Methods to Decrease Power Consumption in Industrial Robotics

Abstract

This paper shows the possibilities and methods of decreasing power consumption in industrial robotic systems.The authors characterize different mechanical procedures to reduce the consumption by using alternative types of robots. In this context, one of the approaches not requiring changes in the existing hardware (such as robots or transporters) is to program the parameters of a robot with an energy optimal motion or trajectory. This option can be employed only in point-to-point movements and is not applicable in all types of production.The robot idling and homing times depend on the actual process; however, simple speed and acceleration adjustment can minimize the idling time and lower the energy consumption. Multiple programs are available for simulating robot behavior, but only a small portion of these can provide energy consumption data to the programmer. Yet, if this function is implemented, it usually remains unused. The present article outlines the operational potential of these simulators in applications designed to project robot parameters ensuring optimal energy consumption. A significant part of industrial robots or robotic systems perform only lift-and-drop tasks; here, the energy generated during a downward motion can cover the peaks occurring when, for example, a robot accelerates with a heavy object. Thus, there is a viable possibility of recuperating the discussed type of energy.