Robot types

Robots are available in a variety of different guises and therefore offer different levels of flexibility, precision, reach and payload. The benefit of this diversity to users is that for most applications, there will be a robot type that is ideally suited to the task at hand. The types of robots that currently make up most of the industry sales today are shown below.

Six-axis articulated arm-type robots.

This is probably the most widely used type of robot due to a combination of factors including:

• A highly flexible large working envelope
• The dexterity available from the six axes configuration
• High levels of repeatability
• Ability to perform linear and circular interpolation
• A broad range of robot sizes and payload capabilities
• These types of robots can generally be floor-mounted, wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted to best suit the application

Six-axis robots are commonly used for applications such as MIG & TIG welding, sealing & glueing, machine loading and unloading, part transfer, and some assembly tasks. This type of robot is also able, depending upon the model type, to handle payloads from just a few kilograms up to and over 2,000 kg.

SCARA robots (Selective compliance assembly robotic arm)

The characteristics of SCARA robots, where they have a level of compliance in the horizontal plane but are rigid in the vertical plane, make them ideal for assembly applications.

This type of robot is also extremely fast, repeatable and accurate. This has enabled SCARA robots to find their way into a wide range of pick-and-place applications. Although less common than six-axis type robots, SCARA robots remain a popular choice for applications in various industries.

These sectors include electronics, medical, pharmaceutical and food sectors where cleanroom and washdown versions of these robots are widely used. Typically, they have four joints which includes a linear vertical joint.

Cartesian robots

There is a wide range of Cartesian robots, ranging from small X / Y systems, which may be used to perform pick and place applications over a small area, to large gantry robot systems which can span up to 100 metres or more.

Cartesian robots can be commonly found performing de-moulding operations on Injection Moulding Machines, where their simple X, Y, Z axis systems are often all that are required to remove parts from the machine and deposit them onto a conveyor.

The rigid construction of cartesian robots, together with their ability to span great distances, makes them the ideal solution for a wide range of applications, including palletising, material handling, machine loading & unloading.

It’s also possible to have certain types of cartesian robots fitted with additional axes (fourth, fifth, and sixth) to add greater flexibility, or as seen in the image above, have one or more six-axis robots mounted under the gantry for the ultimate combination of working range and flexibility. Their high rigidity makes them highly accurate and repeatable.

Delta robots

The Delta robot type has an unusual configuration, and although they have a shallow rectangular working envelope, are very fast. Their ability to operate at very high speeds makes them the ideal solution for many applications within the food and packaging sectors. Here, they’re increasingly being used to pick and place lightweight products such as biscuits, chocolates and cakes – to name a few.

Delta robots gain their speed through the fact that the heavy mechanical parts, such as the motors, are all mounted at the top of the robot on a frame. This means that the main moving parts are just the light arms and wrist assembly. The limited working range of a delta robot does restrict the number of applications where it is a suitable solution.

Collaborative robots (COBOTS)

Collaborative robots, or COBOTS, are the latest types of robot. As the name suggests, they’re aimed at applications where the robot and a human operator can work closely to complete a series of tasks.

Unlike traditional six-axis industrial robots, collaborative robots operate without traditional safety guarding. The objective is often that the collaborative robot performs the repetitive operations best suited to automation, freeing the human operator to perform other tasks.

Collaborative robots are generally smaller and have a lighter payload capacity than their industrial robot cousins. They incorporate a series of hardware and software safety features, such as integrated collision detection and soft surfaces, to enable them to share the same workspace as the human operator.

Although many collaborative robots look similar in configuration to traditional six-axis robots, some variants incorporate two arms to provide additional functionality and flexibility. Some even have cameras and HMI (human machine interface) units incorporated into their structure.

By comparison to other robot types, collaborative robots are still relatively new to the industry. Therefore, it’s not yet certain how many new areas will see the introduction of this type of robot, or indeed whether they will replace other robot types in some applications.

Although many collaborative robots look similar in configuration to traditional six-axis robots, other variants incorporate two arms to provide additional functionality and flexibility. Some even have cameras and HMI (human machine interface) units incorporated into their structure.

For more information on collaborative robots.

Learn more