It's common knowledge that robots are here and can do jobs accurately and reliably. Robots used to be the stuff of science fiction, but now they are being used in many businesses to do jobs that are either boring or risky. So, let's carry a more in-depth look at how robots are used in industry and how companies like Robotnik are pushing the limits of what can be done with independent mobile robots and other types of robots like manipulators.
Carrying Dangerous Loads
Robotics has helped many companies move dangerous loads from one part of a factory floor or building to another. This is because robots can lift both big and dangerous loads, making their human coworkers safer. Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) usually have a very low center of gravity, which makes them even safer.
Many robots that move loads look like platforms and can easily move loads of up to 1000 kg. A person from a distance can control many AMRs, or they can be fully self-driving because they have built-in ways to detect danger. There is no question that AMR and other robots like it are here to stay when moving things.
Keeping Humans Safe
Robots are exceptionally effective at keeping people safe. Take robots that can disarm bombs as an example. They go in, nobody gets hurt, and the threat is taken care of. But other places are not as well known. Autonomous mobile robots have applications in the building industry right now.
They can work in all kinds of weather and indoor settings. They look at the work the building teams have done and compare it to the plans uploaded to the AMR system. If the AMR finds a change from the plans, it sends a signal so that any problems can be fixed.
This keeps the building project on track, and the fact that crews can fix and fix up quickly also helps the project stay on track. This saves both money and time thanks to better product management and saves lives by making it less likely that a building flaw will happen.
Security
Robots are also becoming more important in the area of security. AMRs can be fitted with a camera that shows real-time pictures to a user, who handles both the AMR and the camera. This is great for patrols because security teams can find a bad guy without putting themselves in danger. This is even better because the AMR can roam outside in various weather.
Robotic cars improve security and can be used for other things, like transportation. These can pretty much drive themselves along a road that has already been set up. In a dangerous place like a war zone, autonomous vehicles that can carry up to 1000 kg can be utilized instead of a vehicle driven by a person.
Maintaining the Supply Chain
As many engineering and manufacturing operations depend on "just in time" supply, a lack of parts at mission-critical times greatly reduces production. AMRs are being used by forward-thinking companies to pick up parts and get them to where they need to be in the supply chain. This saves money, keeps production on track, and saves time.
The key to achieving the project is how well the guidance works. It can avoid dangers in small spaces like hallways and move around other robots, forklift trucks, and people. Since this robot has been used, people have driven fewer forklifts because they are no longer needed. The robot works hard when it is needed.
Finding Errors in Products
Quality control is one thing that robots do very well. It has a complex tool that can tell which goods pass quality control and which do not. Not only do product returns cost money and take time, but they also hurt a business's image, which can be a big problem.
This kind of robot is now used in factories, which makes better use of it by letting it go where it's needed. Like other robots, it can move around safely thanks to its high-tech guidance systems.
Checking on Power Lines
A power line runs between France and Spain through the Pyrenees Mountain Range. Developed by Interconexión Eléctrica Francia-España, it is a big project. The idea is that energy from both countries can be used. As you might guess, miles and miles of power lines must be checked to find problems.
The answer was to put in a robot train with the thermal image and gas-detecting tools. The robot can move into action whenever needed, and the powerline stays on, giving electricity to two countries. Robots are used all the time in different kinds of work. They will be used in homes soon, but that's a different story.