What is the purpose of industrial robotic arm?

20 May.,2024

 

6 Types of Industrial Robotic Arms and Their Applications

The robotic arm is a significant piece of the robotic machinery industry. The different types of robotic arms tend to fascinate the audience with their speed and strength. However, the usage and application of the same remain a mystery to many. This article will broadly speak about the different robot arm types and their industrial applications to provide you with a better understanding of efficient decision-making. So, keep reading.

View Details

Robots are no longer just found in sci-fi. With the development of technology, robots are becoming more and more integrated into our daily tasks. This helps humans to avoid repetitive, dangerous, difficult or even impossible tasks.

The different types of robot arms, which are one of the main parts of an industrial robot, are often referred to as robotic manipulators. These robotic arm types are programmable and are connected via joints or axes to allow rotational or linear movement.

The end-effector must be moved and controlled by robotic arms to finish a particular application. Different types of industrial robot arms have subsequently improved safety and efficiency in industries including manufacturing, military surveillance and armament, healthcare, transportation, and research.

Different Types Of Robot Arms At A Glance

A collection of robotic devices is collectively referred to as "robotic arms." The uses of these several robot types frequently overlap. However, each kind has unique features that often allow it to be more effective than other robotic arms for particular jobs. Various robotic arm types include:

  • Articulated arm

  • Six-axis arm

  • Collaborative robot arm

  • SCARA arm

  • Cartesian arm

  • Cylindrical arm

  • Spherical/Polar arm

  • Parallel/Delta arm

  • Anthropomorphic arm

  • Dual-arm

6 Main Types Of Robotic Arms And Their Uses

Several manufacturers and industry experts are using different types of robotic arms to automate their tasks, enhance their workers' safety, and increase their overall efficiency and productivity. Moreover, many robotic arm types can reduce wastage and operating costs as well. Industrial robots are becoming more and more prevalent in various types of industries. This section will explore the main types of industrial robots available on the market.

Articulated Robot Arm

An articulated robot arm resembles the human arm and allows mechanical movement and configuration. It is one of the most common types of robotic arms for industrial automation. It features a single mechanical arm attached to a base with a twisting joint. 

Six-axis robots are the most common type of articulating robot, and they generally feature four to six axes, allowing for a wider range of motion. They can automate many different robotic applications, including arc welding, spot welding, painting, assembly, material removal, material handling, palletizing, and many more. 

Cartesian Robot Arm

Cartesian robot arms are also known as linear robots or gantry robots. These are the types of industrial robots that work on three linear axes using the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, and Z). This means they move in straight lines on three different axes (up and down, in and out, and side to side). This is why this type of robotic arm is quite popular amongst industrialists and manufacturers who are looking for higher flexibility in their configurations. 

These robots provide users with the ability to adjust the speed, precision, stroke length, and size of the robot arm. Cartesian robots are positioned in the market for small applications and are often used for CNC machines and 3D printing.

Cylindrical Robot Arm

Cylindrical robots are another type of robotic arm designed around a single-arm capable of moving up and down vertically. They have a rotary joint at the base and a prismatic joint to connect the links. These robots are very compact and cover small and simple tasks such as assembly, machine tending, or coating applications. This type of robotic arm is achieved with a rotating shaft and an extendable arm that supports vertical and sliding movements.

Delta Robot Arm

Delta robot arms are also referred to as "parallel robot arms" as they facilitate three arms connected to a single base mounted over a workspace. These types of robot arms have high-speed options and are thus used for automation. 

Moreover, these robot arms have a unique design in the form of a dome shape that is capable of delicate and precise movements at high speeds. This is because all three arms directly control every joint of the end effector. These types of robotic arms are a great choice for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.

Polar or Spherical Robot Arm

Polar robots, also known as spherical robots, feature a base coupled to an arm with two rotational joints and one linear joint. The robot's axes combine to create a polar coordinate, enabling it to have a spherical work envelope. One of the first industrial robot categories to ever be created is the Polar Robot. Die casting, injection moulding, welding, and material handling are popular uses for polar robots.

SCARA Robot Arm

Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm or Selective Compliance The Articulated Robot Arm is referred to by the abbreviation SCARA. The three-axis (X, Y, and Z) motion of SCARA robots is combined with rotational motion. Compared to Cartesian robots, SCARA robots perform better in lateral motions, move more quickly, and integrate more readily. SCARA robots are typically employed for biomedical applications, palletizing, and assembling.

