Robotic Arms: Extending a Helping Hand

A robotic arm is a type of robot that can beoptimum performance in activities that require precise
manipulated to function in similar ways that a humanmovements and tasks where speed and repetition are
arm does. Some robotic arms are used for tasks incritical. The parts of a SCARA robot lend themselves
the home but they find their use mostly in industrialeasily to protective sealing which is why SCARAs can
activities. Robotic Arm Favorites There are severalfunction even under water. Other applications for
types of robotic arms but the most widely used areSCARA robotic arms are: - Stacking and de-stacking -
the SCARA and Cartesian robots. Cartesian roboticDispensing - Welding There are also space issues
arms are also called gantry or rectilinear robots andassociated with the SCARA robot. They are tall
they are popular with manufacturing companiesequipment so they require a lot of vertical space. Also,
because they are able to move in many linearSCARA robots are difficult to operate. Other Types
directions. Cartesian robot arms are effective in tasksThere are also other types of robotic arms that
that require pick and place, assembly work andprovide solutions to most manufacturing concerns.
welding among others. Cartesian robots are also highlyThese are: - Spherical Robot. This is also referred to
effective in sealing work such as the placement ofas a polar robot and is normally used for welding, tool
adhesives. Other applications that Cartesian robotichandling and die casting. - Cylindrical Robot. These
arms are suitable for include: - Repetitive tasks thatrobots are used for sealant application, assembly tasks
involve a lot of data handling as in research andand machine tool handling. - Articulated Arm. This robot
development - Handling and loading of machines -has at least three joints and is used in spray painting
Cellphone and circuit board production - Palletizingand welding tasks. Cartesian or SCARA? A question
functions While Cartesian robots operate with highthat mostly plagues manufacturers when considering
precision, there are drawbacks associated with thisthe use of robotic arms is which type to choose.
type of robotic arm. Space size is a major issue withSCARAs and Cartesians are the most widely used
Cartesian robots as these equipment demand spacesand business owners are usually torn between the
much larger than those occupied by SCARA robots.two. In order to determine which system is most
Additionally, Cartesian robots are rendered useless insuitable for your operations, it is vital to narrow down
underwater operations. SCARA robotic arms functioncore responsibilities that you want your robotics
much in the same way as a human arm would andsystem to handle. Generally, you should go for the
can even simulate certain elbow functions. This type ofrobot arm that can perform the widest range of tasks
robotic arm is favored by manufacturers for manyin a given production situation. But if that doesn't work,
reasons. Most notable is the fact that SCARA robotsyou can always consider your options from a
are speedy and sturdy equipment. They providebudgetary point of view.