Have you ever heard of a pick and place robot? These machines have become commonplace in today’s manufacturing environment, typically relegated to simple, repetitive and monotonous tasks. In these environments, pick and place robots naturally excel and can bring significant benefits for manufacturers.
Globally, more than 2.7 million industrial robots, including pick and place robots, are used in warehouses and factories of all shapes and sizes. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at pick and place automation and discuss some of the benefits of using a systems integrator while implementing pick and place systems.
What Are Pick and Place Robots?
A pick and place robot is exactly what the name sounds like – a robot that picks up an object and places it in another location. Many different types of robots can serve as pick and place robots, including Delta, SCARA, Cartesian and 6-axis Industrial Arms.
How Does a Pick and Place Robot Work?
A pick and place robot typically is placed on a platform that allows it to reach the entire workspace in which it needs to function. Pick and place robots can utilize advanced vision technology that lets them identify the correct object, grab that object and move it to the correct location. The tooling on the end of the robotic arm, known as the end-effector, allows the pick and place robot to perform its tasks and interact with items.
What Are Pick and Place Robots Used For?
Pick and place robots can be used for a variety of uses in manufacturing and industrial settings where industrial automated systems can be incorporated. With a little programming, they are able to perform a number of tasks requiring simple, repetitive movements more quickly than human workers, improving efficiency and leaving human workers free to handle more complex tasks. Robots do not take breaks, call in sick, or take vacations.
Different types of robot grippers can be used to facilitate different uses by one pick and place robot. A few of the most common applications for pick and place automation equipment are packaging, bin picking, assembling and inspecting.
What Are the Benefits and Advantages of Using Pick and Place Robots?
There are many advantages your business will enjoy if you add pick and place robots. One of the main advantages of pick and place automation is speed. The throughput for a pick and place robot is much higher than a human machine operator, and robots can run 24/7 and take no breaks or time off.
Another huge advantage is the consistency pick and place robots can provide. A pick and place system is extremely accurate and consistent. Once a robot is programmed, they do exactly what they are programmed to do each and every cycle or step.
Let South Shore Controls Show You How Pick and Place Automation Can Help
South Shore Controls understands how pick and place systems can help your business. Our DynaPlace™ Pick and Place Robot System is an out-of the box, twin-axis Cartesian system that comes complete with controls, drives and robot — all in one complete, programmed package that’s ready to install. If you have any questions, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them for you and show you how we can help.
