Speed, power and durability are key characteristics of industrial robots. These robots are typically used in applications such as welding or in lifting heavy components for vehicle assembly. Yet despite advanced calibration methods, the positional accuracy of industrial robots has been inadequate for certain tasks. This is now changing thanks in part to highly accurate, output-side encoders from Heidenhain and AMO.
The main driver behind this development has been the aerospace industry, because it must perform highly accurate machining operations on very large components. Machine tools would achieve the required level of accuracy with ease, but are either too inflexible or too expensive as special-purpose machines for the job sites and working spaces involved. A robot, however, can easily reach any position on a very large component, such as an aircraft fuselage, and can perform tasks such as drilling and milling.