Source: www.idtechex.com
Automation in the manufacturing industry is quickly gaining momentum with more companies adopting the use of robotics. This is attributed to the benefits of automation in business and the use of smarter and more intelligent processes. You get to have more production and also reduce the risk of injuries in the manufacturing plant. Most businesses are leaning towards the use of robotic arms to cater to , packaging, painting, and assembly among other tasks.
As you incorporate robotic arms into your business, ensure that you work with a quality robotic arm manufacturer who will offer you the best. Additionally, it is also essential to have a basic understanding of what they entail. The robotic arm features the body, wrist, and end effector that have specific functions. For these different parts to work accurately there needs to be the presence of robot joints. In this article, we’ll delve into the different robotic joints to give you a better understanding.
Table of Contents
What are Robot Joints?
Source: www.researchgate.net
Robot joints refer to the movable components of the robot that result in relative motions between adjacent links. In this context, links are used to refer to the rigid members connecting the joints for clear and adequate functioning. This goes to show that the industrial robotic arm features the use of a combination of links and joints for optimal functionality. It is essential to ensure that the joints on your manipulator are working accordingly to ensure that there is precision and accuracy while in an application.
The robotic joints are also at times referred to as axes. They are essential and come in handy to ensure that the motion of the arm is not limited or interfered with. Learning more about the robotic joints will help you determine the type of robotic arm you want to work with depending on the tasks you want to cater to.
Types of Mechanical Joints for Robots
Source: www.britannica.com
Given that there are different types of robots used in the manufacturing industry, you’ll also find a variety of mechanical joints. These joints differ in terms of motion and also application especially when it comes to the type of robot to be used.
When it comes to the mechanical joints featured in robotic arms there are five principal types that you need to consider. Two of the joints are linear which means the relative motion between the adjacent links is translational. On the other hand, the other three are rotary which means the relative motion of the links involves rotations between them. The five types of mechanical joints for robots include:
Linear Joints
In the linear joints, the relative motion featured by the adjacent links is meant to be parallel. This means that the input and output links are sliding in a linear motion. This kind of movement results in a translational motion. This kind of linear motion can be achieved in several ways including the use of the telescoping mechanism and piston. This type of joint is also referred to as the L- joint.
Orthogonal Joints
The orthogonal joints are also popularly referred to as the type O-joints. They feature a relative movement taken by the input link and output link. This kind of motion involved in the Orthogonal joints is a translational sliding motion. However unlike the linear joints arrangement, with the Orthogonal joint, the output link is perpendicular to the input link.
Rotational Joints
When it comes to the rotational joints, you’ll find the use of rotational relative motions that come in handy for robot manipulators working multiple workspaces. These movements are carried out with the axis of rotation perpendicular to the axes of the input and output links. These rotational joints are also referred to as Type R joints.
Twisting Joints
This type of joint features rotary motion that also results in some degree of rotation when in use. The movement in these joints is relative to the axis of rotation that is perpendicular o the axes of the input and output links. The twisting joints are also referred to as type T joints.
Revolving Joints
In the revolving joints, things are a bit different compared to the others. These joints also feature a rotational movement that comes in handy in different applications. The movement of these joints features motion between the two links. The axis of the input link is designed to be parallel to the axis of rotation of the joint. On the other hand, the axis of the output link is designed to be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint. This type of joint is also referred to as the Type V joint.
Different Types of Robots and the Mechanical Joints Used
Source: www.technologyreview.com
Different robots will feature the use of different types of mechanical joints. Learning more about the different robots will put you in a better position to invest in a robot that works for you. Some of the most common robots to consider include:
Articulated
The articulated robot design will most likely come with different ranges and combinations of rotary joints. This range may feature simple 2 joint structures and move to more complex structures with 10 or more joints. With this design, the arm is connected to the base with the use of a twisting joint while the links in the arm are connected by rotary joints.
Cartesian
With the cartesian robots, the design features the use of three linear joints. These joints are featured on the cartesian plane that involves X, Y, and Z. These robots may also feature an attached wrist with easier rotational joints for movement. This particular kind of robot is also referred to as rectilinear or gantry.
