120 Industrial Robotics Fundamentals Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 6.1 Automated Systems and Subsystems Nearly all manufactured products are manufactured using some type of electro- mechanical system. A system is a combination of components that work together to form a unit. An electromechanical system transfers power from one point to another through mechanical motion that is used to do work. Work occurs when energy is transformed into mechanical motion, heat, light, chemical action, or sound. Punch presses that move up and down, rotating machinery, and robots are all examples of electromechanical systems. A robot is a unique type of system that may require several different types of components for proper operation. These various components are the subsystems that comprise a complete robot. When subsystems are combined, the result is referred to as a synthesized system. Familiarity with each of the subsystems and the location of each within the overall system is important to understanding the system itself, Figure 6-1. Various subsystems are used in virtually all automated systems. An elec- trical power system, for example, is needed to produce and distribute electrical energy. Hydraulic and pneumatic systems are used for motion and other func- tions. Light systems (also called photoelectronic or opto-electronic systems) are used for inspection operations and in many types of sensors. Mechanical systems are needed to hold objects for machining operations and to move parts and assem- blies on a production line. Although each system has unique features, these basic subsystems are common to all automated systems: an energy source, transmission path, control, load, and indicators. 6.1.1 Energy Source The energy source provides power for the system. The most common source of power for synthesized systems is alternating current (ac). In alternating current Load Indicator Control Transmission Path Energy Source Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 6-1. The basic parts of an automated system must work together or the system will not function properly.