The manufacturing industry has seen a significant transformation with the introduction of advanced robotics. According to various sources, the adoption of industrial automation robots in Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector is also experiencing substantial growth. These robots not only enhance productivity but also ensure precision, safety, and efficiency across various processes. Today’s article will highlight some of the top robots used in the manufacturing industry today and the most common applications of robotic automation in manufacturing.ย
Top 10 Robots Used in the Manufacturing Industry
1. DENSO Robotics
DENSO Robotics specializes in compact, high-speed industrial robots designed for assembly, inspection, and material handling tasks. Known for their precision, DENSO robots are extensively used in electronics and automotive manufacturing to handle delicate components.
Their SCARA and six-axis robots excel in high-precision tasks like circuit board assembly and quality control. With features such as integrated vision systems and advanced programming options, DENSO Robotics ensures seamless production with minimal errors.
2. Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric is a leader in manufacturing robotics, offering a range of articulated and SCARA robots for applications like assembly, palletizing, and welding. Their robots are equipped with MELFA Smart Plus technology, which uses AI to optimize performance and predict maintenance needs. In manufacturing, Mitsubishi robots are often used to handle repetitive tasks in automotive and electronics production, ensuring consistency and reducing human fatigue.
3. Collaborative Robots (ORION Series)
MCFLY Robot Technologies specializes in developing advanced collaborative robots, blending creativity and engineering expertise to foster harmonious collaboration between humans and robots. Their ORION series stands out for its capacity to seamlessly integrate into existing processes, promoting safer, more productive collaboration between humans and machines for various industries.
ORION Series: The ORION series of collaborative robots is designed to enhance productivity by working alongside humans in industrial settings. Its compact design emphasizes flexibility and efficiency, making it well-suited for modern industrial environments, from assembling to welding, soldering, and surface finishing.
Models in the ORION Series:
- ORION 5
- ORION 10
- ORION 15
Key Features of Collaborative Robots in ORION Series:
Integration and Safety: ORION robots are easily integrated into existing production lines, featuring user-friendly interfaces and versatile programming options. These robots have safety sensors and advanced detection systems, ensuring safe human-robot interaction and increased productivity without compromising safety.
Increases Efficiency: With powerful motors, precise control systems, and intelligent software, ORION robots aim to boost the efficiency of industrial production processes and help businesses stay competitive and future-ready.
Innovation: As products of technological advancements, collaborative robots drive innovation, potentially transforming business landscapes and fostering new industries.
4. ABB Ltd
ABB Ltd is renowned for its innovative robots, such as the IRB series, which are used in diverse industries like automotive, electronics, and metal fabrication. ABB’s robots excel in tasks like welding, painting, and assembly, where precision and speed are critical. Their advanced motion control and flexibility enable manufacturers to quickly adapt to changing production needs. ABB also integrates AI and machine learning into their robots to optimize efficiency and reduce downtime, making them a preferred choice for high-demand manufacturing lines.
5. Epson Robots
Epson Robots are widely recognized for their compact size, speed, and accuracy, making them ideal for small to medium-scale manufacturing operations. Their SCARA and six-axis robots are frequently used for assembly, pick-and-place operations, and dispensing in electronics, medical device production, and consumer goods manufacturing. Epson’s robots come with advanced software tools, allowing manufacturers to achieve precision even in the most intricate tasks, while their energy-efficient designs reduce operational costs.
6. Gripper Series
MCFLY offers a diverse range of grippers designed to automate different industrial processes. These grippers balance sensitivity and strength, showcasing a variety of dimensions, materials, and gripping styles to meet the needs of various applications.
The grippers are programmable and configurable, ensuring they can easily integrate into existing production processes. These robots are widely used for packaging, palletizing, quality control, and efficient material handling.
Product Range: Each product is designed to offer a unique set of capabilities to cater to specific handling and operational requirements.
- MC1 Gripper
- MC2 Gripper
- MC3 Gripper
- MC4 Gripper
- MC5 Gripper
- MC6 Gripper
- MC7 Gripper
- MC8 Gripper
- Soft Gripper
Key Features of Gripper Series:
High-Quality Construction: MCFLY grippers are engineered to support robot arms executing various tasks thanks to their durable structures and versatile designs.
Ease of Programming and Configuring: Emphasis is placed on making the grippers easy to program and configure, allowing seamless integration into customer processes.
7. Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Kawasaki Heavy Industries brings over five decades of robotics expertise to the manufacturing industry automation. Their robots are highly versatile and are used in arc welding, material handling, and machine tending applications. Known for their durability and payload capacity, Kawasaki robots are commonly seen in heavy-duty operations like automotive body assembly and foundries. Their high-speed controllers and collaborative robot models also make them a valuable addition to industries requiring a blend of power and precision.
