Robot Installations 370

ambient light

Light coming from the surrounding area. Ambient light is light that normally occurs in the environment or space, like room lighting or natural lighting.

American National Standards Institute

ANSI. A private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates voluntary standards and systems. The American National Standards Institute is one of several organizations that standardizes relevant safety codes for robot installation.

ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012

A standard providing guidelines on robot operation and integration, including safety and maintenance. ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 is also known as the American National Standard for Industrial Robots and Robot Systems - Safety Requirements.

articulated robots

A type of robot that closely resembles a human arm. An articulated robot, also known as a robotic arm, has at least three revolute joints.

axes

A theoretical straight line that is used to measure the location and orientation of an object in three-dimensional space. Axes in the Cartesian coordinate system include the X, Y, and Z axes.

cartesian robots

A type of robot that moves along three orthogonal axes. Cartesian robots, or gantry systems, have linear joint movement that gives them a highly rigid structure, allowing them to lift heavy objects.

cybersecurity

Protection against criminal or unauthorized access to computer networks, programs, and data. Cybersecurity has become a major industrial concern as networking and connectivity have increased.

degrees of freedom

DoF. The ability to move in a specific direction in three-dimensional space along or around an axis. Industrial robots typically have a maximum of six degrees of freedom, three for position and three for orientation.

delta robots

A special type of robot that has three sets of connected arms that work in conjunction to move one end effector. Delta robots are most commonly used in packaging or assembly processes.

electromagnetic interference

Electrical noise in a circuit that interrupts the transmission or reception of a signal. Electromagnetic interference can lead to robot accidents.

emergency stops

E-stops. A pushbutton that, when pressed, brings a machine to a safe, rapid stop. An emergency stop is installed on the teach pendant of a robot.

end effectors

A device attached to the end of a robot arm that allows it to interact with a part, component, or material. The end effector may be a gripper that allows the robot to pick up objects and place them down.

endpoint security

Security provided by networking devices to be remotely controlled and monitored by an external server or security provider. Endpoint security ensures that all networked devices are following the same security standards.

error codes

An alphanumeric message that references a specific cause of malfunction. Error codes appear on the robot machine interface and can be cross-referenced in the manual.

error codes

An alphanumeric word that references a specific cause of malfunction. Error codes appear on the robot machine interface and are cross-referenced in the manual.

ethernet

A type of network cable used to connect devices to create a local area network. Ethernet cables are available in a variety of bandwidths.

factory acceptance tests

FATs. An assessment that ensures new equipment meets its purposes and requirements. Factory acceptance tests verify that equipment operates correctly and meets all customer specifications.

firmware

The software that allows hardware to operate and programs to be completed. Firmware must be kept updated to protect industrial robot equipment from security threats.

hazard analyses

A written, formal appraisal or assessment of the safety risks that exist within a workplace. A hazard analysis is often used to determine appropriate types of machine safeguarding.

industrial network

An internet or intranet network used to connect devices for factory automation and process control applications. Industrial networks can include robots in automated processes.

industrial robot

A reprogrammable machine sometimes used to perform human-like tasks in a manufacturing setting. Industrial robots perform dangerous or repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy.

input device

A piece of equipment that allows a human being to communicate with and program a robot. Input devices include personal computers and teach pendants.

integration

The process of installing and incorporating equipment, such as a robot, into an industrial process. Robot integration includes the physical installation of components, as well as the planning and engineering of the entire system.

International Electrotechnical Commission

IEC. An organization that provides conformity assessment for government and consumer organizations for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. The International Electrotechnical Commission developed a standard related to maintaining automated systems.

jogging

To move a machine component using machine controls. To jog a robot, an operator must use a teach pendant.

light curtains

A field of light that stops a machine when the light is blocked by an object. Light curtains prevent robots from striking personnel and equipment.

machine learning

ML. The process that enables a digital system to analyze data in order to build predictive models and make decisions autonomously. Machine learning systematically solves problems using highly complex algorithms.

mobile robots

A robot that is able to move through space. Mobile robots often use tracks or a set of independent wheels to move.

noise enclosures

A type of barrier installed around a piece of equipment that reduces the amount of noise in the environment by absorbing sound from the equipment. Noise enclosures are often used for loud cutting operations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency dedicated to reducing injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also provides robot safety guidelines.

parallel robots

A robot that relies on computers and equations of motion to control the position and orientation of its end effector. Parallel robots typically have six linear actuators from the end effector to the base.

path planning

Using algorithms to direct a robot's motions through space. Path planning software finds the safest and most efficient route for a robot to complete a task.

peripheral devices

A physical device connected to a wired or wireless network that performs an auxiliary function. Peripheral devices communicate with a controller.

personal computer

PC. A processor-driven device that runs multiple programs and processes simultaneously. A personal computer may be used as an input device.

presence-sensing devices

A mechanism used to detect the location of people or objects near hazardous areas of a machine. Presence-sensing devices often use pressure-sensitive mats or light curtains.

preventive maintenance

PM. A type of maintenance performed while a component is in working order to keep it from breaking down. Preventive maintenance may include lubricating, tightening, and replacing worn parts.

prismatic

A joint that moves in a straight line along a single axis. Prismatic joints generate translational motion.

reach

The length of a fully extended robot from its base to the tip of the end effector. A robot's reach determines the size of its work envelope.

revolute

A joint that moves in a circular path along a single axis. Revolute joints generate rotational motion.

robotic arms

A type of robot that closely resembles a human arm. A robotic arm, also known as an articulated robot, has at least three revolute joints.

Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm

SCARA. A type of serial robot that has four axes of movement. Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm robots are often used for material handling applications.

site acceptance test

SAT. A final inspection of equipment, its installation environment, and the system's operation. Site acceptance tests are the system’s final testing before operation.

skids

A low, portable platform on which goods and materials are stacked for storage or transportation. A skid is a single-deck pallet.

software

The coded instructions or programs that control robot hardware functions and operations. Software allows robots to perform complex tasks with autonomy.

system architecture

The components and designs that enable a desired robotic process. A robot's system architecture depends on its application.

teach mode

A robot setting that allows an engineer or operator to control the robot's movements and save those movements as an operating program. Teach mode, or manual mode, is used in online programming.

wireless network

WiFi. A network that uses radio waves instead of copper or fiber-optic cable. In wireless networks, devices transmit a radio signal through an antenna.

work cells

A collaborative system of equipment used in welding and other industries that includes the robot and the controller. Robot work cells can limit exposure to hazardous elements by isolating the operation and controlling the working environment.

work envelope

The defined area of space through which a robot can move. The work envelope is dangerous for operators to enter unless the robot is powered down.