In manufacturing, several types of robots are commonly used to enhance efficiency, precision, and safety. The main types include articulated robots, SCARA robots, Cartesian robots, Delta robots, and collaborative robots (cobots). Each of these robots serves specific functions and is designed for different tasks, making them valuable assets in a manufacturing setting.
Articulated robots are among the most versatile types, featuring rotary joints and typically having a range of motion similar to a human arm. They are ideal for tasks requiring complex movements, such as assembly, painting, and welding. For example, articulated robots can weld car bodies together, allowing for complex joint configurations that improve strength and stability. SCARA robots, on the other hand, are designed for quicker, horizontal movements and are often used in assembly tasks like inserting components into printed circuit boards. Their design allows for high precision in limited space.
Cartesian robots, also known as gantry robots, operate on three linear axes (X, Y, and Z). They are particularly useful for tasks that require straightforward movement, such as pick-and-place operations in packaging lines. Delta robots, with their unique design of three arms connected to a common base, excel at high-speed tasks, often used for packaging small items or food products efficiently. Lastly, collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to safely work alongside human operators. These robots are beneficial in tasks that require human oversight, reducing workplace injuries while allowing humans and machines to work together effectively. Each type of robot contributes to optimizing production in different manufacturing processes.