8. FANUC
FANUC is a global leader in industrial automation, offering a diverse range of robots for applications like welding, palletizing, painting, and assembly. FANUC robots are designed for high-speed operations and are equipped with advanced features like iRVision, allowing them to “see” and adapt to their environment. Their wide payload range makes them suitable for both light and heavy manufacturing tasks, including electronics production and automotive part handling. FANUC’s reliability and scalability make them a staple in modern manufacturing facilities.
9. KUKA Robotics
KUKA Robotics is known for its advanced automation solutions, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. Their robots, like the KR series, are used for welding, assembly, and material handling tasks. KUKA’s robots offer high precision and are often integrated into smart factories, working seamlessly with other automation systems. Their collaborative robots (cobots) are also gaining popularity for their ability to work alongside humans, enhancing flexibility and safety in manufacturing operations.
10. Comau
Comau specializes in automation solutions for complex manufacturing processes, particularly automotive production. Their robots are designed for heavy-duty applications like spot welding, painting, and material handling. Comau’s innovative use of digital twins and predictive maintenance tools ensures optimal robot performance and reduced downtime. The company’s collaborative robots are also used in smaller manufacturing setups, offering flexibility and user-friendly programming to improve productivity.
8 Most Common Applications for Industrial Robots in the Manufacturing Industry
1. Adhesive Application
Description: Robots ensure consistent and precise adhesive application, eliminating human errors like uneven coating or excess usage.
Example: In the automotive industry, robots apply adhesives for windshield installation. Tesla employs robotic arms in its factories to achieve uniform adhesive layers, ensuring a perfect bond for enhanced vehicle safety and durability.
2. Assembly
Description: Robots perform assembly tasks such as placing components, fastening screws, or connecting parts.
Example: Foxconn, a key manufacturer for Apple, uses assembly robots to assemble iPhones and other electronics. These robots ensure high precision in placing small components like microchips and resistors while operating faster than manual labor.
3. Deburring
Description: Robots are used to remove burrs, sharp edges, or excess material after manufacturing processes like cutting or molding.
Example: Boeing employs robotic systems to deburr aircraft components made of aluminum and composite materials. This ensures smooth edges and reduces the risk of wear or material failure during flight operations.
4. Finishing
Description: Robots handle surface finishing tasks like polishing, sanding, or grinding to achieve a smooth and consistent surface.
Example: Rolex uses finishing robots to polish the surfaces of their luxury watches. This ensures a mirror-like finish on metal parts while maintaining consistent quality across all units.
5. Machine Tending
Description: Robots load and unload raw materials or finished parts from machines such as CNC mills, lathes, or injection molding machines.
Example: BMW utilizes machine-tending robots in their factories to handle engine blocks in CNC machining centers. These robots improve efficiency and reduce operator exposure to potentially hazardous environments.
6. Material Handling
Description: Robots move, lift, or transport materials within production lines, often handling heavy loads or repetitive tasks.
Example: Amazon uses material-handling robots like Kiva Systems robots to efficiently sort, pick, and transport packages in their warehouses. In manufacturing, similar robots handle tasks such as moving car chassis or large molds.
7. Quality Inspection
Description: Robots equipped with cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms inspect products for defects or inconsistencies.
Example: Samsung uses robotic inspection systems to test smartphone screens for dead pixels, scratches, and responsiveness. These robots ensure quality control at scale, with higher accuracy than manual inspection.
8. Welding
Description: Welding robots perform arc welding, spot welding, and laser welding, ensuring strong and consistent joints.
Example: Ford uses welding robots extensively on assembly lines to weld car bodies and frames. These robots ensure strong and precise welds while operating at high speeds to keep up with production demands.
The Future of Industrial Automation Robots in the Kingdom and The Role of PROVEN Robotics
The adoption ofindustrial automation robots in Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by the government’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. According to Statista, the robotics market in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach USD 450.30 million in 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of 20.28%, leading to a market volume of USD 1.13 billion by 2029. Additionally, the collaborative robot market in the country is projected to generate USD 4.7 million in 2024, with expectations to reach USD 11.1 million by 2030.
PROVEN Robotics, one of the top robotics providers in the GCC region, launched industrial robot automation solutions in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country’s long-term vision. Our services can be customized to meet your specific operational requirements, streamlining the process and enhancing precision. Book a consultation to learn how our services can help your sector.
