraulically driven.

The company is based in Fukuoka, Japan, and has an

annual revenue of around $1.7 billion of which around $597
million is in robotics.

5. Comau

Comau is an automation and robotics manufacturer based in

Turin, Italy.

The company was founded in 1973 and developed the first

laser robot for General Motors in the 1980s. Most recently it
has moved into collaborative robotics and its Aura cobot has
the largest payload capacity on the market (170kg).

The company has an annual revenue of $1.2 billion.

6. Epson

When you think of Epson, you might first think of their

desktop printers. However, the robotics arm of Epson is a
large player in the industry.
Epson was founded in 1942 and is based in Nagano, Japan.
The company first brought its robots to the North and
South American markets in 1984.

The whole company has an annual revenue of $9.6 billion of

which about $1.32 billion is in wearable and industrial
products.

7. Kawasaki

Kawasaki is a Japanese industrial manufacturer probably

best known for its motorcycles, engines, and aerospace
equipment.

The company was founded in 1896 but started making

robots in 1968 when it joined an agreement with
Unimation (the world’s first industrial robotics company) to
make robots locally.

The company has an annual revenue of $1.3 billion and has

installed over 160,000 robots worldwide.

8. Mitsubishi

A company best known for its electric products, Mitsubishi

Electric’s robots are another common fixture in the industry.

Mitsubishi Electric (itself part of Mitsubishi) was founded in

1921 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

The company has an annual revenue of around $11.6

billion of which around $3 billion is industrial automation
systems.

9. Stäubli
Stäubli robots are another stalwart of the robotics industry
and can be found in many facilities worldwide.

The company was founded in 1892 and is based in Horgen,

Switzerland. Beginning as a manufacturer of weaving
automation, it diversified into robotics in 1982 when it
acquired Unimation.

The company has an annual turnover of around $1.2 billion.

10. Universal Robots and the Cobot Market

Finally, the newest company on this list was at the forefront

of one of the latest trends in robotics — collaborative robots
(aka cobots).

Universal Robots was founded in 2005 and is based in

Odense, Denmark. The company likely coined the term
“collaborative robot” to mean a robot that can operate
without safety fencing. The company has an annual revenue
of $219 million.

Industrial Welding Robots:

Introduction
Industrial welding robots have revolutionized manufacturing processes by
automating welding tasks. These robots offer precision, speed, and consistency,
leading to improved productivity and workplace safety.

Types of Industrial Welding Robots

1. FANUC Arc Welding Robots:

FANUC’s ARC Mate series includes robots designed specifically for arc welding
applications.

Payloads range from 7 kg to 25 kg, with reach distances from 911 mm to 3123 mm.

Suitable for MIG, TIG, plasma cutting, and laser cutting.

Integration with different weld packages ensures efficient operation.

2. Collaborative Arc Welding Robots (Cobots):

FANUC also offers cobots for low-volume, high-mix production.

Easy to use and quick to deploy.

Authorized System Integration partners assist in automating arc welding processes.

Advantages of Industrial Welding Robots

1. Precision and Speed:

Robots perform intricate welds accurately and swiftly.

Improved overall productivity.

2. Safety:

Mechanized protocols protect workers from burns and exposure to carcinogenic

fumes.

Arc and spot welding processes are safer with robots.

3. Consistency:

Robots consistently produce high-quality welds, reducing defects and rework.

Labor Savings:

Automation reduces the need for manual labor, especially in repetitive tasks.

Types of Welding Processes

1. Resistance Spot Welding Robots:

Used for spot welding applications.

2. Shielded Metal Arc Welding Robots (SMAW):

Commonly known as stick welding.

3. Robotic Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG):

Ideal for metal inert gas welding.

4. Robotic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG):

Suitable for tungsten inert gas welding.

5. Robot Laser Welding:

Utilizes lasers for precise welding.

6. Plasma Welding Robot:

Used for plasma arc welding

Aspect Servo Motor Stepper Motor

Closed-loop control system

Open-loop control system
Control Principle with feedback (position, speed,
without feedback
or torque)

Typically equipped with an No feedback device (open-

Feedback Device
encoder or resolver loop)

Moderate accuracy (depends

Accuracy High accuracy due to feedback
on step angle and load)
 Some torque ripple due to
Torque Ripple Low torque ripple
discrete steps

No continuous rotation
Continuous Rotation Limited (typically up to 360°)
(moves in discrete steps)

Limited speed range (depends

Speed Range Moderate to high speeds
on step rate and load)

Zero holding torque at Holding torque even when

Torque at Standstill
standstill stationary

Simpler control system (no

Complexity More complex control system
feedback loop)

Robotics, CNC machines, Printers, 3D printers, CNC

Applications
automation, precise positioning machines, automation