Are you considering investing in robotics and automation to boost production and streamline operations? We are here to help. Understanding the fundamental types of industrial robots is the first step in discovering how this technology can revolutionize manufacturing processes. From increasing output to overcoming workforce challenges, the right industrial robot can be a significant first step in transforming your operation.At their core, industrial robots have mechanical arms or structures, powerful motors, and drives for precise movement. They also have a control system that acts as the robot's brain. These robots execute tasks using various forms of data, including positional information, sensor readings, and programmed instructions. To gather this crucial information, they are equipped with multiple sensors, such as vision systems, force sensors, and proximity sensors, allowing them to perceive and interact with their environment in sophisticated ways. Traditional industrial robots often require physical safety barriers because their high speed and significant force can pose safety hazards if they come into contact with humans. Manufacturers use safety fences, light curtains, and other safeguarding measures to create separation and prevent accidents. However, that landscape has evolved significantly with collaborative robots (cobots) and other advances. Cobots incorporate various safety features and are specifically engineered to work safely alongside humans. Let's delve into the distinct categories of industrial robots and explore their unique capabilities.The Leading Types of Industrial RobotsArticulated RobotsArticulated robots are industrial robots designed with multiple joints, similar to a human arm, allowing for a wide range of motion and flexibility. By automating repetitive tasks, articulated robots improve product quality and reduce labor costs.Common applications: Material handling, machine loading and unloading, welding, painting, assembly, and packaging.Strengths: Increases productivity by working continuously, shortening changeovers and cycle times, and its versatility allows for many applications.Considerations: Require skilled workers to program and set up. They may require significant floor space.SCARA RobotsSelective compliance articulated robot arm (SCARA) robots work fast and precisely in a horizontal plane, making them ideal for various assembly and handling tasks.Common applications: Assembly, pick and place on a conveying line, packaging, machine loading and unloading, testing and inspection, and dispensing.Strengths: Excel in high-speed, high-precision assembly tasks, such as inserting components into printed circuit boards, assembling small mechanical parts, and screw driving. Their compact size is particularly beneficial for smaller manufacturing facilities with limited space.Considerations: Limited in reach and range of motion compared to some industrial robots, may have limited multi-directional movement, and the payload capacity can be limited.Collaborative Robots (Cobots)Collaborative robots are often designed to work safely alongside humans without needing traditional safety fences. Cobots have limited force and speed.Common applications: Pick and place, machine tending, assembly, packaging and palletizing, quality Inspection, and lightweight material handling.Strengths: User-friendly, relatively easy to program, and offer flexibility for various tasks, and are an excellent option for manufacturers looking to automate without extensive infrastructure changes.Considerations: May not meet high production needs, or work with larger parts, and are limited in their ability to do complex operations. Cartesian Robots (Rectangular or Gantry Robots)Cartesian robots are characterized by their three primary linear axes (X, Y, and Z) that move at right angles to each other, forming a Cartesian coordinate system. Think of them like a 3D printer arm. This straightforward design offers simplicity, accuracy, and scalability for various industrial applications. Common applications: Pick and place in a conveying line, material handling, assembly, packaging and palletizing, CNC machining, 3D printing, automated inspection, dispensing and coating, welding.Strengths: Have a rigid structure, which helps them perform precise work. Limited movements can make them easier to program, and can often handle heavy payloads.Considerations: Have limited dexterity, need significant floor space, and speed can be limited for longer movements.Delta Robots (Parallel Robots)Delta robots are characterized by their unique parallel arm design structure, which often features three arms connected to a common base. This design allows for rapid and agile movements, making them ideal for specific automation tasks. Common applications: High-speed pick and place, packaging, sorting, assembly of small parts, material handling, and inspection.Strengths: Improve consistency and quality of processes, eliminate the need for workers to perform repetitive movements, which ultimately leads to employee mental fatigue and repetitive motion injuries.Considerations: The parallel linkage mechanism can be more complex to maintain than other robots. They are not suitable for heavy lifting, and their dome-shaped