Robotic End Effectors

Robotic end effectors are quick-change mobile robotic systems that can deploy tools. They are also known as robotic accessories, robotic peripherals, robotic tools, or end of arm tooling (EOA). A robotic end effector is an object which when connected to a robot flange, such as a wrist, serves the desired functions of the wrist. Robotic end effectors can function as robotic collision sensors, robotic arc welding guns, robotic deburring tools, robotic rotary joints, robotic press tooling, or robotic tool changers.

Robotic end effectors function in a variety of ways. Robotic end effectors operate as robotic welders which can be articulating robots or rectilinear robots. The articulating robotic welders utilize arm and rotating joints that provide movement like a human arm with a rotating wrist. The rectilinear robotic welders move in any of the three axes (X, Y, or Z) and produce a rotational movement of the wrist. The robotic end effectors that function as robotic tooling increase the productivity and provide safety. An end of arm robotic tooling performs tasks such as demoulding, insert loading, or sprue picking by using the robotic tool changer.

Robotic end effectors include robot tool changers, robot deburring equipment, and various types of robotic welders. A robotic tool changer consists of two parts: the master side and tool side. These two parts of a robot tool changer automatically lock together and allow pneumatic supply, electrical signals, and water to pass through them. Robot deburring is used to remove burrs. Burrs are unwanted edge properties that are caused by machining or cutting. Robot deburring tools are of two types: radially compliant deburring and axially compliant deburring tools that makes deburring a consistent, safe, and economical process. Robotic welders use various devices in an array of joining processes that include a robotic tig welding unit, robotic mig welding unit, and laser welding machines. A robotic tig welding unit is used to join the metals by melting the base and filler metals by including an arc between the work piece and tungsten electrode. Robotic end effectors that use a robotic mig welding unit improve the product quality and increase welding productivity.

Robotic end effectors are provided with flexibility to automatically change the peripherals by the use of robotic tool changer and find various applications such as various welding processes. Robotic end effectors are also used in the industries to pick and place the components into position, testing, and hard rock climbing to detect and fix alignment problems between two parts during the assembly processes.

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