Robotics Technology

by Masterson, James W.; Towers, Robert L.; Fardo, Stephen W.

• ISBN13: 9781566370462
• ISBN10: 1566370469
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1995-12-01
• Publisher: Goodheart-Willcox Pub

Summary

This text employs a comprehensive approach to presenting the technical aspects of robotics. Robotics Technology covers the basic principles of industrial robotics, power supplies and movement systems, sensing and end-of-arm tooling, and control systems. The text format is easy-to-follow and highly illustrated, making this an outstanding choice for introductory level robotics courses and robotics technician training.

Table of Contents

PRINCIPLES OF ROBOTICS
Since the first industrial robot was installed at a U.S. automotive plant in 1961, robotics technology has become an important factor in most types of manufacturing. Robots are widely used for applications that require extreme precision, for repetitive and tedious tasks, and for work that would be unpleasant or dangerous for humans. Robots are vital components of flexible manufacturing systems, which can be quickly reconfigured to meet changing production requirements
Introduction to Industrial Robotics	11	(14)
Fundamentals of Robotics	25	(36)
Programming the Robot	61	(22)
Industrial Applications	83	(38)
The Role of Robots in Today's Manufacturing	121	(12)
POWER SUPPLIES AND MOVEMENT SYSTEMS
In automated applications, three kinds of motion are used: rotary, linear, and reciprocating. These motions can be produced by either electrical or fluid (hydraulic or pneumatic) power operating motors, relays, solenoids, actuators, or cylinders. The basic mechanical unit of a robot, the manipulator, has several moving joints and performs the actual work function of the machine
Electromechanical Systems	133	(22)
Fluid Power Systems	155	(28)
Maintaining Robotic Systems	183	(12)
SENSING AND END-OF-ARM TOOLING
The control of industrial robots often depends upon a sensing system which uses devices called transducers to convert light, heat, or mechanical energy into electrical energy. The signal output of the transducer is used to affect the operation of the robot's end effector (end-of-arm tooling). End effectors, attached to the wrist of a manipulator, can grasp, lift, transport, maneuver, or perform operations on a workpiece
Sensing Systems	195	(18)
End-of-Arm Tooling	213	(20)
CONTROL SYSTEMS
The heart of a robotic control system is a microprocessor (computer chip) linked to input/output and monitoring devices. The control system has a series of instructions, called a program, stored in its memory. The program supplies the commands that control motors, hydraulic systems, or pneumatic systems to activate the robot's motion control mechanism. This mechanism is typically an actuator, a device that converts power into robot movement
Digital Electronics	233	(30)
Programmable Logic Controllers	263	(12)
Robot Interfacing and Vision Systems	275	(12)
The Future of Robotics	287	(16)
Glossary	303	(12)
Index	315