Robotics is a branch of technology which deals with the study of how robots are made and function. The word Robotics was invented by a science fiction writer named Isaac Asimov in the year 1942 in his book “‘Runabout.” He viewed robots as machines that could help man in performing various daily tasks.
Robots are human-like machines that are made to perform duties of human and they function automatically. They are multifunctional and reprogrammable equipment’s which can perform a series of activities spontaneously. Robots can be instructed by internal or external control gadgets.
History of Robotics and Robots
The first robots were made by George C. Devol, in the early 1950s when invented a reprogrammable device called “Unimate” from “universal automation.” He tried to sell his machines but failed. Later in the 1960s. Engineer Joseph Engleberger obtained Devol’s robot permit and he redesigned it into a commercial robot and formed a corporation called Unimation to produce and market the robots. Due to his efforts and success, Englebereger today is known as the “the father of Robotics” in the industry.
In 1958 at the Stanford Research institute, Charles Rosen led researchers in creating an advanced robot. The robot could rotate around the room move across unknown surroundings, observed activities, and respond to his surroundings. The robot was called Shakey due to its wobbly and clattering movements. Shakey was more intelligent as it performed more tasks spontaneously unlike the early unimate was designed for specialized manufactural applications.
Robotics has three laws that act as fundamental frameworks intended to underpin robots’ behavior and they are stated below;
- A robot should not harm a human being or allow a human being to be injured.
- A robot is compelled to fulfill any order/instructions given to it by human beings unless if the command contradicts with the first law of robotics
- A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does contradict first and second law.
MANUFUCTURING AUTOMATION
Automation in manufacturing industry is the use of control systems like computers or robots for handling different machineries and processes to replace human being in an industry. Through automation, industrial machinery is integrated to automatically perform duties like material handling, dispensing, welding and packing of products.
BENEFITS OF MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION
- It has led to Improved Reliability and production of quality goods/services.
Since manufacturing automation is a repeatable and a very precise process, products being manufactured in the industries have same specifications and manufacturing processes hence few repairs are involved.
- Enhances Reduced production cost
Automation leads to improved productivity, higher sales and better quality due to its high efficiencies. Some companies find themselves on lower level than their competitors since they don’t implement automation in their production.
- Ensures better floor space utilization
By automating parts of your production line, you decrease footprint of work area thus more space is available for other operations.
- Less waste production
Cost on waste are decreased due to the robots’ accuracy in reducing the usage of raw materials.
- Manual tasks reduction
Repetitive, boring or tiring operations to workers ae reduced due to automation
- Enhances reduced manufacturing lead time
Due to robot’s ability to work faster and longer, production rate increases and efficiency is achieved due to a lean manufacturing line utilized by them.
- Accomplishes tasks that are impossible manually
Some manufacturing processes and operations are not possible without the application of machines since they require geometry and accuracy that is manually impossible to achieve.
CONCLUSION
Future generations of robots are being engineered to look act and feel much more of a human. Manufacturing is becoming a very important aspect in automation technology. In automation, an automated production line that consists of some series workstations that are connected by a transfer system that moves parts between the stations is set up. The automated production lines are used in many industries for processes like machining and press working. Robots are being adversely used in the current industries for material handling, processing operations, assembly and inspections.