Cylindrical
The cylindrical robot features a rotary joint that is attached to the base and one linear joint used to connect the different links. Given that cylindrical robots work within a cylindrical-shaped work scope, the rotational and linear motion come in handy to ensure that precision is attained.
Polar
In the polar design of robots, the arm is connected to the base using a twisting joint. At times you’ll also find the use of a combination of two rotary joints and one linear joint. Since this robot is also referred to as a spherical robot, the work scope to be featured will also be spherical. The axes used in this robot form a polar coordinate system that allows the manipulator to work with ease.
SCARA
The SCARA robot is a popular option among many manufacturers especially those who are looking to automate their assembly processes. This robot is usually cylindrical and works in relatively cylindrical work scope. It features the use of two parallel joints that come in handy in the assembly process. These joints provide compliance in one selected plane as the robot is in use.
Delta
The delta robots are designed with a spider-like build that allows them to offer great services to their users. They are built from parallelograms that are joined and connected to a common base. The joints featured on this type of robot are both rotational and linear. This allows the robot to move a single end of arm tooling in a dome-shaped work area. It enhances its performance to ensure that the development of different tasks is carried out accurately.
Conclusion
When working with robotics as a means to automate different processes in your business, you need to keep in mind the different aspects. These aspects play a huge role in the performance of the specific robotics you choose to use. When it comes to using industrial robotic arms, the robot joints should be something to stay updated on.
Get to know the different joints and how they affect the performance of the robot. This will help you gauge the kind of joints that would best be suited for the activities you want to automate. Once you have that, you can then invest in robot arms that come with the joints you are in the market for. Take your time and work with automation equipment manufacturers who will help you out.
FAQs
What are the types of joints in robots? ›
- Linear. A linear or prismatic joint can move in a translational or sliding movement along a single axis. ...
- Revolute. A revolute or rotational joint moves around a point about one degree of freedom. ...
- Spherical.
The robot's joints are the “bits that move.” There are various types of robot joints, including rotational joints, linear joints, orthogonal joints, and revolving joints. Actuators are the mechanisms that drive the robot joints. The most common are electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic actuators.
What are 5 types of robots and explain each type? ›The six most common types of robots are autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), articulated robots, humanoids, cobots, and hybrids. Robots are used to drive efficiency, expedite processes, improve safety, and enhance experiences across many industries.
How many joints does a robot have? ›Robot and human motion comparison
Now, let's take a look at the movement of a vertical articulated type having the same mechanical structure as a human arm as an example. A vertical articulated robot is an industrial robot with a serial link structure. It is generally composed of six joints (6 axes).
- Ball-and-socket joints. Ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, allow backward, forward, sideways, and rotating movements.
- Hinge joints. ...
- Pivot joints. ...
- Ellipsoidal joints.
A joint is the part of the body where two or more bones meet to allow movement. Generally speaking, the greater the range of movement, the higher the risk of injury because the strength of the joint is reduced. The six types of freely movable joint include ball and socket, saddle, hinge, condyloid, pivot and gliding.
What are the 8 types of joints based on joint structure? ›- Fibrous Joints. Fixed joints, also called immovable joints, are found where bones are not flexible. ...
- Cartilaginous Joints. ...
- Synovial Joints. ...
- Ball and Socket Joints. ...
- Pivotal Joints. ...
- Hinge Joints. ...
- Saddle Joints. ...
- Condyloid Joints.
| Joint | Type | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow | Hinge | Flexion, extension |
| Knee | Hinge | Flexion, extension |
| Hip | Ball and socket | Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, circumduction |
| Shoulder | Ball and socket | Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, circumduction |
Functionally the three types of joints are synarthrosis (immovable), amphiarthrosis (slightly moveable), and diarthrosis (freely moveable). The two classification schemes correlate: synarthroses are fibrous, amphiarthroses are cartilaginous, and diarthroses are synovial.
