Tool changer. If several different end effectors are to be used on the same robot, a tool changer simplifies the process by providing an “Easy Switch” interface between the end of the robot arm and the tool. In the metallurgical industry, there is no shortage of robots for welding applications. One of the most recent was recently unveiled by Fanuc Robotics North America Inc., Rochester Hills, and The Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland. Uptime The period during which a robot or production line is in operation or available for operation, as opposed to downtime. Configuration Arrangement of connections created by a specific set of joint positions on the robot. Note that there can be multiple configurations that end up in the same endpoint location. Activation device A manually operated device that allows movement when continuously activated. Triggering the device must stop the robotic movement and the movement of the associated equipment, which can present a danger. (R15.06) Industrial Automation and Robotics Solutions Our product range includes more than 150 different models of industrial arms, delta and SCARA robots, as well as a full range of “World” prefabricated solutions, which are complete application-specific robotic systems that include robotic, process and safety equipment.

“The rise of spot welding reflects the continued demand in the automotive industry, while the increase in orders for material handling robots reflects the increasing use in various manufacturing industries,” he explains. Control position The final position of a robot movement that the controller is trying to reach. Toolpath: A series of 6 DOF target images relating to a rigid body, robot base, or system origin, interpolated in the desired direction to create material movement. Tool paths are typically represented using a standard numerical control (NC) format such as the G-code. In Actin, a toolpath and any associated angular execution or distance offsets are examples of system constraints that are used with remaining kinematics (even redundant) and additional system optimizations to achieve ideal material motion. Mirror Shift function The Mirror Shift function converts a task into a task whose path is symmetrical to the original task. This conversion can be performed for the specified coordinate between the X-Y, X-Z or Y-Z coordinates of the robot coordinates and the user coordinates. The Mirror Shift function is divided into three: the Pulse Mirror Shift function, the robot coordinate mirror switching function and the user coordinate mirror switching function.

(see photo on the right) Adaptive motion control: This term is used when a motion is sequenced to perform a task defined in relation to an object or entity. This object or feature can be repositioned and updated by a sensor in real time, and the robotic system can adjust or modify its movement to accomplish the task. This works well for Actin because the robots` joint velocities are calculated in real time, allowing the robot to change trajectory as the task runs. Natural tasks: Natural work is a comprehensive approach to easily specify robotic tasks without overload or underload. Natural Tasking uses the robot`s flexible kinematics based on Actin constraints and predefined low-level motion scripts and trajectory planning. The final effector constraints define how a connection is allowed to move through the robot model. A link can be limited to a connection in space up to 6 DOF (using an end-of-frame effector). Sometimes this is not natural or too restricted. Depending on the task, we can use other restrictions. With a robotic arm to move a pen, we can use a 5-axis constraint (Free Spin in Z). When we grab a ball, we can use a 3-DOF (Point End Effector) constraint.

These constraints can be related to the system frame or to a link frame. Joint Movement Type Also known as point-to-point movement, the joint movement type is a trajectory interpolation method that controls the robot`s movement by moving each joint directly into the controlled position so that all axes arrive at the position at the same time. Although the path is predictable, it will not be linear. Materials processing robot A robot designed and programmed to cut, shape, or modify the form, function, or properties of the materials it processes between the first grasp of materials and the time they are released into a manufacturing process.