Delta robots are
umbrella-shaped robots designed to mimic the movement of the hand.
This robot is ultra fast, however, so they can operate with much
more accuracy and speed than people. Also known as parallel-link
robots or spider robots, delta robots are often an excellent
alternative to expensive all-in-one automation systems.
In delta robots, the motors are fixed within the frame, ensuring
that mass and resistance stay above the workspace and away from the
ultra-light arms and end-of-arm tooling. Delta robots are usually a
light payload robot with tooling that might include a gripper
finger, vacuum cup, a gripper arm or another custom application.
Because of their unusual construction, delta robots can move their
arms with exceptional dexterity within their workspace in the x and
y axes, but usually with limited movement along the z axis. Their
work envelope is generally more controlled and limited than an
articulated robot work envelope. Delta robots will require 4 or more
axes to complete a task as simple as moving an item from a bin to a
box, or as complicated as grasping pill bottles or moving flat items
into a standing position or other types of part reorientation.
Delta robots’ exceptional dexterity make them an excellent choice
when choosing precision assembly robots, a pick and pack robot as
well as a pick and place robot. These high productivity robots are
often good choices for robotic packaging solutions. Adding vision
technologies allows this series of robots to complete more intricate
tasks such as placing irregular food items into boxed compartments,
such as transferring food items into boxes.
Delta robots are also suitable for use in plants with strict health
and safety regulations. They can be configured to comply with food
manufacturers standards for equipment washdown. Motors can be
isolated in enclosures to ensure that food or pharmaceutical product
is protected from potential contaminants such as lubricants,
fragments of metal or plastic, or dust.
Delta robots are practical choices to perform repetitive tasks
quickly and consistently. This solution is especially useful when
replacing human activity that causes mental fatigue or repetitive
motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain or
tendinitis.