Robots
The VDI (Association of German Engineers) defines robots as follows:
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Industrial robots are
all-purpose mechanical arms with a number of axes. Regarding
movement cycle, route and angle its movements are programmable without mechanical
intervention and where required also sensor guided. The mechanical arms are
equipped with grippers, other tools and they achieve handling tasks
and assembly works.
VDI
Guideline 2860 |
This definition of robots
shows, that the term “robot” is not easy to distinguish. The line between robot
and a modern CNC machine is small. However the term “all-purpose mechanical
arm” characterizes a robot very well.
Brief reflectionWhich of the following machines matches the VDI definition of industrial robots?
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An automatic car wash | |
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A computer controlled elevated railway (i.e. Airport Düsseldorf)
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A modern CNC machine/ machining battery | |
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A mechanical arm with three rotation joints and a translation joint, which is freely programmable and flexible in operation | |
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An overhead gantry in a workshop |
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