With the rapid development of science and technology, the robotics industry is increasingly prosperous in China. As a core technology in the field of robotics, docking system (Docking System) plays a pivotal role in automation and intelligent production. In this article, we will introduce the principle, application and development trend of docking system in detail, and provide dry goods for the practitioners to share.

1.Overview of Docking System

Definition of

Docking system, also known as docking device, is a device that enables robots or other automation equipment to realize accurate and reliable positioning and connection during operation. It is widely used in various types of robots, automated production lines, logistics and warehousing.

Classification

Based on the different ways of docking, the docking system can be classified into the following:

(1) Mechanical Docking: Docking is realized through mechanical structures, such as gears, cams, etc.

(2) Electromagnetic docking: docking is realized by electromagnetic force, e.g. electromagnet, permanent magnet, etc.

(3) Optical docking: use of optics to achieve docking, such as lasers, infrared and so on.

(4) Ultrasonic docking: the use of ultrasound to achieve docking.

2. Docking systems in the robotics industry

Automated production lines

In automated production lines, the docking system is the key to realizing the precise docking between the robot and the workstations and equipment. The following are a few typical application scenarios:

(1) Welding robots: When welding robots perform welding operations, they need to be accurately docked to the workpiece. Welding quality and efficiency can be improved by docking system.

(2) Handling robots: Handling robots need to realize precise docking with conveyor lines, shelves, etc. during the handling process. The docking system helps to improve handling speed and stability.

(3) Assembly robots: Assembly robots need to switch between multiple stations to complete the assembly of parts. The docking system ensures a smooth assembly process.

Logistics and warehousing

In the field of logistics and warehousing, the docking system is mainly used in the following scenarios:

(1) Automated guided vehicles (AGVs): in the process of traveling, the AGVs need to be docked precisely with the shelves, workstations, etc. to realize accurate docking. The docking system improves the operational efficiency and safety of AGVs.

(2) Intelligent shelves: Intelligent shelves realize rapid docking with handling robots through the docking system to improve the speed of goods access.

Service robots

In the field of service robots, docking systems are also widely used, such as:

(1) Charging docking: when service robots have insufficient power, they can realize automatic docking with charging piles through docking systems. charging pile through the docking system to complete the charging process.

(2) Functional Module Interchange: Some service robots are equipped with modularized design, and through the docking system, the functional modules can be quickly replaced to realize the application of different scenes.

2. Docking system development trend

Increase in precision: with the development of sensors, control systems and other technologies, the precision of the docking system will be continuously improved to meet the application of higher requirements of the robot.

Speed Improvement: High-speed docking technology will become the future development trend to meet the increase in production efficiency.

Intelligent: through the introduction of artificial intelligence technology, the docking system can realize autonomous adjustment, fault prediction and other functions, so as to improve the level of system intelligence.

Networking: the docking system will exchange data with other equipment and systems to form an intelligent network, providing more efficient services for production, logistics and other fields.

Docking system, as a key technology of the robotics industry, has a broad development prospect. With the continuous growth of China's robotics industry, docking system will play an important role in more fields. The majority of practitioners should pay attention to the development of docking technology, and constantly innovate to contribute to the prosperity of China's robotics industry.