// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Industrial Robot
An automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multi-purpose manipulator programmable in three or more axes. It's designed to perform tasks in industrial environments.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
An industrial robot is an automated, programmable, multi-axis mechanical device designed for repetitive, high-precision tasks in manufacturing environments, often integrating with PLCs, vision systems, and end-effectors to perform operations like assembly, welding, material handling, and painting.
BACKGROUND
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR, Industry 4.0 or the Intelligence Age, is a neologism describing rapid technological advancement in the 21st century. It follows the Third Industrial Revolution. The term was popularized in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum founder and former executive chairman, who asserts that these developments represent a significant shift in industrial capitalism.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Factory Robot
- Automation Robot
- Robotic Arm
- Cobot
USAGE NOTE
Industrial robots are widely used to automate dangerous, dirty, or dull tasks, improving safety and consistency.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Industrial Robot.
A global leader in factory automation, FANUC develops a wide range of industrial robots for various applications including welding, assembly, painting, and material handling, alongside CNC systems and ROBOMACHINEs.
ABB is a pioneering technology leader that works closely with utility, industry, transport and infrastructure customers globally. Their robotics division is a leading global supplier of industrial robots, modular manufacturing systems, and service. They develop robots for diverse industries including automotive, electronics, and logistics.
KUKA is one of the world's leading suppliers of industrial robots and automation solutions. They offer a comprehensive range of robots, from small payload cobots to heavy-duty robots, used in applications like welding, machining, and material handling.
Yaskawa is a major Japanese manufacturer of servomotors, inverters, and industrial robots. Their Motoman robot division produces a vast portfolio of industrial robots for arc welding, spot welding, material handling, assembly, painting, and general applications.
Universal Robots is a Danish manufacturer of collaborative robots (cobots) designed to work safely alongside humans without the need for safety guarding. They are a leader in making automation accessible for businesses of all sizes, across various industries.
As a division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Robotics develops and manufactures a wide range of industrial robots, including assembly robots, welding robots, painting robots, and material handling robots, catering to diverse industrial needs.
Stäubli Robotics is known for its high-performance industrial robots, including SCARA and 6-axis robots, which are used in demanding applications such as cleanroom environments, medical device manufacturing, and precision assembly.
Epson Robots is a leading global manufacturer of SCARA and 6-axis robots, focusing on high-precision and high-performance automation solutions for industries like electronics, medical devices, and automotive components.