Conclusion

We hope our readers are familiar with all the information regarding the different types of robotic arms available on the market. Understanding in detail these different types of robotic arms makes a prospective impact on your organisation. Every industrial company requires tools that make workers' lives easier, help them adapt to a changing environment, and are reasonably priced. We think cobots meet every requirement. They are a powerful tool to automate your business and rework outdated procedures. We are available at all times to ensure that you get the most out of your robotic arms. Contact our specialist to discuss robotic arms or anything else.

Industrial Robotic Arms: An Overview

Industrial robotic arms are one of the most effective ways to automate industrial processes. Designed and programmed to assist or complete specific tasks – from manufacturing and welding to painting and palletising – robotic arms are a mainstay of the industrial world.

Industrial robotic arms have a number of advantages over traditional, manual production techniques. Not only is an industrial robotic arm an efficient and cost-effective investment, it can produce a superior product while also protecting your employees from industrial hazards.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of automating your production process, the expert team at Cyber-Weld is here to provide a detailed overview of industrial robotic arms. 

What Is an Industrial Robotic Arm?

An industrial robotic arm is a type of machine designed to complete industrial tasks. They’re also commonly known as ‘articulated robots’, and generally consist of a number of joints and axes that are said to resemble the movements and functions of a human arm.


An industrial robotic arm is commonly powered by some sort of motor and controlled by a computer interface. Robot arms are usually programmed to carry out what humans would consider to be repetitive or difficult tasks and, as such, they often have specialised attachments – such as nozzles or welders – in order to carry out these tasks.


There are many varied designs and types of industrial robotic arms, making them a versatile and effective way to automate a variety of industrial processes. Robotic arms can be designed to complete welding tasks, stack pallets, or paint objects. One of the most widely known uses of robotic arms is in car manufacturing, but they can be put to excellent use in any number of industries worldwide.


The main benefits of an industrial robotic arm over human labour include:


  • Greater efficiency

  • Greater speed

  • Greater accuracy and precision

  • Cost-savings

  • Improved workplace safety

  • Can run 24/7


Simply put, an industrial robotic arm is designed to enable industrial processes to be efficiently automated, and business owners can realise an impressive number of benefits when adopting them alongside fully integrated robotic systems.

What Is the Purpose of a Robotic Arm?

Robotic arms are highly versatile, and can be designed and utilised for a number of different purposes. As already noted, the primary purpose of a robotic arm is to automate what we generally consider to be repetitive tasks, ensuring that they’re a popular mechanical addition to production lines and manufacturing robots processes. Industrial robotic arms are also incredibly precise, so they’re perfectly suited for tasks that also require a high degree of accuracy and consistency.


Industrial robotic arms can be kitted out with a number of different tools and pieces of mechanical equipment and, as such, they can be used across many different industries. They can also be involved in different stages of production, from the design stage of products through to the manufacturing, testing, packing and inspection stages.


Their purpose is never limited to one single function, and they can be reused, re-equipped, redesigned and recycled to meet different demands throughout their lifespan.


Examples of industries that make effective use of industrial robotic arms include:


  • Agriculture
  • Aerospace

  • Automobile
  • Design

  • Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Tech and computing


Within these different industries, an industrial robotic arm may be programmed to perform a variety of different tasks. Tasks that require lots of repetition or precision are well suited to be conducted by a robotic arm, and they can be used for purposes as diverse as welding, picking, packaging, labelling and painting.


Specific tasks that an industrial robotic arm might be designed to complete include:


  • Welding together metals

  • Material handling tasks

  • Cutting or slicing materials

  • Assembling parts or components

  • Picking products from conveyor belts

  • Picking and packing items into boxes

  • Placing labels on to boxes

    Goto Fuxin Intelligent to know more.

  • Painting products and items

  • Placing boxes on to pallets

  • Inspecting and testing products as part of quality control


Industrial robotic arms have a range of different functions, with their primary purpose being to automate tasks that would otherwise need to be performed manually, by humans. As well as the above purposes, industrial robotic arms have the capacity to complete many more industrial tasks that require or benefit from efficiency, accuracy, and automation. As technology continually improves, the potential scope and number of uses for robotic arms is continually growing too.

