Robotic Arms: Extending A Helping Hand

By Author: Jamie Hanson
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A robotic arm is a type of robot that can be manipulated to function in similar ways that a human arm does. Some robotic arms are used for tasks in the home but they find their use mostly in industrial activities.

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There are several types of robotic arms but the most widely used are the SCARA and Cartesian robots.

Cartesian robotic arms are also called gantry or rectilinear robots and they are popular with manufacturing companies because they are able to move in many linear directions. Cartesian robot arms are effective in tasks that require pick and place, assembly work and welding among others.

Cartesian robots are also highly effective in sealing work such as the placement of adhesives. Other applications that Cartesian robotic arms are suitable for include:
- Repetitive tasks that involve a lot of data handling as in research and development
- Handling and loading of machines
- Cellphone and circuit board production
- Palletizing functions

While Cartesian robots operate with high precision, there are drawbacks associated with this type of ...
... robotic arm. Space size is a major issue with Cartesian robots as these equipment demand spaces much larger than those occupied by SCARA robots. Additionally, Cartesian robots are rendered useless in underwater operations.

SCARA robotic arms function much in the same way as a human arm would and can even simulate certain elbow functions.

This type of robotic arm is favored by manufacturers for many reasons. Most notable is the fact that SCARA robots are speedy and sturdy equipment. They provide optimum performance in activities that require precise movements and tasks where speed and repetition are critical. The parts of a SCARA robot lend themselves easily to protective sealing which is why SCARAs can function even under water.

Other applications for SCARA robotic arms are:
- Stacking and de-stacking
- Dispensing
- Welding

There are also space issues associated with the SCARA robot. They are tall equipment so they require a lot of vertical space. Also, SCARA robots are difficult to operate.

Other Types
There are also other types of robotic arms that provide solutions to most manufacturing concerns. These are:
- Spherical Robot. This is also referred to as a polar robot and is normally used for welding, tool handling and die casting.
- Cylindrical Robot. These robots are used for sealant application, assembly tasks and machine tool handling.
- Articulated Arm. This robot has at least three joints and is used in spray painting and welding tasks.

Cartesian or SCARA?
A question that mostly plagues manufacturers when considering the use of robotic arms is which type to choose. SCARAs and Cartesians are the most widely used and business owners are usually torn between the two. In order to determine which system is most suitable for your operations, it is vital to narrow down core responsibilities that you want your robotics system to handle. Generally, you should go for the robot arm that can perform the widest range of tasks in a given production situation. But if that doesn't work, you can always consider your options from a budgetary point of view.

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