Latest Collaborative Robots Technical Articles

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Cobot Roundup: Who Makes Them and What Makes Them Special

Cobots have recently been hailed as one of the latest and greatest innovations in production and manufacturing automation. But are collaborative robots living up to their reputation? Control.com investigates the benefits and drawbacks of these versatile industrial machines.

one day ago by David Peterson

Origin Story: Meet Unimate, the First Industrial Robot

Most commercial control technologies have fascinating histories, especially industrial robots. Here’s the story behind the development of Unimate, the world’s first.

September 06, 2023 by David Peterson

Deep Dive into PLC Sequential Function Chart (SFC) Programming

Sequential function charts (SFCs) are a great tool when processes require sequence control, but things can get complicated fast. Here are some ways to create better SFC programs and applications.

August 31, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

PLC Programming With Function Block Diagrams

Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and how does it differ from the familiar ladder logic programs?

August 29, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

System Dynamic and Frequency Response Analysis

Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping engineers predict how and why some system design choices are made over others.

August 10, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?

August 09, 2023 by David Peterson

Mechanisms Used in Robotic Compliance Devices

Compliance and compensator devices are used in processes where variation and uncertainty are prevalent. What sorts of compliance devices are used, and what distinct advantages are held by each?

July 05, 2023 by Seth Price

Understanding Robotic Force Compensators and Compliance End Effectors

Force compensators and force compliance end effectors can expand the capabilities of traditional robotics to reach into difficult processes, ranging from grinding and alignment to precision measurement.

June 22, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

CIP Safety and Its Applications to Robotic Installations

Industrial robots are becoming safer and more economical by utilizing safety signals over Ethernet networks via CIP safety technology.

June 15, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Industrial Robot End-of-Arm Tooling Comparison and Selection

Most grippers are powered by either air or electricity. Learn about the questions and factors an engineer should consider to make the best decisions while selecting a gripper to use for unique applications.

June 07, 2023 by Simon Mugo

Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.

January 03, 2023 by David Peterson

Automated and On Track: What is Total Laboratory Automation?

Total laboratory automation (TLA) helps in workforce utilization, reduced costs, and management of routine testing. Learn about what TLA is, its components, and what to consider before replacing a traditional laboratory.

December 05, 2022 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Creating a More Sensible Industrial Robot: The Sense of Touch

Using advanced sensing technology, robotic skin allows grippers and manipulators to “feel” and handle objects without damaging them. While emulating human touch is still in its infancy, it does show promise for future applications.

November 08, 2022 by Seth Price

Robot Collision Recovery and Prevention

When a robot crashes, it needs to be put back into position. The steps in this process depends on the end user and the equipment manufacturer. Understanding why the robot crashed also helps prevent future failures.

October 20, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich

Uncontrolled Machine Vision Lighting for Infrared and Robots

Ambient light, reflection, and transparent objects can all cause difficulties during machine vision applications. Learn about these issues and some potential solutions to better ensure safety and quality.

September 21, 2022 by Seth Price

End of Arm Tooling: Power Sources and Sensors

An EOAT, located at the end of an industrial or collaborative robot arm, is entirely customizable with nearly unlimited possibilities. Learn about the five main methods of how EOATs are powered and the sensors that they use.

September 12, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Technology Differences: Stationary Robots vs Mobile Robots

Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the technology differences between fixed-location robots and mobile robots and why no one robot is like another.

August 18, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.  

July 25, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Plug and Play End of Arm Tooling for Cobot Applications

In the world of modern manufacturing, we want the tools to be effective, safe, and very easy to install and commission. But when we say ‘easy’, how easy can it really be to commission robotic tools?

May 26, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Robots and CNC Machines - An Assembly Configuration Made in Heaven

Our own Control Automation engineering staff had the opportunity to visit VersaBuilt, a CNC robotic integration shop offering an application system from the Universal Robots UR+ series.

May 12, 2022 by David Peterson