Regarding the application of robotic arms

　　Robotic manipulators are an inevitable outcome of the development of industrial production. They are automated technological devices that mimic certain functions of the human upper limbs, delivering workpieces or holding tools according to pre-set requirements. The emergence and application of this innovative technological equipment play a crucial role in achieving industrial automation and further promoting the advancement of industrial production; thus, they possess strong vitality and have garnered widespread attention and popularity. Robotic manipulators used in industrial production vary considerably in their structural designs and technical complexity, depending on the specific application scenarios and operational demands. Nevertheless, all such manipulators share similarities with human arms, wrists, and hands in terms of movement patterns and functional capabilities, and generally can perform tasks automatically and repeatedly in accordance with predetermined programs. Moreover, there are also certain automated devices that exhibit partial movements akin to those of the human upper limbs; although their mechanical structures closely resemble those of industrial robotic manipulators, they can still be classified under the category of industrial robotic manipulators. For example, early on there was the manually operated follow-along robotic manipulator controlled directly by ropes, as well as more recently developed robotic manipulators operated manually (such as balance cranes), and some non-full-automatic single-cycle manipulators controlled via nearby buttons or remote control.

　　The overall design of a robotic manipulator requires comprehensive and integrated consideration, aiming as much as possible to achieve a simple, compact structure that is easy to operate, safe and reliable, convenient for installation and maintenance, and economically viable. The application of robotic manipulators in industrial production spans nearly all sectors; summarized, these applications can be broadly categorized into the following areas.

　　1. Implement automation with standalone systems

　　Many highly efficient, specialized processing devices that have emerged in production—such as various dedicated machine tools—will see their full potential unrealized if auxiliary operations like workpiece loading and unloading continue to be performed manually. This not only increases the physical workload of workers but also prevents these specialized devices from operating at their optimal efficiency, thereby inevitably hindering improvements in labor productivity. By replacing manual loading and unloading with robotic manipulators, we can address this mismatch, achieve automated production on a single machine, and create the conditions necessary for supervising multiple machines simultaneously. Examples include automatic machine tools equipped with loading/unloading robots, stamping robots, injection molding machines paired with material-handling robots, and so forth.

　　2. Assemble an automated production line

　　Building on the foundation of standalone automation, if robotic arms are employed for automatic loading, unloading, and conveying of workpieces, several individual units can be linked together to form an automated production line. Currently, robotic arms are particularly widely used in production lines for shaft-like and disc-like workpieces to achieve automated manufacturing. Examples include: automated production lines for shaft machining equipped with loading/unloading robotic arms; automated production lines for disc machining equipped with robotic arms; and loading/unloading robotic arms for gear-machining lathes, among others.

　　3. Automation of high-temperature operations

　　Working in high-temperature environments (such as heat treatment, casting, and forging). Workers face heavy physical labor and poor working conditions; therefore, the use of robotic manipulators becomes particularly practical—for example, robotic manipulators for quenching automotive leaf springs and robotic manipulators for die-casting machines.

　　4. Operating tools

　　Using robotic arms to hold tools and perform automated operations in environments characterized by high temperatures, dust, or harmful gases can free workers from harsh working conditions, reduce labor intensity, enhance productivity, and ensure product quality. Examples include spot welding of thin steel sheets for automobile bodies, as well as automated painting or automatic shot blasting and sand removal processes.

　　5. Perform special operations

　　In modern science and technology, the applications of atomic energy, the development of seabed resources, and interstellar exploration have all become familiar to people. However, environments such as radioactive radiation, the deep sea, and outer space are often inaccessible or difficult for humans to directly reach. By using remotely operated robotic arms to perform these tasks in place of humans, we can not only accomplish these specialized operations but also carry out work safely and continuously over extended periods—making this approach an effective means for humanity to venture into new frontiers of nature.

　　Robotic manipulators can replace human hands in performing heavy and repetitive tasks, significantly reducing workers’ physical exertion, improving working conditions, and enhancing labor productivity as well as the level of production automation. In industrial production, where handling bulky and heavy workpieces and performing long-term, frequent, and monotonous operations are common, the use of robotic manipulators proves highly effective. Moreover, these manipulators excel in operating under extreme conditions—such as high temperatures, low temperatures, deep water, outer space, radioactive environments, and other toxic or polluted settings—further demonstrating their superiority and holding great potential for future development.

　　The applications of robotic manipulators in industrial production are diverse. To enable these machines and robots to play an even greater role, it is also important to develop and integrate other complementary auxiliary equipment. As robotic manipulator technology continues to advance, its adaptability will become stronger and its applications will expand further.