Businesses Incorporating Drones Shift Towards Expanding Robotics Portfolios, According to Recent Study

Businesses Incorporating Drones Shift Towards Expanding Robotics Portfolios, According to Recent Study

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial automation, robots play a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, productivity, and safety across various sectors. Here's a closer look at the types of robots commonly used in industrial companies and their applications.

Types of Industrial Robots

Industrial robots can be categorised based on their design and functionality. Some of the most common types include:

• Cartesian Robots: Known for their precision in straight-line movements, they are often used in material handling and assembly.
• Scara Robots: Popular for assembly tasks due to their compliance in selected planes, allowing for precise movements.
• Articulated Arm Robots: Versatile with multiple joints, they are suitable for tasks like welding and assembly.
• Polar Robots: Used in applications requiring a combination of rotational and linear movements.

Common Uses of Industrial Robots

1. Material Handling: Robots are frequently used for tasks such as loading/unloading machines, palletizing, and packaging. They reduce the risk of injury to workers and increase throughput by handling heavy or awkwardly shaped objects efficiently.
2. Welding: Robotic welding systems offer superior precision, consistency, and speed compared to manual welding, and are widely used in automotive manufacturing and general fabrication.
3. Assembly: Robots are increasingly used for assembling components, from small electronic parts to large vehicle chassis. Their accuracy ensures high-quality products and reduces defects.
4. Painting and Dispensing: Industrial robots provide uniform coating and precise application of paints, sealants, and adhesives, leading to improved product finish and reduced material waste.
5. Machine Tending: Robots can load and unload parts from CNC machines and presses, optimizing machine utilization and enabling continuous operation.
6. Inspection and Quality Control: Equipped with advanced vision systems and sensors, robots perform rapid and accurate inspections, identify defects, and ensure product quality.
7. Finishing Processes: Robots are used in processes like grinding, polishing, or gluing, ensuring maximum consistency and quality with every workpiece.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

Cobots work alongside human workers, enhancing collaboration and safety. They assist in tasks like assembly and quality control by watching the environment and adjusting their actions as needed.

Other Types of Robots in Industrial Companies

In addition to the traditional types of robots, industrial companies are also employing other types of robots. These include:

• Physical Robots: These robots work in warehouses, focusing on tasks like moving products and material handling.
• Software Robots: Utilized for automating digital tasks such as ticketing and data entry, these robots improve efficiency in administrative processes.

As companies become more aware of the capabilities of different types of robots, it's likely that adoption of all types, including drones, will grow. This shift towards a more holistic approach to uncrewed systems could lead to opportunities for drone companies and service providers to partner, acquire, or launch their own robotics divisions.

Sources:

[1] Robotics Online. (n.d.). Industrial Robot Applications. Retrieved from https://www.roboticsonline.com/article/industrial_robot_applications/

[2] International Federation of Robotics. (2021). Collaborative Robots. Retrieved from https://www.ifr.org/world-robotics/service-robots/collaborative-robots/

[3] Robotics and Automation News. (2021). Types of Industrial Robots. Retrieved from https://www.ra-technology.com/types-of-industrial-robots/

[4] The Robot Report. (2021). The Rise of Collaborative Robots and Cobots. Retrieved from https://www.therobotreport.com/features/the-rise-of-collaborative-robots-and-cobots/

[5] Automation.com. (n.d.). Industrial Robotics. Retrieved from https://www.automation.com/industrial-robotics/

[6] DroneAnalyst. (2021). Companies are Already Using a Variety of Other Types of Robots in Addition to Drones. Retrieved from https://www.droneanalyst.com/2021/04/14/companies-are-already-using-a-variety-of-other-types-of-robots-in-addition-to-drones/

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2. The sporting industry has also started to embrace drone technology, utilizing them for events such as live broadcasts and aerial footage, transforming the viewing experience for spectators.
3. Wealth management firms are leveraging data-driven insights from drone technology for property valuations and other lifestyle-related services, enhancing their clients' financial decision-making capabilities.
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6. As businesses invest in advanced robotics, the intersection of sports, technology, and finance creates new opportunities, such as the monetization of drone-captured athletic performance data, heralding a future rich with innovation and progress.

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