Robotic arms play a pivotal role in the robotics industry, captivating with their remarkable speed and strength. Yet, their applications and functionalities remain unclear to many. This article aims to demystify robotic arms by exploring their types and industrial uses, helping you make informed decisions.
Often referred to as robotic manipulators, these arms are key components of industrial robots. They are programmable and connected by joints or axes that enable rotational or linear movement, making them highly versatile.
Robotic arms control and maneuver the end-effector to perform specific tasks. Their adaptability has revolutionized industries by enhancing safety and efficiency. Today, robotic arms are integral to sectors such as manufacturing, military surveillance and armament, healthcare, transportation, and research.
Different Types of Robot Arms at a Glance
"Robot arms" is a term that encompasses a range of robotic devices, each designed for specific tasks. While their uses often overlap, each type of robotic arm has unique features that make it more suited for certain applications. Here are the key types of robotic arms:
- Articulated Arm
- Six-Axis Arm
- Collaborative Robot Arm
- SCARA Arm
- Cartesian Arm
- Cylindrical Arm
- Spherical/Polar Arm
- Parallel/Delta Arm
- Anthropomorphic Arm
- Dual-Arm
6 Main Types of Robotic Arms and Their Uses
Manufacturers and industry experts are increasingly turning to various types of robotic arms to automate tasks, improve worker safety, and boost efficiency and productivity. Additionally, these robotic arms help reduce waste and operational costs. As industrial robots continue to gain popularity across different sectors, this section will delve into the primary types of industrial robots available on the market today.
Articulated Robot Arm
The articulated robot arm mimics the human arm, providing mechanical movement and flexibility. It is one of the most common types of robotic arms used in industrial automation. Typically, it consists of a single mechanical arm attached to a base with a rotating joint. Six-axis articulated robots are particularly common, featuring four to six axes for a broader range of motion. These robots automate various applications, including arc welding, spot welding, painting, assembly, material handling, palletizing, and more.
Cartesian Robot Arm
Also known as linear or gantry robots, Cartesian robot arms operate along three linear axes using the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, and Z). This enables them to move in straight lines in three directions: up and down, in and out, and side to side. These robots are popular among industrialists seeking high flexibility in configurations. Users can adjust their speed, precision, stroke length, and arm size. Cartesian robots are often used in CNC machines and 3D printing for small to medium-scale applications.
Cylindrical Robot Arm
Cylindrical robots feature a single arm that moves vertically with a rotary joint at the base and a prismatic joint connecting the links. They are compact and well-suited for small, simple tasks like assembly, machine tending, or coating applications. These robots are capable of vertical and sliding movements thanks to their rotating shaft and extendable arm, making them ideal for applications requiring flexibility in confined spaces.
Delta Robot Arm
Delta robot arms, also known as parallel robots, consist of three arms connected to a single base mounted above the workspace. Known for their high-speed capabilities, these robots excel at performing delicate and precise movements quickly, thanks to the direct control of each joint by the three arms. Their unique dome-shaped design makes them ideal for applications in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Polar or Spherical Robot Arm
Polar, or spherical, robots feature a base connected to an arm with two rotational joints and one linear joint. This configuration creates a spherical work envelope, allowing for a wide range of motion. Polar robots were among the first industrial robots developed and are commonly used in die casting, injection molding, welding, and material handling.
SCARA Robot Arm
The SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) is known for its combination of three linear axes (X, Y, and Z) and rotational motion. SCARA robots are faster, more efficient in lateral movements, and easier to integrate compared to Cartesian robots. They are widely used in applications such as biomedical tasks, palletizing, and assembly, where precision and speed are critical.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has provided you with a thorough understanding of the different types of industrial robotic arms available on the market. Gaining detailed knowledge about these options can have a significant impact on your organization. Every industrial company needs tools that not only ease workers' tasks but also help them adapt to changing environments and remain cost-effective. We believe collaborative robots (cobots) fulfill all these requirements. They offer a powerful solution to automate your business and modernize outdated processes. Our team is always available to help you make the most of your robotic arms. Contact our specialists today to discuss robotic arms or any other inquiries you may have.
