EfficiencyX: Study of Energy Efficiency between Two Robotic Arms

Abstract

Optimization of the energy consumption of a Dorna 1 commercial robot was carried out by replacing the original materials of the links (aluminum) with a lighter and more resistant material (carbon fiber) with the aim of lowering the operating costs of the robot. For this reason, a reduction in the total mass of the robot of 11.08% was achieved by replacing the original materials. In addition, simulations were carried out using finite element analysis to verify that the mechanical resistance of the optimized parts was adequate according to the level of demand that occurs during the operation of the robot. Subsequently, a comparison of the energy consumption of the original robot and the robot with the optimized parts was carried out using the Internet-of-Things device. The tests were carried out at three different speeds—1000, 3000, and 9000 deg/min—for 15 min by executing a pre-established routine starting from home. The results showed that at all test speeds, there were energy savings, but the greatest energy savings occurred at the speed of 3000 degrees/min in the range of 3.66%. With this result, it has been shown that the integration of light materials in robots can achieve energy savings.