You're starting a new manufacturing project. What robotic arms should you use?

1 Types of robotic arms

Robotic arms can be classified into different types based on their structure, movement, and configuration. Cartesian arms have three linear axes that move in a rectangular coordinate system, making them simple, fast, and precise but with limited reach and flexibility. Cylindrical arms have one linear axis and one rotational axis that move in a cylindrical coordinate system, making them more flexible but with less speed and accuracy. Spherical arms have two rotational axes and one linear axis that move in a spherical coordinate system, making them more compact but with less stability and precision. SCARA arms have four axes that move in a horizontal plane and are designed for high-speed and high-accuracy applications such as pick-and-place, assembly, or inspection. Articulated arms are the most flexible and versatile type of robotic arm, but also the most complex and expensive due to their multiple joints that allow them to move in any direction.

2 Size of robotic arms

The size of the robotic arms is another important factor to consider for your manufacturing project. The size determines the payload, reach, and footprint of the robotic arms. The payload is the maximum weight that the robotic arm can lift or handle. The reach is the maximum distance that the robotic arm can extend from its base. The footprint is the space that the robotic arm occupies on the floor or the wall. Depending on your project's requirements, you need to choose the right size of robotic arms that can perform the tasks efficiently and safely without wasting space or resources.

4 Accuracy of robotic arms

The accuracy of the robotic arms is the degree to which they can perform a task with minimal errors or deviations. The accuracy depends on the type, size, and design of the robotic arms, as well as the environmental and operational factors, such as temperature, vibration, or wear and tear. The accuracy of the robotic arms can affect the quality, consistency, and efficiency of your manufacturing project. You need to ensure that the robotic arms can perform the task with the desired level of accuracy and precision, and that they can maintain or adjust their accuracy over time and under different conditions.

5 Cost of robotic arms

The cost of the robotic arms is the amount of money that you need to invest in buying, installing, operating, and maintaining the robotic arms. The cost depends on the type, size, and quality of the robotic arms, as well as the availability, compatibility, and integration of the robotic arms with your existing equipment and systems. The cost of the robotic arms can affect the profitability, scalability, and sustainability of your manufacturing project. You need to compare the initial and ongoing costs of the robotic arms with the expected benefits and returns of the task. For example, if you need to perform a complex or specialized task, such as assembling or painting, you might be willing to pay more for a high-quality and flexible robotic arm. On the other hand, if you need to perform a simple or standard task, such as sorting or stacking, you might be able to save money by using a low-cost and simple robotic arm.