What are the five 5 types of industrial robot by referring to its manipulator joints? ›A simpler, more complete definition of robotic types can be narrowed down to five types: Cartesian, Cylindrical, SCARA, 6-Axis and Delta. Each industrial robot type has specific elements that make them best-suited for different applications.
What are the 5 main parts of a robotic system? ›
The main components of an industrial robot are Manipulators, End Effectors, Feedback devices, Controllers, and Locomotive devices.
What are robot joints called? ›Each joint is called an axis and provides an additional degree of freedom, or range of motion. Industrial robots commonly have four or six axes.
How do robot joints work? ›Joints are any moveable portions of the robotic arm. Each joint operates independently while also forming a seamless team with the others for maximum operation. This is how a robotic arm can move up and down while rotating at the same time.
What is the definition of robot joint? ›Robotic joints, which are sometimes known as axes, are the moveable parts of a robot that cause relative motion between adjacent links. These links refer to the rigid components that connect the joints to ensure their proper and straightforward operation.
What are the 5 types of joints and give an example of each? ›- Immovable joints- Example: Bones of the skull box.
- Partially movable joints- Example: Joints between the ribs and breast bone.
- Gliding joint- Between the bones of the wrist.
- Hinge joint- Example: Present in the elbow.
- Pivot Joint- Example: Joint between axis vertebrae and atlas.
There are three types of joints in the structural classification: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints. Fibrous joints are joints in which bones are joined by dense connective tissue that is rich in collagen fibers. These joints are also called sutures. The joints between bones of the cranium are fibrous joints.
What are the 5 joint classifications? ›The structural classification divides joints into fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints depending on the material composing the joint and the presence or absence of a cavity in the joint. The functional classification divides joints into three categories: synarthroses, amphiarthroses, and diarthroses.
What are the most common types of joints? ›Diarthroses (freely movable), also known as synovial joints, are defined as containing synovial fluid that allows for all parts of the joint to move against each other. Synovial joints are the most common joint in the body and are the type of joint that most people are familiar with.
How many basic joint types are there? ›The five basic weld joints include the butt joint, the lap joint, the tee joint, the corner joint, and the edge joint. The butt joint occurs when two members are placed side-by-side or butted together.
How many different joints are there? ›Although the actual number of joints in any one person depends on a number of variables, the estimated number is between 250 and 350.
Which of the 4 types of joints listed has the largest range of motion? ›
Ball-and-Socket Joints
This organization allows the greatest range of motion, as all movement types are possible in all directions. Examples of ball-and-socket joints are the shoulder and hip joints.
- fibrous (immovable) thin layer of connective tissue between, little movement, fixed (joints in skull)
- cartilaginous (partially movable) cartilage connects bones, no synovial cavity, limited movement (in between vertebrae, ribs)
- synovial (movable)
- Synovial Joint. The bones are not directly connected. ...
- Fibrous/Fixed Joint. A joint where the bones are connected by connective tissue fibers, especially collagen. ...
- Cartilaginous Joint. ...
- Synarthrosis Joint. ...
- Amphiarthrosis Joint. ...
- Diathrosis Joint. ...
- Ball and Socket Joint. ...
- Condyloid Joint.
- Flexion.
- Lateral Flexion.
- Dorsiflexion.
- Plantarflexion.
- Extension.
- Hyperextension.
- Abduction.
- Adduction.
Different types of joints allow different types of movement. Planar, hinge, pivot, condyloid, saddle, and ball-and-socket are all types of synovial joints.
What are the 7 main movements of synovial joints? ›Synovial joints allow bones to slide past each other or to rotate around each other. This produces movements called abduction (away), adduction (towards), extension (open), flexion (close), and rotation. There are six types of synovial joints.
What are three functions of joint? ›Some of the functions of joints include providing flexibility to the skeleton, making different types of movements possible, providing stability to specific structures such as the skull and pelvis, and directing the motion of a specific bone or set of bones.
What are the functions of joints? ›Hinge joints allow movement in one direction, as seen in the knees and elbows. Pivot joints allow a rotating or twisting motion, like that of the head moving from side to side. Ball-and-socket joints allow the greatest freedom of movement.
