With the advancement of semiconductor technology and the growing demand for smarter, safer, and more efficient systems, industrial robots have undergone significant transformations in recent years. At the core of this transformation is the use of advanced embedded processors that adopt a system-on-chip (SoC) architecture, integrating various components including peripherals and hardware accelerators. These processors play a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of industrial robots, enabling them to perform tasks accurately, quickly, and reliably. In this article, we will delve into the role of highly integrated embedded processors in driving the development of industrial robots.

Industrial robots refer to automated machines used to perform various tasks in industrial environments, such as articulated robotic arms (Figure 1). The range of tasks performed by these robots is vast, from simple assembly operations to complex manufacturing processes like welding, painting, and material handling.

Embedded processors are used to control the movements of robotic arms and actuators, process data from various sensors, and make real-time decisions based on environmental feedback. They enable robots to execute tasks more precisely, efficiently, and autonomously, thereby increasing productivity and reducing the need for human intervention in industrial processes.

Highly integrated embedded processors such as Texas Instruments’ AM68A, AM69A, TDA4VM, TDA4VH-Q1 typically combine various components into a single chip, including a central processing unit (CPU), on-chip memory, input/output (I/O) interfaces, dedicated hardware accelerators, and vision processors. These devices are designed to handle various tasks, including motion control, sensor data processing, communication, and real-time decision-making.

Compared to discrete solutions, higher integration improves the energy efficiency of embedded processors and reduces heat dissipation, which is a critical factor in industrial applications. The lower power consumption of robotic computing modules means power can be allocated to other critical systems, or overall power consumption can be reduced, enhancing the energy efficiency of robots. Additionally, embedded processors with advanced power management features help extend the battery life of battery-powered robots.

Finally, integration helps simplify the overall system design, making it easier to install alongside other systems in robots. This can shorten data transfer times between components, improving performance, as the closer the components are within the robot, the less wiring is needed, thus reducing system costs and weight.

Texas Instruments, as an advanced chip supplier, offers highly integrated embedded processors for industrial robot applications. Our product range provides a comprehensive selection of embedded processors designed to meet the stringent requirements of industrial automation. Our processors are designed to meet customers’ needs for system performance, power consumption, and safety in various industrial environments.

When combined with open-source software (available in the TI Developer Zone) and a broad ecosystem of hardware and software third-party partners, these devices help streamline the design process, fostering innovation and accelerating the application of robots in industrial environments.

As robots become increasingly intelligent and autonomous, and able to collaborate more reliably with human operators, the use of highly integrated embedded processors in industrial robots is expected to continue to grow. The future development in this field is likely to focus on further improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of embedded processors, as well as integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning into more robotic control systems.

With ongoing innovation and advancement, highly integrated embedded processors will play a crucial role in shaping the future of industrial robots.