workspace might not be ideal for applications requiring a long reach or movement around obstacles.Polar Robots (Spherical Robots) Polar robots have a unique joint configuration that allows them to reach a spherical workspace around their base. They feature two rotary joints (which enable movement in a horizontal plane) and one linear joint (which allows movement in a vertical plane). Common applications: Welding, spray painting and coating, material handling with large work envelopes, die casting and forging, foundry applications, machine tending for large machine tools or significant reach. Strengths: Can have lower initial costs and simpler programming. They often can cover a large workspace, which can be advantageous for covering extensive areas without needing to reposition the robot's base.Considerations: They are less common today due to their lower precision and repeatability, which can be a drawback, as can slower speeds and dexterity limitations.Cylindrical RobotsCylindrical robots are another distinct type of industrial robot characterized by their unique combination of rotary and linear movements, which creates a cylindrical workspace.Common applications: Assembly, machine tool loading, spot welding, die casting, packaging, stacking and palletizing, dispensing and coating.Strengths: Lower-cost option that is more intuitive to program and operate.Considerations: While cylindrical robots lack the dexterity of articulated robots and the speed of SCARA or Delta robots, their simpler design, reach, and payload capacity make them a viable option for small and contract manufacturers looking for a balance of capability and cost. They are less frequently implemented.Emerging Technology Includes Humanoid and Autonomous RobotsWhile traditional industrial robots continue to be the workhorses of manufacturing, one fascinating area is the emergence of humanoid robots. Imagine robots capable of performing tasks designed for humans, with the dexterity and adaptability to work within existing infrastructure. While still largely in development, advancements in bipedal locomotion, sophisticated manipulation, and AI-driven decision-making are bringing this closer to reality. Think of humanoid robots potentially assisting in complex assembly tasks or even providing maintenance in hazardous environments. Another significant trend is the increasing sophistication and autonomy of mobile robots. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which have traditionally followed fixed paths using wires or magnetic strips, are giving way to more intelligent systems. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), such as smart wheeled carts and even innovative spherical AMRs, utilize advanced sensors, cameras, and mapping technologies to navigate dynamically and adapt to changing environments. The ability of AMRs to reroute themselves based on real-time obstacles and optimize their paths marks a significant leap forward in autonomous material handling. These emerging technologies promise a future where robots are not just tools bolted to the floor, but intelligent, mobile, and adaptable partners in a wide range of industries. We Can Help You Find the Right AMT Partner to Work WithThere are many robotics manufacturers, integrators, and service providers in the U.S., so it is important to work with a trusted advisor to find the right one. And as you would expect, they do not all do the same thing. Here is a quick sampling of AMT members and exhibitors and how they differ:FANUC Corporation is a global powerhouse boasting one of the most comprehensive ranges of industrial robots. They likely have a robot solution for almost any manufacturing need, application, or industry. Boston Dynamics is a smaller specialty company whose strength lies in addressing mobility and inspection challenges with its advanced mobility and autonomy in unstructured spaces. It is primarily known for its model Stretch, a mobile robot designed for warehouse automation, and its agile and mobile quadruped robot Spot, designed for inspection, data collection, and remote operation in complex environments.Mitsubishi Electric is a large company known for its RH series of SCARA robots, which are high-speed and accurate, making them ideal for applications like small part assembly, pick-and-place, and material handling.Kawasaki Robotics (USA) is a large company that offers a broad spectrum of industrial robots, and they have carved out a strong reputation for their painting and high-payload robots. They produced the first commercial industrial robot in Japan in 1969 and cover such diverse industries as ships, planes, and motorcycles. The decision to invest in an industrial robot to supercharge your production capacity and workflow depends on many factors. Industrial robots provide relief from labor shortages, improve production and quality, and are evolving to be able to do more flexible automation. Please contact our team if you want to learn more or explore robotics companies exhibiting at IMTS 2026.
Get the lowdown on the most common industrial robots - their pros, cons, and key uses - to help small and contract manufacturers boost productivity and tackle workforce challenges.
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