Precision Mechanical Components in Robotics and Automation

This year, the robotics market is projected to reach $43 billion in total revenue, with an annual growth rate of 11.25% over the next five years¹. The field is booming. Robotic systems are found in many industries today, including manufacturing, healthcare, R&D and consumer markets. Regardless of use, they all rely on gears and precision fasteners such as dowel pins, shoulder screws and others to perform. Today, we’ll look at various robot systems, and the mechanical components within them.

Automation in the Industrial Sector

In manufacturing, virtually every asset is becoming automated. Modern facilities are full of robots conducting an extensive range of tasks, including:

• Material handling and palletizing robots - are quickly carrying and moving their loads.
• Wafer transfer robots - are precisely handling delicate silicone semiconductor wafers in the semi-conductor industry.
• Gripper assemblies - are handling all types of components and assemblies of varying size and weight for countless markets.
• Robotic sample handlers - are grabbing and moving liquids and other samples in medical, scientific and research laboratories.
• Portable security robots - are buzzing about outdoors and inside retail establishments, moving freely, keeping an eye on things, while offering a friendly hello.

Precision, Accuracy and Repeatability

All of these hi-tech applications, and even simpler ones, have the same key requirements: precision, accuracy and above all, repeatability. Robots, by their very nature, faithfully execute the same task over and over, and must do that with incredible consistency. They are more than just a collection of parts. Similar to humans, robots require multiple systems to function. These integrated systems must interact with each other effortlessly. To do so, they can’t be bogged down by inferior parts. Instead, they strictly rely on precision mechanical components such as gearing pulleys, sprockets, and linear motion systems to get their jobs done.

The Role of Motion Control

Motion control is a key aspect of industrial robotics, enabling precise and repeatable movements. This includes controlling position, velocity, acceleration and force. Major motion control components include actuators, which convert energy into motion, sensors, which gather and provide feedback, controllers, and drives, which amplify and control power supply. These systems rely on a number of critical mechanical components, including:

Gears – planetary and worm gears, known for their precision and efficiency, are used to reduce speed and increase torque, ensuring smooth and accurate motion.

Bearings – angular contact ball bearing and cylindrical roller bearings are used to reduce friction and support moving parts, providing smooth rotation.

Linear Guides – provide precise linear motion to robot arms, and rely on ball screws, and rack and pinion systems.

Couplings – flexible, rigid and other gear couplings are used to join shafts, while accommodating misalignment and absorbing vibration.

Let’s look at a fun consumer product: vacuum robots. They seem fairly simple in principle. They move around freely, mindlessly doing their mildly entertaining cleaning routine. But think about it. In order to do so, they hover over floors and whatever is on them, avoiding targets, and correcting their path, all while sucking up dirt. This is no simple task! They require lightweight yet high quality components such as bearings and shoulder screws, which must operate at extreme efficiency. Careful material sections should also be made to accommodate the vacuum’s unique requirements.

Automation is here to stay, and continues to rapidly evolve. Regardless of the application and complexity, all robotics rely on precision components to consistently function as intended. Their intense demands, particularly for motion control, leave little room for error. From shoulder screws and gears to linear motion control systems and other complex assemblies, be sure to source high quality components to assure your robotics perform reliably now and well into the future.

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¹Source: Statista Market Insights, March 2024