With the continuous advancement of technologies, the biggest difference between the industrial manipulator arms and human arms is the flexibility and endurance. That is, the biggest advantage of the manipulator is that it can perform the same movement repeatedly under normal circumstances without being tired! As a high-tech automatic production equipment developed in recent decades, the manipulator can operate accurately in various environments. The industrial manipulators can be further divided into hydraulic, pneumatic, electric and mechanical manipulators according to the drive method.
Based on the early emergence of ancient robots, the research of manipulators began in the mid-20th century. With the development of computers and automation technology, especially since the introduction of the first digital electronic computer in 1946, computers have made amazing progress toward high speed, high capacity and low price. At the same time, the urgent need for mass production has driven the progress of automation technology, which in turn has laid the foundation for the development of manipulators.
Research in nuclear energy technology required certain machine to replace people in handling radioactive materials. Against this background, the United States developed a remote-controlled manipulator in 1947 and a mechanical master-slave manipulator in 1948.
The concept of industrial manipulator was first proposed and patented by Devol in 1954. The main point of the patent is to control the manipulator’s joints with the help of servo technology, and use human hands to teach the manipulator to move, and the manipulator can realize the recording and reproduction of movements.
The first riveting robot was developed by United Controls in 1958. The earliest practical models of robotic products (teaching reproduction) were the “VERSTRAN” introduced by AMF in 1962 and the “UNIMATE” introduced by UNIMATION. These industrial robots mainly consist of human-like hands and arms, which can replace heavy human labor to achieve mechanization and automation of production, can operate in hazardous environments to protect personal safety, and are therefore widely used in mechanical manufacturing, metallurgy, electronics, light industry, and atomic energy sectors.
Industrial manipulators are automatic manipulation devices that can imitate some of the functions of human hands and arms, and grasp and carry objects or manipulate tools according to a fixed procedure. For any further information about industrial manipulators, just contact Tongli.
Post time: Aug-19-2022