How to choose an industrial robot for your application

A six-axis articulated robot can position and orient a tool around a part, which suits tasks such as welding and machine tending. SCARA robots suit many planar assembly operations; delta robots are often used for fast handling of lightweight items. Dedicated palletizing robots are designed around stacking tasks.

Collaborative robots can suit flexible tasks, but the complete application still needs a risk assessment. A sharp tool, hot workpiece or crushing point can require additional protection. Choose the process first, then check whether the robot's motion, tooling and safety measures meet it.

Payload includes the workpiece, gripper, adapters and equipment carried by the wrist. Check the manufacturer's load diagrams for centre of gravity, wrist moment and inertia limits; a kilogram rating alone does not establish suitability. Leave appropriate capacity for the actual motion and process.

Maximum reach does not describe every usable pose. Check access to fixtures, tool orientation, joint limits and obstacles throughout the cycle. Repeatability describes repeated positioning under specified conditions and differs from absolute accuracy. Validate the process tolerance and cycle time with representative parts.

Record the arm model, serial number, controller version and supplied accessories. Ask about service history, operating hours where available, alarms, mechanical wear and repair work. Request a demonstration of the complete arm and controller, including movement, brakes and safety functions, with qualified assistance.

Confirm the teach pendant, cables, software options, documentation and backups included in the sale. Check local power requirements, mounting, transport arrangements and availability of compatible replacement parts. Inspection findings and seller terms should determine the purchase decision; condition labels alone are insufficient.

Allow for end-of-arm tooling, fixtures, guarding, sensors and interfaces to the surrounding machines. A robot controller may need specific communication options for a PLC, vision system or welding power source. Identify installation, commissioning, operator training and maintenance responsibilities before committing to equipment.

Use a preliminary cell layout to investigate reach and clearances, then have an integrator verify the design against the actual robot and process. Simulations support planning; measured trials and a safety assessment establish whether the finished cell meets production requirements.