6 Types of Industrial Robotic Arms and Their Applications

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.

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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.

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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.

What are Manufacturing robots and what can they do?

Manufacturing robots are machines which can perform repetitive tasks with speed, precision, and consistency. They're ideal for hazardous or tedious jobs humans can&#;t or don&#;t want to do. Robots can:

• Assemble products with intricate components like electronics or medical devices.
• Handle heavy, awkward or dangerous materials without risking worker injury.
• Work continuously without breaks.
• Improve productivity and quality.

When choosing a robot, consider your needs and budget. Options range from simple pick-and-place robots which will repeatedly move objects from one location to another, to sophisticated robots with vision systems and machine learning capabilities which can see, think and make decisions.

• Articulated robots, most commonly found in the form of a Six-Axis robotic arm, have multiple joints and can handle complex assembly. They offer flexibility but at a higher cost.
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• Cartesian or linear robots move along an X, Y, and Z axis, good for simple pick and place or dispensing applications. More affordable but less flexible. Often, these robots are attached to a ceiling gantry and follow a predetermined track, freeing up space on your shop floor.
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• SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) robots have two parallel axes and are ideal for assembly and packaging. They provide speed and precision at a lower cost than Articulated robots.
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• Collaborative robots or "Cobots" work safely alongside humans. They tend to be smaller than non-collaborative peers but are endlessly flexible, easy to program and inexpensive. Great for small assembly tasks.

Leading robotics companies include FANUC, Yaskawa, ABB, Standard Bots and Universal Robots. Research each vendor and their various models to determine what best suits your needs and budget. With the variety of options available, there&#;s likely a robot that can help optimize your manufacturing operations.

The future is automated, so start exploring how robotics can benefit your business today!

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7 key considerations when choosing a Manufacturing robot

Choosing the right Manufacturing robot is a big decision. These advanced machines can streamline your operations and boost productivity, but only if you select one that truly fits your needs. Here are six key things to consider:

• Application and task. What exactly do you want the robot to do? Assembly, welding, painting, packaging and palletizing are common use cases in a manufacturing environment. Some robots are designed for specific applications, while others are more flexible. Think about the precise movements and tasks required.
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• End Effector: End effectors, or &#;grippers&#;, refer to the device attached to the end of your robot which allows it to carry out a given task. This can range from a simple jaw gripper to complex, single-task end-effectors like a drill, a sander or even a glue gun. 
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• Payload and reach. Payload refers to the maximum weight a robot can lift and move, while reach indicates how far it can extend to access its working area. Make sure any robot you're considering can handle the necessary payloads and has a suitable reach for your facility layout and production line. Remember, the payload will include the weight of your selected end-effector.
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• Environment. Consider the environment the robot will operate in. Some are rated for clean rooms, some for outdoor use, and others for hazardous locations with flammable materials or chemicals. Choose a robot that is properly sealed and rated for your specific environment.
  
  If your robot is going to be working around humans, you may want to use a Collaborative Robot which has built-in safety features like automatic collision detection.
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• Mobility. Will your robot remain in a stationary position while working? If you need a robot that can move between multiple workstations, look at wheeled, rail-mounted or Autonomous Mobile robots. Fixed-base robots are cheaper but stationary.
  
  Decide if the added cost of mobility and the additional complexity of programming is worth the increased flexibility. For most applications, a stationary robot with a movable base is the right balance of mobility, flexibility and cost.
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• Interfaces. How will the robot interface with other equipment like conveyors, presses or quality control systems? Check that it offers the necessary interfaces, software and programming capabilities to properly integrate with your other manufacturing machinery. Complex integrations can quickly rack up initial investment costs.
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• Budget. Of course, budget is always a consideration. Robot prices can range from $25,000 up to $500,000 or more for large, high-precision or heavy-payload units. Compare prices and capabilities to find an option that gives you the best value for your investment.
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With some upfront evaluation of your needs and options, you can choose a Manufacturing robot that will help take your operations to the next level of efficiency and productivity. The right robot is out there, you just have to find it!

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Top 4 Manufacturing robotics companies

ABB

ABB is one of the world&#;s largest robotics manufacturers, based out of Switzerland and producing over 300,000 robots installed worldwide. Their robotics division provides Manufacturing robots for tasks like welding, material handling, assembly, and packaging. Some of their most popular models are the IRB , IRB , and YuMi.

YuMi is ABB&#;s collaborative dual-arm robot designed to work safely alongside humans. It&#;s ideal for small parts assembly, testing and sorting, and light industrial processes. The IRB is ABB&#;s largest robot, designed for heavy-duty applications like automotive body construction, aerospace part handling, and die casting.

The IRB is ABB&#;s most versatile and widely used robot, suitable for a range of industrial tasks at a lower price point.

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FANUC

FANUC is a Japanese pioneer in industrial automation and robotics. They produce over 500 robot models used for tasks such as welding, painting, assembly, pick and place, palletizing, and packaging. Their robots are used extensively in the automotive industry but are also popular for general industrial automation.

Some of FANUC&#;s most popular robotics include the R-iC, M-20iA, and LR Mate series. The R-iC is FANUC&#;s flagship robot, offering high performance and reliability for heavy-duty jobs. The M-20iA and M-10iA are smaller, table-top robots ideal for compact workspaces.

FANUC&#;s LR Mate series offers collaborative lightweight robots for work alongside humans. They have payloads up to 35 kg and 6 axes of motion.

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KUKA

Germany-based KUKA is one of the biggest robotics companies globally, with over 200,000 robots installed. They produce Industrial robots for manufacturing automation, especially in the automotive industry. However, their robots are also used in general industry, healthcare, consumer goods, and more.

Some of KUKA's most well-known robots are the KR Quantec, KR Cybertech, and LBR iiwa. The KR Quantec is KUKA&#;s heavy-duty robot, capable of lifting up 1,300 kg. The KR Cybertech is Kuka's precise, fast, and compact robot.

The LBR iiwa is KUKA&#;s lightweight Collaborative robot, designed to work directly with humans. It has 7 axes of movement and haptic sensors to detect contact with people or objects.

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Standard Bots

Standard Bots is headquartered in New York and builds each of its robots in a US-based facility. While Standard Bots is much younger than the incumbents mentioned above, they have quickly established themselves as a go-to choice for manufacturers with CNC milling, machine tending and welding requirements.

Their flagship robot, RO1, is capable of lifting 18 kg - a heavier payload than any other robot in its class - as well as moving faster and more precisely than competitors. Despite this, RO1 starts from $5/hour and is programmable without any prior coding knowledge.