A robotic arm design can be anything from a simple (but ground breaking) design like UNIMATE that had only a few Degrees of Freedom (DoF, essentially a powered joint, not a passive joint) to something that can have hundreds of points of motion moving in an incredible fashion. As most engineered things, each arm is designed typically for the application intended. From industrial to artistic applications a robotic arm design can be simple or incredibly complex.
In this blog, let’s look at the types of animatronic robotic arm designs and their application in film, TV, commercials, and more.
1. Articulated robots – It almost looks like a human arm with only one difference – it is mechanically configured. Articulated robotic arm design is fixed to a base using a twisting joint. The links in the arm are connected by many rotary joints whose number can vary between two joints to ten joints. In addition, each of these joints provides a degree of freedom. It gives an effective reach of 750 mm, a maximum payload and acceleration of of 4.4 lbs and 480 deg/sec in the robot’s hand, wrist, elbow and waist, respectively. It is popularly used for glass handling, steel cutting, food packaging and machine tending.
2. Cartesian robots – Also known as gantry or rectilinear robots, Cartesian robots come with a rectangular configuration. With the presence of three prismatic joints, these robots provide linear motion by moving on its three perpendicular axes. Since flexibility is the main feature that characterizes the configuration of these robots, they are suitable to meet any kind of specific application requirement. Cartesian robots are cost-effective and are simple to operate. Besides, they can handle heavy loads and are highly customizable. You can use a Cartesian robotic arm design for a wide range of application like loading and unloading operation, nuclear material handling and adhesive applications.
3. SCARA robots – Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) provides compliance in one selected plane through its two parallel joints. In this robotic arm, the end effector, that is attached to the arm, provides movement in the horizontal direction while the rotary shafts are placed vertically. The specialty of SCARA robots is that they can move faster. With their high speed, large workspace and excellent repeatability as the main features, SCARA robots can be used for machine loading, assembly applications, palletizing, Biomed applications and so on.
4. Delta robots – Another name for these robots are ‘parallel link robots’. The reason behind this name is simple – these programmable robotic arms are linked to a common base with the aid of parallel joint connectors. Each of the joint can be controlled directly over the end effector. Delta robotic arm results in high speed operation since the end effector can be conveniently controlled because of its convenient placement. If you want a robotic arm that provides very high speed and operational accuracy, you can use a delta robotic arm. Industries related to food, pharmaceutical or electronic, is welcomed with varied benefits by using a delta robotic arm.
Conclusion – Apart from the above-mentioned robotic arm types, there are cylindrical and polar robotic arms that are equally potent and efficient. To avail a robotic arm’s benefits, one needs to have a clear understanding of his/her requirements which includes a consideration of factors like speed, precision, load, travel and outcomes. Robotic and animatronics companies are coming up with innovative robotic arms designs everyday to cater to their client’s specific needs. To know more about our services, reach us at www.animatronicrobotics.com/services