Source: Ebay
When SCARA robots were first invented, they were intended to solely be assembly robots hence the name Selective Compliance Assembly Robot. However, they have since advanced into many more functions and designs. As such, they are now referred to as Selective Compliance Articulated Robots.
In a bid to capitalize on the gains on the original scara robot design, scara robot manufacturers created the dual-arm scara robot. If you would like to add one to your production line, here is what you need to know about dual-arm scara robots.
Table of Contents
What is a Dual-arm Scara Robot?
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A dual-arm scara robot is a single robot that has 2 scara robotic arms mounted on one base. They imitate the motions of human arms in that they can work independently or coordinate to fulfill tasks.
Features of a Dual-arm SCARA Robot
Compared to an ordinary scara robot, a dual-arm scara robot has unique features and capabilities. They include:
Axes
Source: Slideshare
At present, each of the arms on dual-arm scara robots is a 4-axis robotic arm.
Arm Reach
The current models of dual-arm scara robots have an arm reach of between 150mm to 550mm. This allows them to cover a significant work envelope to complete a variety of tasks.
Compact Design
The two arms of a dual-arm scara robot are joined to a single base mounted on a trolley. It is a compact design that only takes up about as much space as one individual. That said, when allocating space for the robot in relation to human workers, it is advisable to consider arm reach.
Payload
Each arm is allocated an equal payload to the other. Due to this, when one arm works individually it carries a lesser load than when both arms coordinate. For example, if the payload is 2Kgs for each arm when they work together, they can handle a 4Kg load. The models that are presently available in the market have payloads of between 2-3Kgs.
Collaborative Features
Source: robotics.org
Dual-arm scara robots are designed to share their work environment with human workers. To this end, they have in-built collisions sensors to detect obstacles. Whenever a worker or foreign obstacle enters their work envelope, the sensors trigger the robot’s arms to stop. The arms are also built using soft material that reduces collision impact.
Easy Teaching and Programming
For easy setup, a dual-arm scara robot arm can be taught using tablet software. The software has a standard list of operations which when activated, direct the robot to fulfill particular tasks.
Take, for example, that a worker is setting up the dual-arm scara robot for gate cutting. They would:
Situate the robot at the required workspace
Choose the ‘Gate cutting’ application
Enter the requisite measurements for the procedure
Once the parameters are entered the robot will be guided by the software throughout the process. If the parameters are changed, the robot will change its tooling accordingly.
Easy Installation
The compact dual-arm scara robot is mounted atop a portable trolley. This allows for the robot to be placed wherever it is needed in the production line and relocated just as easily. Alternatively, the robot can be unmounted from the trolley and connected using cables where necessary.
Applications of Dual-arm Industrial Robots
Source: denso-wave.com
The dual-scara robot arm can be applied in various industrial operations including:
Quality Control
Dual-arm scara robots can be used as material handling robots alongside vision inspection procedures of FPC boards and similar items. It works as follows:
One of the robot arms is fitted with a scanner
Both arms work to pick and place the FPC on a scanner board
The arm with the scanner runs a vision inspection
Both arms lift the FPC off the scanner board
This type of robot has also been successfully applied in testing touch screens and computer keyboards using suitable end-effectors.
Automated Labelling
Source: irls.hk
In this application, one robot arm picks up the product to be labeled and places it on a central surface. The second arm collects a label from a dispensing machine and places it on the product. The first arm then returns the labeled product to the tray and collects another until the whole batch is labeled.
Assembly of PCB Parts
Source: etftrends.com
PCB boards require careful handling during part installation so as not to interfere with other components. A dual-arm scara robot achieves this flawlessly. It works as follows:
The first arm collects the parts to be installed using an end-effector
The robot arm sensor checks for flexibility of the PCB part to discern where to place it
During placement, the second arm guides the first arm and holds it in place to complete the installation
Conclusion
The capabilities of a dual-arm scara robot are certainly a great addition to the robotics industry. They will likely gain popularity quite fast due to their dexterity and multiple applications. It will equally be interesting to see what new features industrial robot manufacturers will come up with going forward.
