Servocontrolled robots

Abstract

In Chapter 2 it was shown that simple robots based on modular units can be adapted to carry out a variety of tasks by mechanically adjusting their movements and reprogramming their cycles of operation. Such robots are generally used in simple operations in which the flexibility of the unit is restricted. For example, in loading and unloading a press or machine tool, the robot would be assembled specifically for use with this machine, and its flexibility would be limited to the range of parts to be handled often by mechanically changing the gripping device. A robot of this type cannot usually be used for a different task or an identical task on a machine with a different architecture. Simple robots usually offer little flexibility, but as they generally have the advantage of being modular in design they can be assembled easily and at low cost from standard components. This approach, which has been in use since the earliest days of automation, is particularly suitable for long production cycles in which the robot is used for simple tasks with little variation.