Industrial Robotics: Understanding Robotic Cells

What is the purpose of a robotic cell?

What defines a station as a manual cell?

What is the function of the teach pendant in a robotic arm?

What is always needed for a robot to work properly?

What varies depending on the application after the robot's wrist?

What is included in industrial robot components?

What is a key component of a robotic cell?

What is involved in the installation process of a robotic cell?

What is a significant barrier to robotic cell deployment?

Why is standardization difficult in the robotics industry?

What is necessary for successful deployment of a robotic cell?

What can help clarify the deployment process of a robotic cell?

A robotic cell consists of hardware (robot arm, controller, teach pendant) and software (program for the robot).
Installation of a robotic cell includes bolting it to a surface and adding additional hardware like part-feeding mechanisms and safeguards.
The deployment process of a robotic cell involves design, integration, and operation phases.
When purchasing a robot, the buyer typically receives the arm, controller, and teach pendant, and may need to acquire additional hardware and software from the robotics company or external sources.
Robotic cells can range from simple setups to complex systems with multiple robots.
The high cost of robotic cell deployment is a significant barrier, with a typical project costing around $250,000.
Four reasons for the complexity of robotic cell deployment:
- Historical development for high-volume, low-mix applications.
- Lack of standards in the robotics industry.
- Robots deal with both digital and physical worlds, making standardization difficult.
- Skills gap, with many manufacturers lacking in-house robotics expertise.
To successfully deploy a robotic cell, a team with robotics skills, project management skills, and knowledge of the manufacturing process is required.
Lean robotics methodology can help clarify the deployment process, define a common vocabulary, and pinpoint necessary technical robotics skills for a specific business context.

Test your knowledge on the concept of robotic cells in industrial robotics, including the purpose, functions, and automation processes involved. This quiz covers topics such as the definition of a robotic cell, its role in automating manufacturing processes, and its comparison to manual cells.