Task execution in industrial automation : comparing traditional, hyperredundant, and continuum robots

Abstract

The study examines the differences in tasks performed between conventional rigid-link robots and hyper-redundant and continuum robots working in industrial automation. The demand for flexibility, accuracy, and sustainability in industries across the globe makes it imperative to understand the various robot architectures' strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, this research investigates the performance of these three robots in real-world working environments and how practitioners assess the respective efficiencies of the robots for various industrial tasks.

The semi-structured interviews form a qualitative research methodology and were undertaken along with five professional respondents originating in Dubai, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. The perspective on operational performance, problems being faced, and readiness for adoption of high-tech robots varied according to the valued perspectives suggested by the participants from different sectors. The thematic analysis indicated that stark contrasts exist among different kinds of robot evaluations conducted by industries; traditional robots are preferred for stable and repetitive tasks, while hyper-redundant and continuum robot systems are more preferred since they can be more flexible, adaptive in performance generation in complicated and environment-specific scenarios.

High potential advanced robots are still facing the challenges of prohibitive initial investment, technical complexities, and a dearth of experts to support such operations, especially in developing regions. The study recommends selection of robotic systems on the basis of task complementing investment in more effective training for sustainable automation. Contributes to the understanding of practitioners globally with regard to engineering perception, and making very wise decisions and choices toward international industrial adoption of robotics