Robotics Questions
Robotics Questions
Types of Actuators
*Electric Motors, like: Servomotors, Stepper motors or Direct-drive electric
motors
*Hydraulic actuators
*Pneumatic actuators
The drive system determines the speed of the arm movement, the strength of the
robot, dynamic performance, and, to some extent, the kinds of application.
A robot will require a drive system for moving their arm, wrist, and
body. A drive system is usually used to determine the capacity of a robot. For
actuating the robot joints, there are three different types of drive systems
available such as:
(i) Electric drive system,
(ii) Hydraulic drive system, and
(iii) Pneumatic drive system.
The most importantly used two types of drive systems are electric and
hydraulic.
The electric drive systems are capable of moving robots with high
power or speed. The actuation of this type of robot can be done by either DC
servo motors or DC stepping motors. It can be well –suited for rotational joints
and as well as linear joints. The electric drive system will be perfect for small
robots and precise applications. Most importantly, it has got greater accuracy
and repeatability. The one disadvantage of this system is that it is slightly
costlier. An example for this type of drive system is Maker 110 robot.
The hydraulic drive systems are completely meant for the large –sized robots. It
can deliver high power or speed than the electric drive systems. This drive
system can be used for both linear and rotational joints. The rotary motions are
provided by the rotary vane actuators, while the linear motions are produced by
hydraulic pistons. The leakage of hydraulic oils is considered as the major
disadvantage of this drive. An example for the hydraulic drive system
is Unimate 2000 series robot.
Wrist configuration
Roll- This is also called wrist swivel, this involves rotation of the wrist
mechanism about the arm axis.
Pitch- It involves up & down rotation of the wrist. This is also called as wrist
bend.