Automation and robotics are undeniably important in today’s industry. They make it easier, more precise, and less error-prone to manufacture large and delicate components. Because of these benefits, industrial robots have become a key driving factor in a variety of industries, increasing production and cost efficiency. Here, we demonstrate five different types of industrial robots that are now in use.
1.Articulated Robots
Articulated robots are mechanical arms with rotating joints that move like a human arm. These robots can have two, ten, or more axes (degrees of freedom), providing considerable flexibility and precision in industrial applications. The number of axes on an articulated robot increases its range of motion, making it perfect for complicated and dynamic automation jobs.
These robots are frequently equipped with sensors, cameras, and end-effectors (tools) such as welding torches, grippers, or painting nozzles, allowing them to execute a variety of tasks. Because of their flexibility, they are now among the most widely used industrial robots.
Applications
Welding – Spot and arc welding in car manufacturing. Painting – Automated robotic arms ensure even coatings. Assembly – Robots handle screws, bolts, and component placements.
2.Cartesian Robots
Cartesian robots, also known as gantry robots, are linear-motion robotic systems that move in three perpendicular directions (X,Y, and Z). Cartesian robots, as opposed to articulated robots with rotating joints, move in a straight line, making them extremely precise and stable.
These robots are built on a solid frame (often a gantry system), allowing them to handle enormous work areas and heavy loads with great precision. They’re widely employed in industrial automation, CNC machining, and pick-and-place operations.
Applications
Used in CNC milling, laser cutting, and 3D printing for precision machining. Automated sorting and packaging of products in logistics and warehouses.
3.SCARA Robots (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm)
SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) robots are high-speed, precision arms that operate horizontally with restricted vertical motion. They have a stiff structure vertically but are flexible horizontally, making them excellent for assembly and pick-and-place activities in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and small-scale automation.
SCARA robots typically have four degrees of freedom (DOF) and excel in activities that need speed, accuracy, and repetition, such as circuit board assembly, packaging, and lab automation.
Applications
PCB Assembly – Placing microchips and soldering electronic components. Battery & Display Assembly – Handling fragile screens and circuit parts. Quality Inspection – High-speed scanning for defect detection.
4.Delta Robots
Delta robots are high-speed, parallel-link robots developed for precise and quick pick-and-place operations. They have three arms attached to a shared base, allowing them to move quickly in a dome-shaped workplace with excellent precision. Delta robots are commonly utilized in industries that require speed and accuracy, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Delta robots, with their lightweight frame and low inertia, are among the fastest industrial robots, making them perfect for high-speed sorting, packaging, and assembly applications.
Applications
Sorting & Packaging – Used in food assembly lines for precise placement. Pick-and-Place – Handles bakery items, chocolates, and snack products. Quality Control – Detects defects in food processing.
5.Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are meant to work securely with humans, as opposed to standard industrial robots, which operate in separate areas. Cobots have advanced sensors, force detection, and AI-driven programming, which allows them to interact, adapt, and learn from their surroundings.
Unlike traditional robots, which focus on automation, cobots prioritize human-robot collaboration to increase productivity, flexibility, and safety in areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Applications
Assisting in Assembly Lines: Works with humans to assemble parts efficiently. Robotic Surgery Assistance: Cobots help surgeons with precision movements. Medical Sample Handling: Used in laboratories for drug testing and automation.
Advantages of Industrial Robots
Improved Productivity: 24/7 operating with little downtime.
Increases precision and consistency: Reducing human error and improving product quality.
Safety: Minimizes occupational injuries in dangerous environments.
Cost efficiency: Reduces labor costs over time.
Disadvantages of Industrial Robots
High initial investment: Expensive setup and maintenance.
Job Displacement: Lowers demand for manual work.
Complex programming: Necessitates competent operators for configuration and troubleshooting.
Each type of industrial robot is best suited to a certain task, and each has advantages and disadvantages. As a result, choosing the proper industrial robot for a certain function is critical since it increases efficiency and provides optimal performance for the intended application.