What are the basic structure and function of joints? ›Overview. Joints, particularly hinge joints like the elbow and the knee, are complex structures made up of bone, muscles, synovium, cartilage, and ligaments that are designed to bear weight and move the body through space.
What are the 8 components of a robot? ›Solution : The key components of a robot are Power conversion unit, Actuators, Electric motors, Pneumatic Air Muscles, Muscle wires, Piezo Motors and Ultrasonic Motors, Sensors, and Robot locomotion.
What are the four 4 major components in building a robot? ›
Basic Components of a Robot
The components of a robot are the body/frame, control system, manipulators, and drivetrain.
- Automate manual or repetitive activities in corporate or industrial settings.
- Work in unpredictable or hazardous environments to spot hazards like gas leaks.
- Process and deliver reports for enterprise security.
- Fill out pharmaceutical prescriptions and prep IVs.
Fixed Vs.
Robots can also be broadly categorized in to two groups: those that move around their environment and those that do not.
Cylindrical robot manipulators have a revolute joint at the base and two prismatic joints: one for z-axis movement and one for movement along the horizontal plane. This robotic system is rigid and accurate but is less common than other types.
What are the joint variables in robotics? ›We call a set of joint variables a configuration and we speak of a point in the configuration space (or joint space) as mapping via the forward kinematics to an end-effector location in the workspace.
What are the types of joints that are found in robot manipulators? ›The cylindrical robot features a rotary joint that is attached to the base and one linear joint used to connect the different links. Given that cylindrical robots work within a cylindrical-shaped work scope, the rotational and linear motion come in handy to ensure that precision is attained.
How many flexible joints Does a robot have? ›Articulated robots have between two to 10 joints which allows them a flexible range of motion to accomplish dynamic tasks. As the number of joints increases, the more “smooth” the robot's motions become.
How many joints does a robot have in their arms? ›A typical robotic arm is made up of seven metal segments, joined by six joints. The computer controls the robot by rotating individual stepper motors connected to each joint (some larger arms use hydraulics or pneumatics).
What are the different types of robots? ›The six most common types of robots are autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), articulated robots, humanoids, cobots, and hybrids.
What are the 3 main types of joints? ›Functionally the three types of joints are synarthrosis (immovable), amphiarthrosis (slightly moveable), and diarthrosis (freely moveable). The two classification schemes correlate: synarthroses are fibrous, amphiarthroses are cartilaginous, and diarthroses are synovial.
What are the 3 types of joints in the functional classification? ›
Joints are thus functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, which is a freely moveable joint (arthroun = “to fasten by a joint”).
What joints are used in robotic arm? ›The joints of the robot arm are revolute joints. The motor and the elastic joints are connected by pulleys and belts. The transmission ratio from the motor to the actuator is 4:1 (the pulley of the motor has 20 teeth and the pulley of the actuator has 80 teeth).
What are the 4 types of joints and give examples of each? ›- Immovable joints- Example: Bones of the skull box.
- Partially movable joints- Example: Joints between the ribs and breast bone.
- Gliding joint- Between the bones of the wrist.
- Hinge joint- Example: Present in the elbow.
- Pivot Joint- Example: Joint between axis vertebrae and atlas.
There are two different types of joints- Structural and Functional classification of joints.
What are the types of joints in mechanism? ›There are 6 types of kinematic joints in common: prismatic joint, revolute joint, helical joint, cylindrical joint, spherical joint, and planar joint.
What are the 8 major joints? ›2. What are the eight major joints of the body? Fibrous joints, cartilaginous joints, synovial joints, ball and socket joints, pivotal joints, hinge joints, saddle joints, and condyloid joints are the body's major joints.
How many the joints are there? ›The human body is a remarkable machine comprised of 270 bones at birth which later decreases to 206 due to fusion of some of our bones as we age. The joints connect bone to bone, and there are 360 joints in our bodies.
How many types of structural joints are there? ›There are three structural classifications of joints: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial.
How many ways are joints classified? ›There are two ways to classify joints: on the basis of their structure or on the basis of their function.