is called the work cell of the robot , and its size corresponds to the size of the manipulator . Fig.2 illustrates the work cell of a typical assembly robot . As the robot’s physical size increases , the size of the work cell must also increase .
The movement of the manipulator is controlled by actuators , or drive systems . The actuators , or drive system , allows the various axes to move within the work cell . The drive system can use electric , hydraulic , or pneumatic power . The energy developed by the drive system is converted to mechanical power by various mechanical drive systems .The drive systems are coupled through mechanical linkages .These linkages, in turn , drive the different axes of the robot . The mechanical linkages may be composed of chains , gears ,and ball screws.
B. Controller
The controller in the robotic system is the heart of the operation. The controller stores preprogrammed information for later recall, control peripheral devices, and communicates with computers within the plant for constant updates in production
The controllers is used to control the robot manipulator’s movements as well as to control peripheral components within the work cell. The user can program the movements of the manipulator into the controller through the use of a hand-held teach pendent. This information is stored in the memory of the controller for later recall. The controller stores all program data of the robotic system. It can store several different programs, and any of these programs can be edited.
The controller is also required to communicate with peripheral equipment within the work cell. For example, the controller has an input line that identifies when a machining operation is completed. When the machine cycle is completed, the input line turns on, telling the controller to position the manipulator so that it can pick up the finished part. Then, a new part is picked up by the manipulator and placed into the machine. Next, the controller signals the machine to start operation.
The controller can be made from mechanically operated drums that step through a sequence of events. This type of controller operates with a very simple robotic system. The controllers found on the majority of robotic systems are more complex devices and represent state-of-the-art electronics. That is, they are microprocessor-operated. These microprocessors are either 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit processors. This power allows the controller to be very flexib
