Industrial Robotics Beginnings

Industrial robotics was first explored for environments too dangerous for human operators.  Robot arms were designed to simulate human motion, yet still perform hazardous jobs, such as die cast handling and material removal. It was not long before engineers knew that the robotic arm systems could also be used for robotic spot welding, robotic painting, and other types of material handling, such as packing and palletizing. These jobs became the earliest and most commonly used automated robotic applications.

Among the most popular applications in industrial robotics is arc welding, spot welding, and laser welding. The robotic arm design offers increased flexibility and dexterity compared to traditional automated systems. Industrial robots also offered repeatability, uniform quality, and high speed, which is critical in such industries as aerospace and defense, automotive, metal fabrication, food and beverage, electronics and cleanroom operations, and pharmaceutical. 

Industrial robots have advanced considerably since the early days. With six axis robots, automated robotic arms can move with speed and accuracy. A variety of robotic arms have been designed for increased reach and payload capacity. Review our video page to see some of our industrial robots in action.

Intelligent Robot Solutions

The most incredible advances in industrial robotics, however, have not necessarily been in the amount of new jobs they can perform but in their intelligence displayed while performing them. Industrial robots have can increase a production process’s productivity through improved accuracy and quality. Robotic arms have been design for extraordinary repeatability, the ability to perform an operation with exactly the same motions without failing.  Robotic vision software and robot simulation systems greatly aid in these intelligent robot solutions.

Industrial Robotics and North America Factories

Robotic arms are becoming increasing important for North American manufacturers who have to compete against low wage labor in foreign countries. Because industrial robots can do the same job with the same high quality 24 hours a day, they are becoming a growing segment of industrial equipment purchases. Lean Manufacturing principles, kaizen, and pull production are manufacturing practices that are increasingly becoming more popular in North America. Each requires robotic automation systems to help improve quality, increase productivity, and lower operating costs.