Breaking down the different types of robots and how they can work for you

Manufacturers use a variety of robots in their operations, each with its own specific capabilities and functions. We’re discussing some of the most common types of robots used in manufacturing, and which one may work best for your application.

Articulated Robots

Articulated robots are multi-joint robotic arms whose rotary joints allow human-like motion and wide working envelopes. Most models feature 4–7 axes, enabling complex path planning and smooth manipulation in 3D space.

These arms are built from several rigid links connected by rotary actuators, with an end-effector — such as a gripper, welding torch, polishing tool, or inspection sensor — mounted at the wrist. Because they can twist, reach over obstacles, and operate in confined areas, articulated robots remain the most versatile platform in industrial automation.

Applications include welding, assembly, palletizing, machining, inspection, and more. Payload capacities vary dramatically: compact units handle a few kilograms, while heavy-duty models exceed 2000 kg. Their flexibility makes them ideal for mixed production lines, though some specialized robot types may outperform them in extreme-speed operations.

SCARA Robots

SCARA robots (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) are designed around a horizontal, two-link structure with controlled vertical motion. Their architecture offers high stiffness in the Z-direction and controlled flexibility in the X-Y plane, enabling ultra-fast and precise planar movements.

SCARAs are a top choice for electronic component assembly, small-part insertion, dispensing, pick-and-place, and other tasks requiring repeatability in the tens of microns. They typically operate faster than articulated arms due to their simpler mechanics and reduced degrees of freedom.

Their balance of accuracy, compact design, and cost-effectiveness makes them popular in consumer electronics, automotive components, and small-part packaging.

Cartesian Robots

Cartesian robots operate along X-Y-Z linear axes based on the Cartesian coordinate system. With rigid linear rails and large structural beams, they create a cubic working volume that can be extremely large.

A typical system includes:

l A stationary or floor-mounted frame

l A gantry that travels horizontally

l A vertical Z-axis carrying a tool or gripper

Because of their simple mechanics, Cartesian robots offer excellent positioning accuracy and high payload capability. They are frequently used for packing, palletizing, CNC loading/unloading, inspection, 3D printing, and large-format pick-and-place tasks.

Another advantage is customization — manufacturers can scale stroke length, add multiple Z-axes, or integrate vision systems to match specific workflow requirements.

Delta Robots

Delta robots consist of three lightweight arms connected to a fixed base, converging at a single end-platform. This unique parallel-robot design enables extremely fast acceleration, making Delta robots among the fastest manipulators available today.

They excel in high-throughput pick-and-place applications, sorting small items, packaging, and rapid inspection — often exceeding 150–200 cycles per minute. Because only the end-effector moves significantly, they maintain precision even at high speed.

Delta robots are widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and other industries that demand hygienic, high-speed processing. Their enclosed structure also suits clean-room operations.

Collaborative Robots

Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are a type of robot designed for direct interaction with a human within a defined collaborative workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which typically operate behind safety barriers, cobots are designed to operate in close proximity to human workers without posing a safety risk.

Equipped with a range of safety features, such as sensors and cameras, cobots can detect the presence of humans and adjust movements accordingly. They are also designed to be lightweight and easy to program, allowing them to be quickly deployed in a variety of manufacturing environments.

They are most often used for tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or difficult for human workers, such as material handling, assembly, and inspection. They can be used to perform a wide range of manufacturing tasks, including welding, painting, and packaging.

Cobots offer several advantages over traditional industrial robots. They are more flexible and can be easily reprogrammed to perform different tasks, making them ideal for small-batch manufacturing operations. They are also more affordable than traditional robots, making them accessible to a wider range of manufacturers.

Industrial Mobile Robots (IMR)

Mobile robots are equipped with a variety of sensors and systems that allow them to perceive their environment and make decisions based on that information. For example, they may use cameras, LiDAR or ultrasound sensors to detect obstacles or map their surroundings.

In manufacturing, mobile robots are often used for logistics tasks, such as moving materials or products between workstations or to storage locations. They can also be used for quality control and inspection tasks, where they can move around a workspace to inspect products or equipment.

In general, IMRs offer several advantages over stationary robots as they can cover larger areas and work in environments that may not be accessible to stationary robots. They can also be reprogrammed or reconfigured easily, making them more versatile and adaptable to changing manufacturing needs.