How Fast Can Robotic Arms Move?

While industrial robotic arms are in many ways designed to emulate the functions of human arms and to allow manual labour to be replaced with automated mechanics, there’s no doubt that they are much, much faster than humans could ever be.


Industrial robotic arms have the capacity to move rapidly, and they can perform mechanical tasks with exceptional speed. The exact speed of an industrial robotic arm depends on its make, model and programming, but it’s not uncommon for a robot arm to have the potential to turn 450 degrees per second, or more.


The best industrial robotic arms are not only fast but also allow for a high degree of precision, resulting in a level of accuracy that’s much higher and more consistent than manual labour could achieve. Of course, this means that industrial robotic arms can produce high-quality products and carry out precision work at speed, allowing your business to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively than it would otherwise be able to.



However, it’s also important for the speed of a robotic arm to be set appropriately in relation to the task it’s set to accomplish. Using maximum speed settings may result in a loss of precision, for example, so it’s inevitable that settings need to offer a compromise in order to achieve maximum efficiency.

How Many Types of Robotic Arms Are There?

There are a variety of different types of industrial robotic arms produced by manufacturers worldwide. While they’re all highly customisable, different designs generally follow four primary concepts, each of which is best suited to particular functions.



These four primary types of industrial robotic arms are:

Cartesian Robotic Arms

Cartesian robotic arms work on Cartesian principles, meaning their movements are based on an X, Y or Z-axis. A Cartesian robot, therefore, consists of at least three mechanical parts, and they’re commonly used to pick and pack-objects from or on to conveyor belts, or for design and production work such as 3D printing.

Cylindrical Robotic Arms

Cylindrical robotic arms work on a simple cylindrical basis, which means they can move up and down, as well as left or right. Keeping within this cylindrical shape, these robotic arms are often used for assembly and manufacturing. They are often shaped similarly to human arms and consist of several jointed sections and a particular tool, such as a welder or a drill for example.

SCARA Robotic Arms

SCARA robotic arms are commonly used for assembly tasks, as they are incredibly precise when it comes to picking and selecting components and parts. SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, and they work on a number of different axes, allowing for greater flexibility of movement.

Spherical Robotic Arms

Spherical robotic arms are very similar to cylindrical robotic arms, but with the useful addition of a twisting joint that allows for greater movement and control. Spherical robotic arms are used for many similar tasks as cylindrical robotic arms, including manufacturing, construction and assembly functions.

What Is the Robotic Arm in Factories Called?

The robotic arms you see in factories are generally cylindrical robotic arms or spherical robotic arms, although they may go by a number of different names, including an ‘industrial robotic arm’.


However, the term ‘robotic arm’, although in widespread use across the world, isn’t necessarily a technical term; it simply stems from the fact this robotic machine looks and acts like a human arm.


You might also see robotic arms described as ‘articulated robots’, a term used to describe a robot with two or more joints. They may also be described simply as industrial robots, although this category of machines also encompasses many more types of robots other than robotic arms.


Robotic arms may be described as mechanical arms or machine arms, while different brands and manufacturers have their own names for particular makes and models. Industry-leading manufacturers that Cyber-Weld is proud to work with include:


  • FANUC Robotics

  • ABB

  • Motoman (A Yaskawa Company)

  • Panasonic Welding and Handling Robots

How Much Does an Industrial Robotic Arm Cost

Costs can vary significantly for an industrial robotic arm, and the total cost for a particular model will depend on a number of factors. This includes the overall speed of the robotic arm, its precision and its projected lifespan, while different brands have different costs, too.


The lowest-priced robotic arms will cost several thousand pounds for a high-quality, new model. This price can go up exponentially, and the largest, high-tech models may cost tens of thousands of pounds to purchase. You also need to take into account the intended purpose of the robotic arm, as different attachments (nozzles, welders etc.) incur different costs.


If your business is looking to automate its production process, then industrial robotic arms may also be purchased in bulk or as part of a wider integrated robotic system. You’ll need to factor in other costs too, such as fitting, programming, maintenance and repairs, as well as costs to train your staff on how to use them.


Cyber-Weld offers a bespoke service that provides companies with fully integrated robotic solutions. We design and fit robotic systems that meet your needs, and we provide expert repair, maintenance and training support once the systems are installed.

Why Are Robotic Arms So Expensive?

Industrial robotic arms have a high price tag attached to them, but there are several key reasons for their cost.


It’s important to remember that these are high-tech machines that require accuracy, precision, skill and expertise in order to be manufactured, programmed and installed. The best robotic arms might be expensive, but they are also reliable and versatile and, ultimately, they stand to save your business money by reducing overheads, reducing waste, improving the consistent quality of your products, and improving efficiency.


If your business is hoping to reduce its expenditure, Cyber-Weld also provides a comprehensive range of used industrial robotic arms and other robot systems. Our engineering teams have the capacity to repurpose and refurbish old robotic systems, resulting in significant cost savings.

How Are Robotic Arms Used in Industry?

With so many potential variations and designs, robotic arms are put to excellent use in industry. As technology improves, robotic arms are finding increasingly diverse uses, too. The most popular uses of industrial robotic arms include:

Welding

Welding requires great precision and accuracy, and it’s perfectly suited to automation through robotic integration. Industrial robotic arms are commonly fitted with different types of welding tools , and they can be used for TIG/TAG and MIG/MAG welding tasks.

Material Handling

An industrial robotic arm can be fitted with a range of tools that allow them to lift and move different types of materials. This material handling function is often used to move large or bulky materials that would be hazardous for employees to lift or move by hand.

Palletising

Industrial robotic arms are well suited to picking up items and palletising them. They are commonly employed in warehouses and at the end of conveyor belts to automate the process of stacking goods on pallets so they’re ready for shipping.

Contact Cyber-Weld for More Information on Industrial Robotic Arms

If you’re looking to automate your production, manufacturing or design processes with the help of an industrial robotic arm, the expert team at Cyber-Weld is here to help. Our experienced engineers are specialists in designing and building robotic systems that can be implemented across an impressive range of industries.


We provide full-service robot system packages , tailor-made to meet your industrial needs. Our friendly staff will be there at every stage of the process, from the initial concept and planning stage, right through to after-sales and continued robot servicing and support. To find out more about our bespoke services, contact the Cyber Weld team today.

6 Types of Industrial Robotic Arms and Their Applications

The robotic arm is a significant piece of the robotic machinery industry. The different types of robotic arms tend to fascinate the audience with their speed and strength. However, the usage and application of the same remain a mystery to many. This article will broadly speak about the different robot arm types and their industrial applications to provide you with a better understanding of efficient decision-making. So, keep reading.

Robots are no longer just found in sci-fi. With the development of technology, robots are becoming more and more integrated into our daily tasks. This helps humans to avoid repetitive, dangerous, difficult or even impossible tasks.

The different types of robot arms, which are one of the main parts of an industrial robot, are often referred to as robotic manipulators. These robotic arm types are programmable and are connected via joints or axes to allow rotational or linear movement.

The end-effector must be moved and controlled by robotic arms to finish a particular application. Different types of industrial robot arms have subsequently improved safety and efficiency in industries including manufacturing, military surveillance and armament, healthcare, transportation, and research.

Different Types Of Robot Arms At A Glance

A collection of robotic devices is collectively referred to as "robotic arms." The uses of these several robot types frequently overlap. However, each kind has unique features that often allow it to be more effective than other robotic arms for particular jobs. Various robotic arm types include:

  • Articulated arm

  • Six-axis arm

  • Collaborative robot arm

  • SCARA arm

  • Cartesian arm

  • Cylindrical arm

  • Spherical/Polar arm

  • Parallel/Delta arm

  • Anthropomorphic arm

  • Dual-arm

6 Main Types Of Robotic Arms And Their Uses

Several manufacturers and industry experts are using different types of robotic arms to automate their tasks, enhance their workers' safety, and increase their overall efficiency and productivity. Moreover, many robotic arm types can reduce wastage and operating costs as well. Industrial robots are becoming more and more prevalent in various types of industries. This section will explore the main types of industrial robots available on the market.

Articulated Robot Arm

An articulated robot arm resembles the human arm and allows mechanical movement and configuration. It is one of the most common types of robotic arms for industrial automation. It features a single mechanical arm attached to a base with a twisting joint. 

Six-axis robots are the most common type of articulating robot, and they generally feature four to six axes, allowing for a wider range of motion. They can automate many different robotic applications, including arc welding, spot welding, painting, assembly, material removal, material handling, palletizing, and many more. 

Cartesian Robot Arm

Cartesian robot arms are also known as linear robots or gantry robots. These are the types of industrial robots that work on three linear axes using the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, and Z). This means they move in straight lines on three different axes (up and down, in and out, and side to side). This is why this type of robotic arm is quite popular amongst industrialists and manufacturers who are looking for higher flexibility in their configurations. 

These robots provide users with the ability to adjust the speed, precision, stroke length, and size of the robot arm. Cartesian robots are positioned in the market for small applications and are often used for CNC machines and 3D printing.

Cylindrical Robot Arm

Cylindrical robots are another type of robotic arm designed around a single-arm capable of moving up and down vertically. They have a rotary joint at the base and a prismatic joint to connect the links. These robots are very compact and cover small and simple tasks such as assembly, machine tending, or coating applications. This type of robotic arm is achieved with a rotating shaft and an extendable arm that supports vertical and sliding movements.

Delta Robot Arm

Delta robot arms are also referred to as "parallel robot arms" as they facilitate three arms connected to a single base mounted over a workspace. These types of robot arms have high-speed options and are thus used for automation. 

Moreover, these robot arms have a unique design in the form of a dome shape that is capable of delicate and precise movements at high speeds. This is because all three arms directly control every joint of the end effector. These types of robotic arms are a great choice for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.

Polar or Spherical Robot Arm

Polar robots, also known as spherical robots, feature a base coupled to an arm with two rotational joints and one linear joint. The robot's axes combine to create a polar coordinate, enabling it to have a spherical work envelope. One of the first industrial robot categories to ever be created is the Polar Robot. Die casting, injection moulding, welding, and material handling are popular uses for polar robots.

SCARA Robot Arm

Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm or Selective Compliance The Articulated Robot Arm is referred to by the abbreviation SCARA. The three-axis (X, Y, and Z) motion of SCARA robots is combined with rotational motion. Compared to Cartesian robots, SCARA robots perform better in lateral motions, move more quickly, and integrate more readily. SCARA robots are typically employed for biomedical applications, palletizing, and assembling.

Conclusion

We hope our readers are familiar with all the information regarding the different types of robotic arms available on the market. Understanding in detail these different types of robotic arms makes a prospective impact on your organisation. Every industrial company requires tools that make workers' lives easier, help them adapt to a changing environment, and are reasonably priced. We think cobots meet every requirement. They are a powerful tool to automate your business and rework outdated procedures. We are available at all times to ensure that you get the most out of your robotic arms. Contact our specialist to discuss robotic arms or anything else.

Industrial Robotic Arms: An Overview

Industrial robotic arms are one of the most effective ways to automate industrial processes. Designed and programmed to assist or complete specific tasks – from manufacturing and welding to painting and palletising – robotic arms are a mainstay of the industrial world.

Industrial robotic arms have a number of advantages over traditional, manual production techniques. Not only is an industrial robotic armindustrial robotic arm an efficient and cost-effective investment, it can produce a superior product while also protecting your employees from industrial hazards.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of automating your production process, the expert team at Cyber-Weld is here to provide a detailed overview of industrial robotic arms. 

What Is an Industrial Robotic Arm?

An industrial robotic arm is a type of machine designed to complete industrial tasks. They’re also commonly known as ‘articulated robots’, and generally consist of a number of joints and axes that are said to resemble the movements and functions of a human arm.


An industrial robotic arm is commonly powered by some sort of motor and controlled by a computer interface. Robot arms are usually programmed to carry out what humans would consider to be repetitive or difficult tasks and, as such, they often have specialised attachments – such as nozzles or welders – in order to carry out these tasks.


There are many varied designs and types of industrial robotic arms, making them a versatile and effective way to automate a variety of industrial processes. Robotic arms can be designed to complete welding tasks, stack pallets, or paint objects. One of the most widely known uses of robotic arms is in car manufacturing, but they can be put to excellent use in any number of industries worldwide.


The main benefits of an industrial robotic arm over human labour include:


  • Greater efficiency

  • Greater speed

  • Greater accuracy and precision

  • Cost-savings

  • Improved workplace safety

  • Can run 24/7


Simply put, an industrial robotic arm is designed to enable industrial processes to be efficiently automated, and business owners can realise an impressive number of benefits when adopting them alongside fully integrated robotic systems.

What Is the Purpose of a Robotic Arm?

Robotic arms are highly versatile, and can be designed and utilised for a number of different purposes. As already noted, the primary purpose of a robotic arm is to automate what we generally consider to be repetitive tasks, ensuring that they’re a popular mechanical addition to production lines and manufacturing robots processes. Industrial robotic arms are also incredibly precise, so they’re perfectly suited for tasks that also require a high degree of accuracy and consistency.


Industrial robotic arms can be kitted out with a number of different tools and pieces of mechanical equipment and, as such, they can be used across many different industries. They can also be involved in different stages of production, from the design stage of products through to the manufacturing, testing, packing and inspection stages.


Their purpose is never limited to one single function, and they can be reused, re-equipped, redesigned and recycled to meet different demands throughout their lifespan.


Examples of industries that make effective use of industrial robotic arms include:


  • Agriculture
  • Aerospace

  • Automobile
  • Design

  • Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Tech and computing


Within these different industries, an industrial robotic arm may be programmed to perform a variety of different tasks. Tasks that require lots of repetition or precision are well suited to be conducted by a robotic arm, and they can be used for purposes as diverse as welding, picking, packaging, labelling and painting.


Specific tasks that an industrial robotic arm might be designed to complete include:


  • Welding together metals

  • Material handling tasks

  • Cutting or slicing materials

  • Assembling parts or components

  • Picking products from conveyor belts

  • Picking and packing items into boxes

  • Placing labels on to boxes

  • Painting products and items

  • Placing boxes on to pallets

  • Inspecting and testing products as part of quality control


Industrial robotic arms have a range of different functions, with their primary purpose being to automate tasks that would otherwise need to be performed manually, by humans. As well as the above purposes, industrial robotic arms have the capacity to complete many more industrial tasks that require or benefit from efficiency, accuracy, and automation. As technology continually improves, the potential scope and number of uses for robotic arms is continually growing too.

How Fast Can Robotic Arms Move?

While industrial robotic arms are in many ways designed to emulate the functions of human arms and to allow manual labour to be replaced with automated mechanics, there’s no doubt that they are much, much faster than humans could ever be.


Industrial robotic arms have the capacity to move rapidly, and they can perform mechanical tasks with exceptional speed. The exact speed of an industrial robotic arm depends on its make, model and programming, but it’s not uncommon for a robot arm to have the potential to turn 450 degrees per second, or more.


The best industrial robotic arms are not only fast but also allow for a high degree of precision, resulting in a level of accuracy that’s much higher and more consistent than manual labour could achieve. Of course, this means that industrial robotic arms can produce high-quality products and carry out precision work at speed, allowing your business to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively than it would otherwise be able to.



However, it’s also important for the speed of a robotic arm to be set appropriately in relation to the task it’s set to accomplish. Using maximum speed settings may result in a loss of precision, for example, so it’s inevitable that settings need to offer a compromise in order to achieve maximum efficiency.

How Many Types of Robotic Arms Are There?

There are a variety of different types of industrial robotic arms produced by manufacturers worldwide. While they’re all highly customisable, different designs generally follow four primary concepts, each of which is best suited to particular functions.



These four primary types of industrial robotic arms are:

Cartesian Robotic Arms

Cartesian robotic arms work on Cartesian principles, meaning their movements are based on an X, Y or Z-axis. A Cartesian robot, therefore, consists of at least three mechanical parts, and they’re commonly used to pick and pack-objects from or on to conveyor belts, or for design and production work such as 3D printing.

Cylindrical Robotic Arms

Cylindrical robotic arms work on a simple cylindrical basis, which means they can move up and down, as well as left or right. Keeping within this cylindrical shape, these robotic arms are often used for assembly and manufacturing. They are often shaped similarly to human arms and consist of several jointed sections and a particular tool, such as a welder or a drill for example.

SCARA Robotic Arms

SCARA robotic arms are commonly used for assembly tasks, as they are incredibly precise when it comes to picking and selecting components and parts. SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, and they work on a number of different axes, allowing for greater flexibility of movement.

Spherical Robotic Arms

Spherical robotic arms are very similar to cylindrical robotic arms, but with the useful addition of a twisting joint that allows for greater movement and control. Spherical robotic arms are used for many similar tasks as cylindrical robotic arms, including manufacturing, construction and assembly functions.

What Is the Robotic Arm in Factories Called?

The robotic arms you see in factories are generally cylindrical robotic arms or spherical robotic arms, although they may go by a number of different names, including an ‘industrial robotic arm’.


However, the term ‘robotic arm’, although in widespread use across the world, isn’t necessarily a technical term; it simply stems from the fact this robotic machine looks and acts like a human arm.


You might also see robotic arms described as ‘articulated robots’, a term used to describe a robot with two or more joints. They may also be described simply as industrial robots, although this category of machines also encompasses many more types of robots other than robotic arms.


Robotic arms may be described as mechanical arms or machine arms, while different brands and manufacturers have their own names for particular makes and models. Industry-leading manufacturers that Cyber-Weld is proud to work with include:


  • FANUC Robotics

  • ABB

  • Motoman (A Yaskawa Company)

  • Panasonic Welding and Handling Robots

How Much Does an Industrial Robotic Arm Cost

Costs can vary significantly for an industrial robotic arm, and the total cost for a particular model will depend on a number of factors. This includes the overall speed of the robotic arm, its precision and its projected lifespan, while different brands have different costs, too.


The lowest-priced robotic arms will cost several thousand pounds for a high-quality, new model. This price can go up exponentially, and the largest, high-tech models may cost tens of thousands of pounds to purchase. You also need to take into account the intended purpose of the robotic arm, as different attachments (nozzles, welders etc.) incur different costs.


If your business is looking to automate its production process, then industrial robotic arms may also be purchased in bulk or as part of a wider integrated robotic system. You’ll need to factor in other costs too, such as fitting, programming, maintenance and repairs, as well as costs to train your staff on how to use them.


Cyber-Weld offers a bespoke service that provides companies with fully integrated robotic solutions. We design and fit robotic systems that meet your needs, and we provide expert repair, maintenance and training support once the systems are installed.

Why Are Robotic Arms So Expensive?

Industrial robotic arms have a high price tag attached to them, but there are several key reasons for their cost.


It’s important to remember that these are high-tech machines that require accuracy, precision, skill and expertise in order to be manufactured, programmed and installed. The best robotic arms might be expensive, but they are also reliable and versatile and, ultimately, they stand to save your business money by reducing overheads, reducing waste, improving the consistent quality of your products, and improving efficiency.


If your business is hoping to reduce its expenditure, Cyber-Weld also provides a comprehensive range of used industrial robotic arms and other robot systems. Our engineering teams have the capacity to repurpose and refurbish old robotic systems, resulting in significant cost savings.

How Are Robotic Arms Used in Industry?

With so many potential variations and designs, robotic arms are put to excellent use in industry. As technology improves, robotic arms are finding increasingly diverse uses, too. The most popular uses of industrial robotic arms include:

Welding

Welding requires great precision and accuracy, and it’s perfectly suited to automation through robotic integration. Industrial robotic arms are commonly fitted with different types of welding tools , and they can be used for TIG/TAG and MIG/MAG welding tasks.

Material Handling

An industrial robotic arm can be fitted with a range of tools that allow them to lift and move different types of materials. This material handling function is often used to move large or bulky materials that would be hazardous for employees to lift or move by hand.

Palletising

Industrial robotic arms are well suited to picking up items and palletising them. They are commonly employed in warehouses and at the end of conveyor belts to automate the process of stacking goods on pallets so they’re ready for shipping.

Contact Cyber-Weld for More Information on Industrial Robotic Arms

If you’re looking to automate your production, manufacturing or design processes with the help of an industrial robotic arm, the expert team at Cyber-Weld is here to help. Our experienced engineers are specialists in designing and building robotic systems that can be implemented across an impressive range of industries.


We provide full-service robot system packages , tailor-made to meet your industrial needs. Our friendly staff will be there at every stage of the process, from the initial concept and planning stage, right through to after-sales and continued robot servicing and support. To find out more about our bespoke services, contact the Cyber Weld team today.