Types of Manipulators and Their Applicable Machines

I. Articulated Robots 

• Structure: Multiple rotary joints (typically 6 axes), resembling a human arm.

• Characteristics: High flexibility, large workspace, ability to reach around obstacles.

• Applicable Machines/Machinery:

  • Welding Machines: Spot welding, arc welding cells.

  • Painting Booths: Automated spray painting systems.

  • Machine Tools: CNC machine tending for milling, turning centers.

  • Assembly Lines: Complex assembly stations (e.g., automotive final assembly).

II. SCARA Robots 

• Structure: Two parallel rotary joints + one linear Z-axis.

• Characteristics: High speed, rigid in vertical direction, compact footprint.

• Applicable Machines/Machinery:

  • Pick-and-Place Machines: High-speed placement in packaging, electronics assembly.

  • Screw Driving Machines: Automated fastening stations.

  • Dispensing Machines: Adhesive, sealant, or solder paste application.

  • Assembly Workstations: Small parts assembly (e.g., electronics, appliances).

III. Delta / Parallel Robots

• Structure: Three or four arms connected to a common base and moving platform via parallelograms.

• Characteristics: Extremely high speed and acceleration, lightweight.

• Applicable Machines/Machinery:

  • High-Speed Packaging Lines: Primary and secondary packaging machines.

  • Sorting Systems: Conveyor-based sorting lines.

  • Pharmaceutical Machines: Blister packaging, vial filling lines.

  • Food Processing Equipment: Bakery, confectionery handling systems.

IV. Cartesian / Gantry Robots

• Structure: Three linear axes (X, Y, Z) arranged perpendicularly.

• Characteristics: Rigid, high accuracy, large workspace, simple control.

• Applicable Machines/Machinery:

  • CNC Machine Tools: Loading/unloading parts.

  • 3D Printers: Additive manufacturing systems.

  • Pick-and-Place Machines: Large-format material handling.

  • Inspection Systems: Coordinate Measuring Machines.

  • Dispensing Systems: Large-area adhesive application.

V. Collaborative Robots 

• Structure: Often based on articulated design with built-in safety features.

• Characteristics: Safe for human interaction, easy programming, no fencing required.

• Applicable Machines/Machinery:

  • Assembly Benches: Human-robot collaborative assembly.

  • Machine Tending: Small machine tools, injection molding machines.

  • Laboratory Equipment: Automated lab analysis systems.

  • Quality Inspection Stations: Vision inspection cells.

VI. Cylindrical Robots

• Structure: One rotary base + one linear vertical + one linear radial axis.

• Characteristics: Simple design, good for confined spaces.

• Applicable Machines/Machinery:

  • Die Casting Machines: Part extraction.

  • Injection Molding Machines: Part removal.

  • Assembly Stations: Simple pick-and-place tasks.

VII. Spherical / Polar Robots

• Structure: One rotary base, one pivot shoulder, one linear radial arm.

• Characteristics: Large spherical workspace (now largely replaced by articulated robots).

• Applicable Machines/Machinery:

  • Historical Applications: Welding, machine tending in older installations.

Summary Table: Robot Types and Typical Applications