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A Comprehensive Guide To Types Of Robotic Arms

October 13, 2023 21 MINS

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A robotic arm, often programmable, emulates the functions of a human arm. This mechanical limb can either constitute the entirety of a robot’s mechanism or form a vital component within a more intricate robotic system.

Thanks to advancing technology, robots are steadily becoming part of various industrial processes, allowing humans to sidestep monotonous, hazardous, or demanding tasks.

Unraveling the Mechanics of Robotic Arms

These programmable mechanical arms feature joints and axes, allowing for both rotational and linear movements. Their primary role is to control the end-effector, which is the part of the robot responsible for interacting with the environment to accomplish specific tasks.

Various types of robotic arms have significantly improved safety and efficiency across diverse industries, including manufacturing, military surveillance, healthcare, transportation, and research. 
Explore Dorna’s offerings in the realm of industrial automation, where its robotic arms have left a significant mark on various industries.

A Look at Different Robotic Arm Types

This blog covers the top six types of robotic arms, offering insights into their essential characteristics, applications, and benefits. While there may be some overlap in their use cases, each type possesses unique features, making them suitable for distinct purposes.

Articulated robotic arms

An Articulated robotic arm

True to its name, an articulated robot arm closely articulates a human arm in terms of form, mechanical movement, and configuration. It is one of the most prevalent types of robotic arms for industrial automation. 

Featuring a single mechanical arm attached to a base with a twisting joint, articulated arms are highly flexible. Multi-axis robots, a common subset of articulated arms, offer four to six axes of motion, allowing for a broad range of applications such as arc welding, spot welding, painting, assembly, material handling, palletizing, and more.

Key CharacteristicsApplicationsAdvantages
Multiple joints or axes of rotationManufacturing – Assembly, welding, painting, and material handlingVersatile and adaptable
High dexterity and flexibilityHealthcare – Surgery and rehabilitationPrecise and accurate
Mimics human arm movementsAerospace – Aircraft assembly and maintenanceCan execute complex movements

Cartesian robotic arms

A Cartesian robotic arm

These robots are also known as gantry robots or linear robots and are characterized by their three linear axes of motion, similar to the Cartesian coordinate system. These arms move in straight lines along the X, Y, and Z axes, making them ideal for tasks requiring precision in a defined workspace. They are prized for their ability to adjust speed, precision, stroke length, and size, making them suitable for CNC machines and 3D printing.

Key CharacteristicsApplicationsAdvantages
Three linear axes of motion (X, Y, Z)CNC machining: Milling, drilling, and cuttingHighly precise and repeatable
Ideal for tasks in a fixed workspace3D printing and additive manufacturingWell-suited for structured environments
Rectilinear movementsMaterial handling in warehousesSimplified programming

SCARA robotic arms

A SCARA robotic arm

Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) combines three axes of motion (X, Y, and Z) with rotational motion. SCARA arms are designed for applications that require fast and precise horizontal movements. They have two parallel joints that provide compliance in the vertical direction while remaining stiff horizontally. This design is advantageous for tasks like pick and place operations.

Key CharacteristicsApplicationsAdvantages
Four degrees of freedom (two joints and two linear axes)Electronics manufacturing: PCB assembly, soldering, and packagingHigh-speed operation
Fast and precise horizontal movementsFood processing: Sorting and packagingExcellent repeatability
Limited vertical complianceLaboratory automationCompact design for limited space

Delta robotic arms

A Delta robotic arm

Also known as parallel robot arms, these robots feature three arms connected to a common base. Their dome-shaped design facilitates delicate and precise movements along with exceptional speed and precision in high-speed pick and place applications. Delta robots are often used in industries where rapid movement is crucial.

Key CharacteristicsApplicationsAdvantages
Three arms connected to a baseFood packaging: Sorting, filling, and sealing Exceptional speed and throughput
High-speed operationPharmaceutical packagingHigh repeatability
Excellent accuracy in a limited workspaceElectronics assemblyIdeal for delicate objects

Collaborative robotic arms (Cobots)

A Dorna Robotic Arm - which is a Collaborative robotic arm (Cobot)

Cobots or collaborative robotic arms are designed to work alongside humans, safely. They feature advanced sensors and safety systems that allow them to detect and respond to human presence. Cobots are versatile and can handle various tasks, making them suitable for industries that require human-robot collaboration.

Key CharacteristicsApplicationsAdvantages
Safety features for human-robot collaborationSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Machine tending, quality control, and assemblyEnhanced safety for humans
Easily reprogrammableHealthcare: Surgical assistance, rehabilitation, and patient careQuick setup and reprogramming
Designed for flexibilityAgriculture: Harvesting and crop inspectionIncreased productivity in collaborative environments

Polar robots

A Polar robot

Better known as spherical robots, these robots have an arm with two rotary joints and one linear joint connected to a base with a twisting joint. This configuration grants them the ability to operate within a spherical work envelope, allowing for multi-dimensional movement. 

These robotic arms are known for their precision, versatility, and suitability for various industries, making them invaluable tools in tasks that demand intricate and precise handling of objects from different angles and orientations.

Key CharacteristicsApplicationsAdvantages
Spherical work envelope for multi-dimensional movementManufacturing: Die casting, injection molding, weldingExceptional precision
High precision and speedMedical: Surgical assistance, rehabilitationAdaptability to diverse tasks
Versatility in handling objects from various anglesElectronics: Delicate component handlingEfficiency and productivity enhancements

Shopping for Robotic Arms?

Robotic arms are being produced today with a varied range of configurations to tailor to as many specific applications as possible. They are excelling in almost all industrial tasks, whether it’s swift movements for packaging, precise operations in manufacturing, or seamless collaboration with human workers. 

Dorna caters to this diverse range of robotic arm applications with its adaptable robotic arms and an extensive selection of accessories. creating an ecosystem that is both highly capable and user-friendly. Automation with Dorna is cost-effective and easily accessible, and its robots not only meet specific requirements but also elevate overall productivity.

Industrial automation has surfaced as an innovative means for enterprises to maintain a competitive edge. Understanding their automation choices thoroughly empowers these businesses to seamlessly integrate them into their manufacturing processes and maximize efficiency.

Explore industrial automation for your business with Dorna!

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