Industrial robotics is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation and application of robots to perform tasks in various productive sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, mining, logistics, etc. Industrial robots are programmable machines that can manipulate objects, tools and materials, following previously defined instructions.
One of the leading manufacturers of industrial robots is FANUC, a Japanese company founded in 1956, which offers a wide range of robots for different applications, such as welding, painting, assembly, palletizing, packaging, material handling, etc. FANUC has more than 600,000 robots installed around the world, and has a 22% market share globally.
Among the robots offered by FANUC are robotic arms, which are articulated mechanical devices that can mimic the movements and functionality of the human arm. Robotic arms are made up of a fixed base, a series of links connected by joints, and an end effector that can be a gripper, a tool, a sensor, etc. Robotic arms can have different degrees of freedom, which determine the number of axes of rotation or translation they can perform.
FANUC robotic arms are characterized by high precision, speed, reliability and versatility. They can work in hostile, dangerous or difficult-to-access environments, and perform complex, repetitive or delicate tasks, which require great dexterity and coordination. Some examples of applications for FANUC robotic arms are automotive manufacturing, food handling, quality inspection, assisted surgery, etc.
One of the most innovative and recent applications of FANUC robotic arms is the repair of railway lines. In Japan, railway company JR-West has developed a humanoid robot that uses a FANUC robotic arm to perform maintenance on railway electrification systems . The robot is mounted on a vehicle that moves along the train tracks, and its robotic arm can reach a height of 15 meters. The robot is equipped with a camera and a sensor that allow it to detect and repair damage to electrical cables, as well as clean contact wires. The robot is controlled by a human operator, who wears virtual reality glasses that allow him to see through the robot’s eyes, and controls that allow him to feel the weight, resistance and other sensations of the robot’s arms .
The objective of this project is to reduce the risk of workplace accidents caused by falls and electrocutions, as well as improve the productivity and efficiency of workers. According to JR-West, this robot can improve worker productivity by 30%, and they hope to market it in 2024.
This is just one example of how FANUC robots can offer innovative and effective robotic solutions for various sectors and applications. FANUC robots are an example of the cutting edge of industrial robotics, and how technology can improve the quality of life and the development of society.
Learn about the solutions with Kuka robots at UsedRobotsTrade. We give you the best assistance and advice. Contact us.