A Revolutionary Journey in Automation

Industrial robots have revolutionised manufacturing and automation. From their humble beginnings to their current state as highly sophisticated machines, industrial robots have transformed production, efficiency, and precision. In this article, we’ll explore the history of industrial robots. This includes the key technological advancements that shaped their development, and how companies like FANUC have led the evolution of industrial automation.

History of Industrial Robots: The Early Beginnings of Industrial Robots

The concept of industrial robots began in the early 20th century when automation in manufacturing was still in its infancy. Interestingly, the term “robot” first appeared in the 1920 play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) by Karel Čapek. The play depicted mechanical beings capable of performing human-like tasks, thus laying the foundation for future developments in automation.

In the real world, the implementation of robots in manufacturing began in the 1950s when engineers and inventors started exploring machines that could perform repetitive tasks traditionally done by humans. Early models, while rudimentary by today’s standards, represented significant breakthroughs. As a result, these early robotic designs laid the groundwork for future industrial automation.

The First Real-World Robot: The Unimate

One of the earliest examples came from George Devol and Joseph Engelberger, who developed a device called the “Unimate,” a robotic arm designed to perform simple, repetitive tasks. In 1961, General Motors installed the Unimate at their plant in New Jersey. This event marked the world’s first industrial robot, capable of lifting and placing heavy items in manufacturing processes. Although the Unimate lacked the sophisticated sensors and artificial intelligence of today’s robots, it was a groundbreaking piece of technology that set the stage for future developments.

History of Industrial Robots | A New Era for Robotics

In 1961, General Motors became the first company to adopt the Unimate robot at their plant. This installation marked the beginning of a new era for industrial robots. While early robots like the Unimate were specialised machines that could perform only a limited set of tasks, they proved crucial in improving productivity, reducing human error, and enhancing safety on production lines.

Joseph Engelberger, often called the “father of robotics,” and George Devol worked together to refine the Unimate robot and bring it to market. Despite the high cost and specialised nature of these early robots, their impact was profound. As a result, manufacturers quickly saw the potential of robots to perform tasks like welding, painting, and material handling—tasks that were often dangerous or monotonous for humans.

Technological Advancements: 1970s to 1990s

By the 1970s, industrial robots had evolved rapidly, especially in the automotive industry. During this period, robots became more versatile, capable of handling a wider range of tasks. For example, the introduction of the “PUMA” (Programmable Universal Manipulation Arm) robot by Unimation in 1973 marked a significant breakthrough. The PUMA robot could be programmed for multiple applications, such as assembly, machine tending, and material handling.

The 1980s and 1990s brought further improvements in robotics technology. Engineers developed more advanced controllers, better sensors, and improved computer systems, which allowed robots to become even more precise and adaptable. With these advancements, robots were able to handle more complex tasks, such as assembling delicate electronic components and packaging pharmaceuticals. As a result, robots began to penetrate new industries beyond automotive manufacturing, including food processing, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

By the 1990s, industrial robots became indispensable across many industries. The ability of robots to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance product quality made them an attractive investment for manufacturers in various sectors.

History of Industrial Robots: The Emergence of FANUC Robots

FANUC’s story began in 1955 when Dr. Seiuemon Inaba, a young engineer, was selected to head a new project team at Fujitsu, Japan’s telecommunications giant. Within just one year, Dr. Inaba created the first numerical control (NC) system tailored for the Japanese private sector. This breakthrough set the stage for what would become a global leader in industrial automation.

As the company’s focus shifted, Dr. Inaba’s team expanded their efforts from automating single machines to transforming entire production lines. Under Dr. Inaba’s leadership, this new area of business grew rapidly, and in 1972, FANUC became an independent company.

FANUC’s core mission has always been to innovate and push the boundaries of automation. The goal was to enhance productivity, improve product quality, and reduce costs. Dr. Inaba’s team followed this vision by developing a robot designed to load machines. This was a key development that helped revolutionise industrial automation. This technology quickly spread across industries, with manufacturers worldwide reaping the benefits of reduced costs and boosted productivity.

Now, nearly 70 years after its first major success, FANUC remains one of the world’s leading manufacturers of factory automation. While technology has evolved, the company’s commitment to pushing the limits of automation has stayed the same. FANUC continues to support global manufacturing in enhancing production processes, offering cutting-edge solutions that drive efficiency and innovation.

The Rise of Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

The 21st century marked the emergence of collaborative robots, or cobots, which work alongside human operators in a shared workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots that operate in isolation behind safety barriers, cobots are designed to be smaller, more flexible, and safer. Therefore allowing them to collaborate directly with humans.

FANUC was also at the forefront of this new wave of robotics. In 2015, the company introduced the FANUC CR series, collaborative robots designed to work safely and efficiently alongside human workers. The CR series was equipped with advanced sensors. Thus allowing it to detect and respond to its environment in real time, making it suitable for applications like assembly, inspection, and packaging.

Collaborative robots offer small and medium-sized businesses a cost-effective solution for automation, as they can integrate cobots into existing production lines without the need for expensive safety barriers or extensive reconfiguration. This made automation accessible to a wider range of industries and businesses, enabling them to boost productivity without the hefty costs associated with traditional robots.

FANUC Robots: Leading the Way in Modern Automation

Today, FANUC continues to lead the industrial robotics industry with a diverse range of robots that handle various tasks, such as welding, painting, palletising, and machine tending. The company’s robots are known for their precision, durability, and ease of use. As a result, they are widely used across industries like automotive manufacturing, electronics assembly, food production, and pharmaceuticals.

FANUC’s robots can adapt to changes in production lines, which helps improve efficiency and reduce downtime. This adaptive learning makes FANUC robots ideal for a wide range of applications, from simple material handling to complex assembly tasks.

History of Industrial Robots | The Advantages of FANUC Robots

One of the key features that set FANUC robots apart is their ability to work safely alongside humans. The company’s cobots, including the CR and CRX series, feature sophisticated sensors that ensure safe operation in collaborative environments. These robots provide manufacturers with the flexibility of automation. Ultimately without the need for protective barriers, increasing productivity while maintaining worker safety.

FANUC robots are also known for their ease of integration into existing production lines. The company’s user-friendly interface and advanced programming capabilities make it easy for manufacturers to deploy robots quickly. Thus reducing downtime and speeding up the automation process.

A Bright Future for Industrial Robots

The history of industrial robots is a story of continuous innovation, from early mechanical arms to the advanced robots of today. Companies like FANUC have played a significant role in shaping this evolution. Such as by providing manufacturers with reliable, precise, and adaptable robotic solutions. As automation continues to progress, FANUC will remain at the forefront, developing robots that help businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure worker safety. The future of industrial robots is bright. FANUC’s ongoing innovations will undoubtedly continue to lead the charge in this exciting field.