The difference between manipulators and industrial robots and their respective roles and characteristics

Industrial robot is a multi-joint manipulator or multi-degree of freedom machine device for the industrial field, which can automatically perform work, and is a machine that relies on its own power and control ability to achieve various functions. It can be commanded by humans or run according to pre-programmed programs, and modern industrial robots can also act according to the principles and programs set by artificial intelligence technology. Manipulator is an automatic operating device that can imitate certain action functions of human hands and arms to grasp and carry objects or operate tools according to a fixed program. It is characterized by the fact that it can be programmed to complete a variety of expected tasks, and has the advantages of both human and robotic devices in terms of structure and performance.

The difference between the manipulator and the industrial robot is that the manipulator is in accordance with a fixed or pre-set program to achieve the imitation of the action of the artificial arm, through the movement of each trajectory, the transportation and handling of materials in the industrial field, and at the same time can operate the tool to complete the specified task. On the basis of the fixed program of the manipulator, the industrial robot can complete the learning tasks and intelligent operation of the non-specific program range through its own power and intelligent program. It seems that industrial robots should be more advanced and intelligent, but in the actual application of industry, it is not that the more advanced and intelligent it is, the closer it is to the production requirements of enterprises, at least in China. For example, a company that is only in the manual stage does not have much ability to fully automate the company, because the cost is far beyond the budget. Therefore, when the industry is moving towards 4.0, there is still a long process, in which a lot of excessive equipment will be derived to connect with the process of automation upgrading.

After understanding the difference between manipulators and industrial robots, more companies may be more inclined to upgrade industrial robots, but at the same time, there will be many doubts, including the attitude and acceptance of new industrial automation products. The upgrade process of automation is not a one-step process, in which the manipulator can replace the manual to complete a lot of actions, and the enterprise starting from reducing the labor is more suitable to use the manipulator to replace the existing labor level. Although the industrial robot is intelligent but the domestic technology is not stable enough, the frequency of use is far less than the manipulator, when transporting the materials of the same assembly line, the simple operation of the manipulator is closer to the manual level, and the industrial robot is more sluggish and cumbersome. Considering comprehensively, whether it is a manipulator or an industrial robot, it has its value and significance in the process of industrial development and progress, and each enterprise also has different needs and application solutions, and more automation customized solutions can be directly consulted by us.