ROBOTICS: A BRIEF HISTORY
The first recorded instance of the term “robot” occurred in a 1921 play entitled “R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots)” by Karl Capek using the Czech word for “slave”. Robots as a mechanical version of human beings were popularized in science fiction stories by such authors as Isaac Asimov, who coined the “Three Laws of Robotics.” Robots showed up in the form of Robbie in “Forbidden Planet,” R2D2 and C3P0 in “Star Wars,” and Rosie in “The Jetsons.”
The first industrial robot, called Unimate, was created in the early 1950s by George C. Devol. However, industrial robots did not take off until the late 1960s when Joseph Engleberger acquired Devol’s patent and began marketing the devices to manufacturing firms. Automatic welders and assemblers have taken over a lot of factory jobs hitherto held by human beings.
NASA and the military have pioneered the use of robots. Robotic space probes such as Mars Curiosity and New Horizons are now exploring the solar system, partly autonomous and partly under the remote control. The space agency is also working on humanoid robots such as Robonaut2 and Valkyrie, which it envisions helping human astronauts to explore alien worlds. In the meantime, the military is working on robotic soldiers that could take over some of the most dangerous tasks in war, including search and rescue, clearing minefields, carrying equipment, and even infantry combat.
The development of domestic robots has gone slower than many expected. Many families have bought the Roomba, which automatically vacuums the floor without human intervention. A new product, Kuri, promises to be a roving robotic companion for humans.
The most exciting development in robotics has been in the field of driverless cars. Automatic driver aids are already a feature of some cars, but the dream of companies such as Google and Uber is to have a car that can take a passenger anywhere without a human driver. Testing of such vehicles is currently ongoing.
For questions on robot maintenance, email your Robot World Representative Vic Jost or call 800-222-9607 for all of your robot needs.
Robot World Catches Problems Before They Become an Issue
Preventative maintenance prepares industrial robots for high cycle production runs. Many times we catch problems before they become an urgent issue and allowing us to provide a more proactive approach to robotic maintenance.
Our preventative maintenance (PM) is typically done annually or biannually – during shutdowns, holidays, or scheduled robot downtime. We have experienced, skilled technicians that provide complete robot PM or additional support personnel to assist your in-house staff on PM from our Robot World staff. Training on our proven preventative maintenance process is available.
Our Standard Preventative Maintenance Services Include:
Robot Grease and Oil Replacement
Be sure to burp the grease out by moving the robot after pumping through if using a pneumatic or electrical grease gun. Make sure the output pressure is within robot manufacturers recommendations Move robot to proper position to check oil levels (some models)
Gripper Type End of Arm Tooling
Check end of arm tooling for loose bolts
Check air regulator set properly
Clean valving
Clean air exhaust mufflers
Check air pressure settings
Check flow controls if used
Check for damaged air lines
Check for damaged seals or clean if robot changes tools
Check electrical connections and wiring for damage
Vacuum type end of arm tooling
Check air vacuum line filter
Clean valving
Clean air exhaust mufflers
Check for damaged air lines
Check air pressure settings
Check for damaged seals or clean if robot changes tools
Check electrical connections and wiring for damage
Rotary Motion Type End of Arm Tooling
Check rotary tool turns freely
Check flow controls if used
Check regulator pressure if air powered
Check for damaged air lines
Check for damaged seals or clean if robot changes tools
Check electrical connections and wiring for damage
If Equipped With Linear Rails
Check CAM followers
Check linear guides for wear or spalling
Grease linear guides if required
Clean limit switches to see if they actuate freely
Keep your production up and running. With Robot World on your team, you’ll save time and money with routine service and maintenance. If a problem does arise, we are already familiar with your robot, so you can be confident we will repair it correctly the first time without any guesswork.
For a price on robot repair and regular maintenance schedules, call Vic today @ 800-222-9607.
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