The robotic arm is a significant piece of the robotic machinery industry. The different types of robotic arms tend to fascinate the audience with their speed and strength. However, the usage and application of the same remain a mystery to many. This article will broadly speak about the different robot arm types and their industrial applications to provide you with a better understanding of efficient decision-making. So, keep reading.
Robots are no longer just found in sci-fi. With the development of technology, robots are becoming more and more integrated into our daily tasks. This helps humans to avoid repetitive, dangerous, difficult or even impossible tasks.
The different types of robot arms, which are one of the main parts of an industrial robot, are often referred to as robotic manipulators. These robotic arm types are programmable and are connected via joints or axes to allow rotational or linear movement.
The end-effector must be moved and controlled by robotic arms to finish a particular application. Different types of industrial robot arms have subsequently improved safety and efficiency in industries including manufacturing, military surveillance and armament, healthcare, transportation, and research.
Different Types Of Robot Arms At A Glance
A collection of robotic devices is collectively referred to as "robotic arms." The uses of these several robot types frequently overlap. However, each kind has unique features that often allow it to be more effective than other robotic arms for particular jobs. Various robotic arm types include:
- 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
Several manufacturers and industry experts are using different types of robotic arms to automate their tasks, enhance their workers' safety, and increase their overall efficiency and productivity. Moreover, many robotic arm types can reduce wastage and operating costs as well. Industrial robots are becoming more and more prevalent in various types of industries. This section will explore the main types of industrial robots available on the market.
Articulated Robot Arm
An articulated robot arm resembles the human arm and allows mechanical movement and configuration. It is one of the most common types of robotic arms for industrial automation. It features a single mechanical arm attached to a base with a twisting joint.
Six-axis robots are the most common type of articulating robot, and they generally feature four to six axes, allowing for a wider range of motion. They can automate many different robotic applications, including arc welding, spot welding, painting, assembly, material removal, material handling, palletizing, and many more.
Cartesian Robot Arm
Cartesian robot arms are also known as linear robots or gantry robots. These are the types of industrial robots that work on three linear axes using the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, and Z). This means they move in straight lines on three different axes (up and down, in and out, and side to side). This is why this type of robotic arm is quite popular amongst industrialists and manufacturers who are looking for higher flexibility in their configurations.
These robots provide users with the ability to adjust the speed, precision, stroke length, and size of the robot arm. Cartesian robots are positioned in the market for small applications and are often used for CNC machines and 3D printing.
Cylindrical Robot Arm
Cylindrical robots are another type of robotic arm designed around a single-arm capable of moving up and down vertically. They have a rotary joint at the base and a prismatic joint to connect the links. These robots are very compact and cover small and simple tasks such as assembly, machine tending, or coating applications. This type of robotic arm is achieved with a rotating shaft and an extendable arm that supports vertical and sliding movements.
Delta Robot Arm
Delta robot arms are also referred to as "parallel robot arms" as they facilitate three arms connected to a single base mounted over a workspace. These types of robot arms have high-speed options and are thus used for automation.
Moreover, these robot arms have a unique design in the form of a dome shape that is capable of delicate and precise movements at high speeds. This is because all three arms directly control every joint of the end effector. These types of robotic arms are a great choice for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.
Polar or Spherical Robot Arm
Polar robots, also known as spherical robots, feature a base coupled to an arm with two rotational joints and one linear joint. The robot's axes combine to create a polar coordinate, enabling it to have a spherical work envelope. One of the first industrial robot categories to ever be created is the Polar Robot. Die casting, injection moulding, welding, and material handling are popular uses for polar robots.
SCARA Robot Arm
Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm or Selective Compliance The Articulated Robot Arm is referred to by the abbreviation SCARA. The three-axis (X, Y, and Z) motion of SCARA robots is combined with rotational motion. Compared to Cartesian robots, SCARA robots perform better in lateral motions, move more quickly, and integrate more readily. SCARA robots are typically employed for biomedical applications, palletizing, and assembling.
Conclusion
We hope our readers are familiar with all the information regarding the different types of robotic arms available on the market. Understanding in detail these different types of robotic arms makes a prospective impact on your organisation. Every industrial company requires tools that make workers' lives easier, help them adapt to a changing environment, and are reasonably priced. We think cobots meet every requirement. They are a powerful tool to automate your business and rework outdated procedures. We are available at all times to ensure that you get the most out of your robotic arms. Contact our specialist to discuss robotic arms or anything else.
