Top 10 Robotic Arm Brand & Manufacturers

What is a Robotic Arm?

A robotic arm, also known as a manipulator, is a mechanical device that mimics the movement of a human arm. It is composed of a series of connected links and joints, usually with an end - effector at the end. The end - effector can be a gripper, a welding tool, a painting nozzle, or other specialized tools depending on the application. Robotic arms are designed to perform a wide range of tasks such as picking and placing objects, welding, painting, assembly, and inspection in various industries like manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and logistics.

History of Robotic Arm

The concept of the robotic arm dates back to the early 20th century. The first industrial robotic arm was developed in the 1950s and 1960s. George Devol and Joseph Engelberger are credited with the development of the first programmable robotic arm, which was used in industrial settings for tasks such as material handling. Over the years, advancements in technology such as computer - controlled systems, improved sensors, and more precise actuators have led to the evolution of robotic arms. From simple pick - and - place operations, they have expanded to perform complex tasks in a wide range of fields. The development of artificial intelligence and machine learning in recent decades has also enhanced the capabilities of robotic arms, allowing them to adapt to different tasks and environments more effectively.

Purpose of Robotic Arm

• Manufacturing and Assembly: In manufacturing plants, robotic arms are used to assemble products with high precision and speed. They can handle small components such as screws, bolts, and electronic parts and place them accurately in the assembly process. For example, in the production of smartphones, robotic arms are used to assemble the internal components and attach the screen and casing.
• Material Handling: Robotic arms are excellent for moving materials from one place to another. They can lift and transfer heavy objects in warehouses or factories, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing efficiency. In logistics, they can load and unload packages from conveyor belts, trucks, or storage racks.
• Welding and Joining: For welding applications, robotic arms provide consistent and accurate welds. They can follow a programmed path precisely, ensuring the quality of the weld joint. This is crucial in industries such as automotive and construction where the strength and integrity of the welded parts are essential.
• Painting and Coating: When it comes to painting or coating surfaces, robotic arms can apply an even layer of paint or coating. They can control the spray pattern, thickness, and coverage area, resulting in a more uniform finish compared to manual painting. This is beneficial in industries like automotive manufacturing and furniture production.

Principle of Robotic Arm

Robotic arms operate based on the principles of kinematics and control systems. Kinematics involves the study of the motion of the robotic arm's links and joints. The position and orientation of the end - effector are determined by the angles of the joints and the lengths of the links. Control systems are used to command the movement of the joints. These systems receive input signals such as target positions or trajectories and calculate the necessary joint angles and velocities to achieve the desired movement. The movement can be programmed in advance or controlled in real - time using sensors that provide feedback about the arm's position, the object it is interacting with, and the surrounding environment.

Features of Robotic Arm

• Precision and Accuracy: Robotic arms can achieve a high level of precision in their movements. They can position the end - effector with sub - millimeter accuracy, depending on the model and application. This precision is crucial for tasks such as micro - assembly, where small components need to be placed with extreme accuracy.
• Repeatability: Once programmed, a robotic arm can repeat the same task with a high degree of consistency. The repeatability of the movement ensures that each operation is carried out in the same way, leading to high - quality and reliable production processes. This is especially important in manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Speed and Efficiency: Robotic arms can work at a much faster pace than human operators in many tasks. They can quickly move between different positions and perform operations without breaks or fatigue. This speed and efficiency can significantly increase productivity in industrial settings.
• Versatility: With the ability to change the end - effector, a robotic arm can be adapted to perform a wide variety of tasks. For example, a robotic arm used for picking and placing objects can be converted to a welding or painting tool by simply changing the end - effector and reprogramming the movement patterns.[!--empirenews.page--]

Types of Robotic Arm

• Cartesian Robotic Arm: Also known as a rectilinear robotic arm, it has three linear joints that move along the x, y, and z - axes. These arms are known for their simplicity and high precision in positioning. They are often used in applications such as 3D printing and CNC machining where precise positioning in a three - dimensional space is required.
• Cylindrical Robotic Arm: This type of robotic arm has a cylindrical coordinate system. It consists of a vertical linear joint and a rotary joint around the vertical axis, and a linear joint along the radius. Cylindrical robotic arms are suitable for tasks that require a combination of vertical and rotational movements, such as loading and unloading cylindrical objects.
• Spherical Robotic Arm: Spherical robotic arms have a spherical coordinate system. They have a rotary joint around a vertical axis, a rotary joint for elevation, and a linear joint for the radius. These arms are useful for applications where a wide range of motion in different directions is needed, such as in inspection and surveillance tasks.
• Articulated Robotic Arm: The most common type, articulated robotic arms have a series of rotary joints that mimic the movement of a human arm. They offer a high degree of flexibility and can reach around obstacles. These arms are widely used in manufacturing, assembly, and material handling tasks.

Precautions for using Robotic Arm

• Programming and Training: Operators need to be properly trained in programming and operating the robotic arm. They should understand the programming languages and software used to control the arm's movements. Incorrect programming can lead to collisions, damage to the arm or the work environment, and safety hazards.
• Safety Precautions: Robotic arms have powerful motors and moving parts that can cause serious injury. Safety fences, light curtains, and emergency stop buttons should be installed to protect workers. The robotic arm's workspace should be clearly defined and restricted to authorized personnel only.
• Maintenance and Inspection: Regular maintenance is essential to keep the robotic arm in good working condition. This includes checking the joints, motors, sensors, and end - effectors for wear and tear. Lubrication of the moving parts and calibration of the sensors should be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Object and Environment Considerations: When programming the robotic arm, it's important to consider the characteristics of the objects it will handle. The weight, shape, and surface properties of the objects can affect the gripping and handling operations. The environment in which the arm operates, such as temperature, humidity, and dust levels, can also impact its performance and reliability.

Things to consider when purchasing Robotic Arm

• Task Requirements: Consider the specific tasks the robotic arm will perform. This includes the type of operations (e.g., picking and placing, welding, painting), the size and weight of the objects to be handled, and the required precision and speed. Choose a robotic arm that is suitable for the intended application.
• Workspace and Reach: Determine the size of the workspace and the reach of the robotic arm. The arm should be able to cover the entire area where the tasks will be performed. Consider the height, width, and depth of the workspace and make sure the arm's reach and range of motion are sufficient.
• Payload Capacity: The payload capacity of the robotic arm is the maximum weight it can handle. Make sure the arm can support the weight of the objects it will manipulate, including the weight of the end - effector. Overloading the arm can lead to reduced performance and damage to the equipment.
• Cost and Return on Investment: Consider the initial cost of the robotic arm, as well as the long - term operating and maintenance costs. Calculate the potential return on investment by estimating the productivity gains and cost savings that the robotic arm will bring. Compare different models and brands to find the most cost - effective solution.

Terms of Robotic Arm

• End - Effector: The tool or device attached to the end of the robotic arm. Examples include grippers, welding torches, and painting nozzles. The end - effector is what interacts directly with the objects or the work surface.
• Joint: A connection point between two links of the robotic arm. The movement of the joints determines the overall motion of the arm. Joints can be rotary or linear, depending on the type of robotic arm.
• Link: The rigid segments that connect the joints of the robotic arm. The length and shape of the links affect the arm's reach and range of motion.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Kinematics: The study of the motion of the robotic arm's links and joints. It involves calculating the position, velocity, and acceleration of the end - effector based on the joint angles and link lengths.