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What jobs can industrial robots perform in automobile manufacturing?
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At the top of the machine is a stack of punched cards that would be fed into the loom to control the weaving pattern. This method of automatically issuing machine instructions was employed by computers well into the 20th century.
In automobile manufacturing, industrial robots are extensively utilized to perform tasks that are repetitive, hazardous, or require the handling of heavy, awkward components. These applications generally fall into three primary categories:1
- Processing Operations: Robots manipulate tools to perform specific tasks, such as spot welding panels and frames, continuous arc welding along seams, and spray painting vehicle bodies.1
- Material Handling: Robots are used for material transfer, such as moving parts between conveyors, and for machine loading and unloading, which involves grasping parts to place them into production machinery.1
- Assembly and Inspection: Robots perform light assembly tasks, such as installing dash panels and lights. They are also used for quality control by positioning sensors to verify that parts meet specific standards.21
By automating these processes, manufacturers can improve efficiency and manage the production of various product styles on the same assembly line through programmable control systems. The use of robots in these roles serves as a vital substitute for human labor, particularly in environments that are uncomfortable or dangerous for workers.13