Robotics Course Module Explanations
Module III: Applications of Robots
1. **Continuous Arc Welding**: Robots used in continuous arc welding provide consistent speed,
precision, and control over the welding process. They are ideal for high-volume production where
accuracy is crucial. The robot ensures uniform welds, reduces human error, and enhances safety by
removing workers from hazardous environments.
2. **Spot Welding**: Robotic spot welding is common in the automotive industry. Robots apply
pressure and electric current to weld metal sheets at specific spots. They offer repeatability, high
speed, and quality control, making them suitable for assembly lines.
3. **Spray Painting**: Robotic spray painting systems deliver consistent coating thickness, reduce
paint waste, and ensure worker safety by limiting exposure to fumes. These robots are
programmable to paint complex surfaces efficiently.
4. **Assembly Operation**: Robots in assembly tasks handle components with high precision and
speed. They are used in electronics, automotive, and appliance manufacturing, improving efficiency
and reducing labor costs.
5. **Cleaning**: Robots used for cleaning tasks include industrial floor cleaners, tank cleaners, and
other automated systems that remove hazardous or repetitive cleaning duties from humans.
6. **Underwater Applications**: Robots designed for underwater tasks, such as ROVs (Remotely
Operated Vehicles), are used for inspection, maintenance, and exploration. They are built to
withstand pressure, temperature, and communication challenges in deep water.
Module IV: Gripper Design and Force Analysis
1. **Gripper Force Analysis**: This involves calculating the force needed to securely grasp and
manipulate objects without causing damage. Factors include object weight, material, friction, and
orientation.
2. **Gripper Design for Typical Applications**: Grippers must be designed based on the application,
such as parallel jaw grippers for precise positioning or suction grippers for smooth surfaces.
3. **Multiple Degrees of Freedom**: A gripper with multiple DOF can move and rotate in various
directions, providing more flexibility for complex tasks like picking and placing irregular objects.
4. **Active and Passive Grippers**: Active grippers use actuators like motors or pneumatics, while
passive grippers rely on mechanical mechanisms or environmental forces. Active grippers are more
flexible, but passive ones are simpler and cost-effective.
Module V: Robot Selection and Socioeconomic Impact
1. **Factors Influencing Robot Choice**: Includes task complexity, payload, precision, workspace,
cost, environment, and integration with existing systems.
2. **Robot Performance Testing**: Involves validating accuracy, repeatability, speed, and payload
capabilities. Tests ensure robots meet specifications and perform reliably in their intended tasks.
3. **Economics of Robotization**: Cost-benefit analysis considering capital cost, operational
savings, productivity gains, and ROI. Important for justifying automation investments.
4. **Impact on Industry and Society**: Robots improve productivity and safety but can displace
certain jobs. However, they also create demand for skilled roles in programming, maintenance, and
integration.
Module VI: Material Handling and Automation Tools
1. **Material Handling Concepts**: Involves moving, storing, protecting, and controlling materials
throughout manufacturing and distribution.
2. **Design Principles**: Systems should minimize handling, use standardized containers, and
ensure safety and ergonomics. Considerations include material type, movement frequency, and
layout.
3. **Conventional Systems**: Include industrial trucks (forklifts), monorails, conveyors, cranes, and
hoists. These systems are manually or semi-automatically operated.
4. **Advanced Systems**: AGVs use sensors and guidance systems to move autonomously. ASRS
automate storage and retrieval, improving space utilization and speed.
5. **Bar Code and RFID**: Barcodes are optical, while RFID uses radio waves for non-line-of-sight
data capture. Both are used for tracking and inventory control.
6. **Automation Plant Design Software**: Tools like AutoCAD, Siemens Tecnomatix, and DELMIA
help in simulating, planning, and optimizing automated production layouts.
