Robotic Arms: Different Types and When to Use Them

Robotic arms are among the most recognizable types of robotic equipment used in modern industrial environments. Their remarkable speed, precision, and strength often capture people’s attention, yet many are still unfamiliar with their actual functions and practical applications. This article provides a general overview of robotic arms in industrial fields, helping you understand their capabilities and determine whether they are suitable for your needs.

Types of Robotic Arms

The phrase “robotic arm” refers to a wide range of robotic systems designed for different tasks. Although many robotic arms share similar functions, each design has unique characteristics that make it better suited for specific applications. Common types of robotic arms include:

Articulated arms

Six-axis robots

Collaborative robots

SCARA robots

Cartesian robots

Cylindrical robots

Spherical or polar robots

Parallel or Delta robots

Anthropomorphic robots

Articulated Robotic Arms

Articulated robotic arms are versatile machines that usually contain five or more joints or movement axes. This category represents a broad family of industrial robots, including six-axis robots and collaborative robots.

Because of their high flexibility and wide range of motion, articulated arms are used in many different industries. They are capable of performing various tasks and are among the most widely adopted robotic solutions in manufacturing environments.

Six-Axis Robots

Six-axis robots are the most common form of articulated robotic arms used today. Their six degrees of freedom provide excellent flexibility, allowing them to move similarly to a human arm.

Due to their adaptability and ability to handle many different applications, six-axis robots have become a standard choice in industrial automation. They are easily recognized as the classic robotic arms commonly seen in factories.

Collaborative Robots

Collaborative robots, often called cobots, are robotic arms specifically designed to operate alongside human workers. Unlike traditional industrial robots that usually require safety barriers, cobots include advanced safety features that reduce risks when working in shared spaces.

This type of robot is relatively new compared with traditional robotic systems, and industries continue to discover new ways to apply them. As more companies recognize their advantages, collaborative robots are becoming increasingly important in modern manufacturing.

SCARA Robots

SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm. These robotic systems are designed with limited flexibility compared with articulated robots.

Although their movement range is more restricted, this specialized design provides advantages in certain applications. SCARA robots are particularly effective for tasks that require fast and precise horizontal movements, such as assembly and pick-and-place operations.

Cartesian Robots

Cartesian robots are rigid robotic systems that operate within a three-dimensional coordinate system. They are typically built using three linear actuators that control movement along the X, Y, and Z axes.

One actuator controls side-to-side movement, another manages vertical motion, and the third controls forward and backward movement. Because of their straightforward design and accuracy, Cartesian robots are commonly used for smaller-scale industrial applications.

Cylindrical Robotic Arms

Cylindrical robots are designed around a vertical structure that allows the robotic arm to move upward and downward while rotating horizontally. The arm can also extend and retract to complete assigned tasks.

These robots have a compact structure and are generally used for simple operations that do not require complex movements. Their smaller footprint makes them suitable for limited-space applications.

Spherical or Polar Robots

The first modern industrial robots were based on spherical, also known as polar, designs. Although they are less common today, they played an important role in the development of industrial automation.

Spherical robots are similar to cylindrical robots, but instead of using a vertical linear axis, they include an additional rotating axis that allows vertical movement. Their simple construction makes them suitable for basic tasks that do not require extremely high speed or complicated motions.

Parallel or Delta Robots

Parallel robots, also known as Delta robots, are designed for high-speed automation tasks. Their unique mechanical structure allows them to achieve extremely fast movement while maintaining accuracy.

These robots are especially suitable for lightweight operations that require rapid handling, such as sorting, packaging, and picking small objects. Their speed makes them valuable in industries where efficiency is a priority.

Anthropomorphic Robots

Anthropomorphic robots are among the less common robotic systems found in industrial environments. These robots are designed with human-like features, often including two or more arms and a friendly appearance.

They are usually used in collaborative settings where robots interact closely with human operators. Their human-inspired design allows them to perform tasks in environments where cooperation between people and machines is necessary.