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What they do:
Teach pendants are handheld terminals that are used to control robot or machine movements from point to point, within a determined space. They consist of hanging control consoles furnished with either joysticks, push buttons or cam switches.
Primary Types and How They Work:
There are a number of teach pendants types available, depending on the type of application in which they will be used. One application is to simply monitor and control a robotics unit, then all that is needed is a simple control box. If additional capabilities are required, such as on the fly programming, then a more sophisticated type of box should be used.
They are equipped with switches, dials and push buttons through which data is relayed to the robotics unit. The connection between the pendant (operator) and the robotics unit (subservient), are generally established via an interconnected cable system.
The most common method of use is operator playback method. The operator programs the desired points of the robot, thus programming into the memory banks.
The usage of teach pendants is common, although it does have a few disadvantages. The operator must divert his/her attention away from the robotics for proper location of the push button. This can be solved by the use of a joystick type pendant, which is available on more advanced type pendants.
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