IoT Based Robotic Arm

8 min readMar 1, 2022

IoT Based Robotic Arm

What is IoT based Robotic Arm?

In today’s modern and developed world everything is directly or indirectly related to technology. Every human being is depending on technology and automation, most of the works are also getting automated. The work load of the people is really increasing day by day and works need to be completed in lesser time and with higher accuracy. This situations in our daily lives gave birth to the invention of Robotics which when came into usage works with high precision and accuracy and reduces a lot of time, resources and money. They help in improving the quality, efficiency of a given task, can work continuously for longer duration.

Generally, robotics is told as the combined model of mechanics, electrical engineering and computer science. Nowadays the automation industry has really taken over the world and most of the jobs are also being replaced with higher technological updated robots. Robotic arm is a group of rigidly connected bodies that can be designed in different configurations and move between these configurations with given speed restrictions and also high speed. Industrial robotic arms vary depending on size, speed, body.

With the addition of internet to the robot its power can be increased to a higher level, the smart robotic arms can be controlled wirelessly to overcome the space limitations.

The designed system is made using the IoT with the addition of Node MCU, servo motor, Blynk cloud server. In this system the servo motors are being controlled by the Node MCU and implements the robotic arm actions can be controlled remotely using the Blynk mobile/web app.

Advantages:

· Greater Flexibility

· Fast and efficient enough

· Higher efficiency and productivity

· Enhanced precision

· Improved safety

· Improved production safety

· Improvement in current working conditions

Reasons while consideration of Robotic Arms:

· Load: All types of robotic arms have a given load capacity, and this manufacturer-specified number always needs to exceed the total weight of the payload involved in any job you expect the arm to perform (including tools and attachment.

· Orientation: This criterion is generally defined by the footprint and mounting position of the robotic arm, and how well it fits alongside the other equipment in your production line for the range of movements and manipulations it’s expected to perform. This will in turn influence where the arm can physically be positioned relative to the objects it will be moving.

· Speed: when choosing robotic arms for picking and placement applications, it’s important to pay attention to manufacturer ratings for speed, and especially in terms of acceleration over longer distances. Changes and upgrades to speed ratings can be achieved in some types of robotic arm through changes made to the choice of belts, motors or actuators used.

· Travel: If the application requires longer travel distances between payloads or work areas, this may dictate which sorts of robotic arms would be suitable or unsuitable for performing the task, depending on the tightness of tolerances required.

· Precision: For many industrial applications such as picking and placement, robotic arms capable of extremely precise repeatable movement may be an unnecessary expense. However, for tooling applications, precision will be a key consideration before most other factors. Again, changes and upgrades can be made to improve precision for certain types of robotic arm, but not all.

· Environment: Consideration of atmospheric conditions and potential hazards (including dust, dirt and moisture levels) in the immediate working environment will be important when choosing an appropriate type of robotic arm for a specific location.

· Duty cycle: This is essentially an evaluation of how intensively the robotic arm will be expected to perform, and for how long between ‘rest’ or maintenance periods. Wear and tear will obviously become a problem sooner for a robot arm that is run continuously, as opposed to one which is only operated during standard shift cycles.

Reasons while consideration of Robotic Arms:

Companies that deal in robotic arms:

· FANUC Robots: FANUC is also well-known for their large and powerful M-2000iA series robotic arms. This “Ultra Heavy Payload” class has a working capacity of up to 2300 kg! Of course, they make arms of all sizes in between as well. Their Paint Series robotic arm uses a top-of-the-line hydraulic system that is powerful enough for automobile painting but delicate enough for smaller powder-coating jobs. Finally, their mid-range arms can do everything from pick-and-place to welding and machine tending. FANUC has a robot for virtually every automation need.

· Universal Robots: Cobots are more popular now than ever, and they are quickly becoming a ubiquitous fixture in many factories. When you look back at cobot evolution, you will find Universal Robotics at the start of it all. Universal Robots introduced cobots to the industrial market. If you’re searching for a robotic arm for your factory, cobots may be on your list. If they are, it’s worth taking a look at the creator of these revolutionary and now commonplace machines.

· Yaskawa Electric: U1000 Industrial Matrix inverter drive is revolutionizing the industry. Additionally, Yasakawa offers several welding robots, cobots, and a variety of material handling robotic arms. Today, Yawaska is known for its high-quality and energy-efficient designs. Their Motoman line, in particular, is one of the most versatile lines of robot arms available. Available for everything from the assembly line to the food industry, these arms have reaches ranging from less than a meter to well over three meters. Customers can also choose between multi-axis, cobot, and delta robots.

· Kuka Robotics: When Kuka’s Quantec robotic arm came out, it went viral with commercial videos of it playing ping-pong. It’s an impressive machine that showcases unparalleled speed and precision. Since then, anyone who didn’t know the Kuka brand is now sure to be familiar with their line-up. From the small and quick Agilus line to the KR 1000 Titan (with a 1300 kg payload capacity and 3.6 m reach), Kuka produces a wide range of robotic arms.

· Staubli: Staubli is an economical choice for factories in need of SCARA, six-axis, and fast-picker robotic arms. They are also well known for their end-effectors and connectors. Staubli markets its products as fast and lightweight. They are ideal for lighter applications, like plastics, but also suitable for heavier jobs. If you’re just starting and want to make a smaller investment, Stäubli might be a great place to start.

· Pari Robotics: Founded in 1990, Pari holds the achievement of deploying over 1500 automated systems across the globe. The company has built a name as a manufacturing industry. Mainly, Pari Robotics deals in Automated Assembly, Automated Machining, Automated Logistics, and Automated Material Handling. Pari takes pride in being a complete ‘service provider’ for its customers. From producing automatic robotic arms and robot CNC machines to making the best industrial robots, Pari has you covered.

· Systemantics Robotics: Headquartered in Bangalore, India, Systemantics opened in 1995. Systemantics is a robot developer and manufacturing robot company. The company has achieved a hallmark in the automation industry by developing underwater robots, table top robot arms and walking machines. Currently, Systemantics is working on 6 DOF Hybrid Robot System which is under Beta Testing.

· Janyu Tech: Janyu technologies is a manufacturing and supplying company in the field of human enabling collaborative robots. They are located in Vasai, Maharashtra, India, and export their products globally. Their products include industrial robotics, defense robotics, pick and place robotic arms, and more. Their robotic systems are designed to handle repetitive tasks while shielding humans from hazardous work environments.

Components Required:

Hardware:

· Node MCU

· Servo Motor

· Breadboard

· Jumper Wires

· USB Cables

Software:

· Arduino IDE

· Blynk cloud server

Real-Time Implementation:

Block Diagram: