Robot specifications are full of jargon that makes very different machines look alike. This glossary explains the terms you see most, the main robot types, and how to read a spec sheet without being misled by the headline numbers.
Each type trades flexibility, speed and footprint differently.
| Type | Shape | Best at |
|---|---|---|
| Articulated | A jointed arm, usually six axes | Flexible work: welding, handling, assembly. |
| SCARA | Fast arm that moves mostly in a flat plane | Quick pick-and-place on a table. |
| Delta | Three light arms working from above | Very fast picking of small items from a conveyor. |
| Cartesian | Straight-line motion on rails | Large work areas and simple, precise moves. |
| Collaborative | Arm designed for limited force and speed | Tasks shared with people nearby. |
The headline numbers are measured under the best conditions. Ask these questions instead.
Short summaries of recent reporting, with links to the original articles.
Two compact arms aimed at electronics and automotive assembly, pitched on cycle time and motion accuracy, two of the spec-sheet terms explained on this site.
Read the original at ASSEMBLYA contract manufacturer's view on what it takes to move humanoid robots from prototypes to volume production.
Read the original at The Robot ReportA very light collaborative arm meant to be moved between tasks; a good example of trading payload and reach for portability.
Read the original at RobotTodayHeadlines are quoted as they appear at the source; summaries are our own. Follow the links for the full reporting.