The controller of the industrial robots serves as the robot’s brain. It allows the industrial robot to operate. All industrial robots are integrated with controllers to instruct the robot about its operation code. The robot will operate through a code called a program. Then, the programs are inputted into the robot sends the information to its central processing unit. The central processing unit is a small chip equipped in the robot to run the program.

The robots control system has two categories:

1. Pre-programmed control systems
2. Autonomous robotic control systems

The sensors are used to provide the robots with their workspace feedback. Microphones and vision systems are the most popular sensor types that serve as the robot’s ears and eyes. There are different categories of sensors including:

• Contact sensors. It is characterized by a push button, pressure pads, contact switches, and sensors.
• Distance sensors. Distance sensors can be defined by ultrasonic range finders, bend sensors, infrared sensors, and more.
• Positioning sensors. This sensor includes GPS, room navigation, and other live tracking devices.
• Rotation sensors. Examples of rotation sensors is gyroscopic devices and potentiometers.
• Environmental sensors. Typical examples of these sensors are sound sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, gas sensors, and more.

All kinds of industrial robots have similarities in terms of their build. Each industrial robot is designed with an arm. It is where the end effector of a robot is positioned. The industrial robot arm comes in a wide range of sizes and designs. It features a human arm resemblance that has parts like wrists, elbows, shoulders, and more.

All the arm parts enable the robot to properly connect the end effectors so it can perform different applications. The degree of axis or freedom is possible because of the robot arm parts. Typically, an industrial robot’s arm is similar to a human’s with 6 axes.

End effectors are sometimes called EOAT or end-of-arm tooling. Each end effector has a variety of designs such as welding torches, vacuum pumps, or grippers according to different applications. These are positioned at the robot arm’s end. It serves as the industrial robot’s hand. End effectors can be directly contacted by the object that is manipulated by the robot.

Industrial robots are equipped with drives that function as motor or engine. It is responsible for moving the different robot parts. Most industrial robot drives have different powers including pneumatic, electrical, and hydraulic.

• Electric drives. These drives are less powerful compared to pneumatic and hydraulic.
• Hydraulic drives. It has increased speed and power.
• Pneumatic drives. It is commonly used for smaller industrial robots.

It is a robotic manipulator that can be placed at the end effector to allow different abilities and functions. Through the robotic grippers, the robots are allowed to be used in pick and place, assembly, and production lines.

The motors and joints of industrial robots are responsible for accurate, precise, repeatable movements. A typical robot motor is known as an actuator. There are different types of robotic motors such as:

• CD or AC motors
• Servo motors
• Stepper motors
• Linear actuators

Stationary industrial robots should be mounted securely to do their job safely. Several mounting systems or bases can be used:

• Pedestal mount
• Modular mounting systems

Industrial robots are commonly used for dangerous, dull, and dirty applications. Therefore, it is designed with safety components for safe working conditions and operation.

The vision system allows industrial robots to detect an object. It also enables the robot to identify whether the object is a vehicle, forklift, or person. This system makes the industrial robot more intelligent.