Robotic Joints in Industrial Automation: Types, Actuators, and Design Benefits

Robotic joints in industrial automation are the mechanical components that allow robots to move, turn, lift, and perform precise tasks. Similar to the human body, these are the joints at which the several parts of the robot meet for the purposes of carrying out certain actions. It’s rather difficult to perform tasks with a robot that has substandard joints, whether the software involved in its control or the use of sensors.

Due to the advancements made in the field of robotics, joint technology has reached even greater heights. These days, joint technology is applied in various sectors such as automation, the aerospace industry, healthcare, and collaborative robots.

What Are Robotic Joints and Why Are They Critical?

Robotic joints are mechanical components that provide the interface between the two links of the robot, enabling them to move. Robotic joints play a critical role in industrial automation for several reasons:

• They determine the working range of the robot as well as its flexibility

• These determine how precisely a robot can repeat actions

• They affect load-carrying capacity and stability

• They directly influence wear, maintenance cycles, and life span 

A poorly designed joint might cause vibration, misalignment, or failure. It is, therefore, imperative to note that using high-quality materials, machining, and proper joint selection are crucial in determining the reliability of robots.

Common Types of Robotic Joints Used in Automation

Different types of joints will be required based on which type of robot application needs to be implemented. The correct type of joint must therefore be selected based on how much motion the application needs, how much space is available, and how much load it must carry.

Rotary & Linear Joints

Rotary joints provide circular movement about a fixed point on an axis and are used in most applications as articulated robotic arms, while linear joints provide straight-line movement and are often used in both gantry style systems and positioning devices.

Both types of joints offer advantages when designing robotic systems:

• They provide high precision and repeatability.

• They easily integrate into control systems and sensor hardware.

• They have a wide range of actuators available to choose from.

Universal Robotic Joints for Multi-Axis Motion

Universal robotic joints provide multi-plane movement options and usually offer two degrees of rotational freedom and are well-suited to applications where flexibility and alignment tolerance are of high importance.

The benefits of using universal robotic joints are as follows:

• Less mechanical strain is created on connected components.

• Smoother motion of articulated systems.

• Greater versatility when creating a complex path of motion for robots.

Universal robotic joints are frequently used in humanoid robots, advanced automation systems, and articulated systems that require natural, human-like motion qualities.

Robot Joint Actuators in Industrial Automation: Types and Benefits

A robot joint actuator is responsible for producing movement within a robot joint based on the conversion of energy into a mechanical force. A robot joint is closely dependent on its actuator.

Common options for an actuator are:

• Electric actuators for high precision and control

• Hydraulic actuators for high load operations

• Pneumatic actuators for fast and light motion

Correct selection of the actuator guarantees the following:

• Proper placement and torque

• Smooth acceleration and braking

• Improvement in energy consumption and wear

Small Universal Joint Solutions for Compact Robotics

A small universal joint helps in designing compact robots with confined spaces. Universal joints can be seen in medical robots, inspection robots, and micro-robotics-based automation systems.

Main advantages include:

• High flexibility in the confined space

• Clean multi-axis motion even in a compact machine

• Consistent performance during repetitive motion

Precision engineering is used to provide small universal joints that have strength and durability and are able to provide complex articulation within miniature robotic systems.

Custom Robotic Arm Design and Joint Optimization

Sometimes, the custom robotic arm may need custom solutions for the joints based on the applications being involved. This could be the case if the regular joints are unable to meet the operational requirements of the specific applications being involved.

Custom joint integration enables the following:

• Optimal load distribution and motion efficiency

• Customized materials resistant to harsh environments

• More accuracy, less mechanical wear & tear

Through joint design for that purpose, engineers can greatly improve the functionality of robots while reducing down time for repairs.

Conclusion: The Value of High-Quality Robotic Joints

Robot joints constitute the backbone of modern robotics technology. From high-end universal robot joints to smaller systems and intelligent actuators, joint technology is at the cutting edge of shaping the future of automation.

Key takeaways are:

• Robotic joints provide flexibility, accuracy, and robustness

• If a robot joint actuator is well-matched, it will ensure optimal motion control.

• A miniature universal joint helps to perform complex motions in miniature systems.

• A customized robotic arm can also take advantage of customized joint designs

• Global Robotic Joints enhance mutual movements, system robustness

Contact Us today to learn how our precision-engineered robotic joints for industrial automation can support your automation needs.