Power Drive in Robotics

Power Drive in Robotics

1. Hydraulic drive:- 

These systems are generally used in heavy industries for large strength. often these systems can be observed on construction sites, heavy steel plants, etc. Hydraulic drive and electric drive arc the two main types of drives used on more sophisticated robots. Hydraulic drive is generally associated with larger robots. The usual advantages of the hydraulic drive system are that it provides the robot with greater speed and strength. The disadvantages of the hydraulic drive system are that it typically adds to the floor space required by the robot and that a hydraulic system is inclined to leak on which is a nuisance. it is also environmental friendly because it does not cause a fire.
This type of system can also be called as non-air powered cylinders. In this system, oil is used as a working fluid instead of compressed air. The hydraulic system needs a pump to generate the required pressure and flow rate. These systems are quite complex, costly and require maintenance. 
these systems can also be designed to actuate the linear and rotational joints. 

• high-speed
• high strength
• simple mechanism
• used for heavy payloads

2. Electric drive:- 

Electric drive systems do not generally provide as much speed or power as hydraulic systems. However, the accuracy and repeatability of electric drive robots are usually better. Consequently, electric robots tend to be smaller. 
Require less floor space, and their applications tend toward more precise work such as assembly. In this system, power is developed by an electric current. It required little maintenance and the operation are noiseless. 

• higher accuracy
• less floor space
• easy maintenance
• low cost

3. Pneumatic drive:- 

The pneumatic drive is generally reserved for smaller robots that possess fewer degrees of freedom (two- to four-joint motions). In this system, the air is used as a working fluid, hence it is also called air-powered cylinders. Air is compressed in the cylinder with the aid of pump the compressed air is used to generate power with the required amount of pressure and flow rates. 

• smaller unit
• large cycle rate
• easy maintenance
• simple assembly