In automation and manufacturing, the terms “accuracy” and “repeatability” are often bandied about when talking about industrial robots. But what do they mean? And why should you care? In this article, we’ll discuss these concepts and show how they can impact your business.
Accuracy – the ability of a robot to move its end effector to the desired location
It can also refer to the ability of an industrial robot arm to accurately measure and monitor various physical parameters to perform its tasks. In this context, accuracy is related to both positional and orientation accuracy. Positional accuracy includes the ability of a robot to move its end effector in a specific direction with precision. In contrast, orientation accuracy refers to how well the robot can keep its end effector aligned with other system parts.
Repeatability – the ability of a robot to return to its original position after moving
The ability of a robot to repeat previous actions with precisely the same results, regardless of external factors. Repeatability is typically measured in terms of absolute accuracy or relative accuracy. Absolute accuracy refers to how closely a robot can match the desired output from start to finish.
In contrast, relative accuracy measures how consistent the robot’s performance is over time and under various conditions. Generally, higher repeatability means better reliability and less maintenance for industrial robots.
Factors that affect accuracy and repeatability
Accuracy and repeatability are both impacted by various factors, including the type of robot being used, its size, accuracy requirements, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, vibration levels, etc.
The type of robot used can affect accuracy and repeatability in many ways. For instance, robots with multiple joints may have more precise movements than those with fewer joints. Similarly, more giant robots tend to have greater accuracy and repeatability than smaller ones.
Temperature is also an essential factor that affects accuracy and repeatability – extreme temperatures can cause components like motors to become less efficient or even fail. Vibration from machinery or other sources can also reduce accuracy and repeatability by causing errors in motion control or measurement readings.
The accuracy and repeatability requirements of a particular application can also affect how successful a robot will be. For example, some tasks require highly accurate movements, while others only need elemental precision. Knowing the required accuracy and repeatability is essential for getting the right robot for the job.
Ways to improve accuracy and repeatability in industrial robots
There are several ways to improve accuracy and repeatability in industrial robots. The most common approach is to use higher-quality components, such as motors and sensors, which can offer better performance than standard models. Additionally, many robot manufacturers offer software and firmware upgrades to boost accuracy and repeatability.
Manual adjustments can also be made to the robot’s motion control system to increase accuracy and repeatability. It includes calibrating the robot’s sensors and ensuring they are set up correctly for each job. Additionally, proper maintenance of the robot’s components is essential for keeping accuracy and repeatability high over time.
Finally, integrating vision systems with industrial robots can help them achieve higher levels of precision. Vision systems can detect objects and obstacles in the robot’s path, allowing it to adjust its movements accordingly. It allows for more accurate and reliable performance, even under challenging conditions.
How accuracy and repeatability can impact your business
Accuracy and repeatability are critical aspects of industrial robots, as they directly affect the performance and reliability of the system. Higher accuracy and repeatability can lead to greater efficiency, as tasks can be completed with fewer errors or delays. It, in turn, can save time and money, increasing profitability for businesses that rely on industrial robots.
On the other hand, lower accuracy and repeatability can lead to costly mistakes and lengthy delays, which can reduce productivity and hurt the bottom line. Therefore, ensuring that your industrial robot has been set up correctly and maintained regularly is vital to maximizing its potential.
In conclusion
Accuracy and repeatability are vital factors when choosing or using industrial robots. Higher levels of accuracy and repeatability can lead to greater efficiency, while lower ones can harm productivity and profitability. By taking the appropriate steps to ensure that your robot is set up correctly and maintained regularly, you can maximize its potential for success.