An articulated arm moves just like human arms, complete with rotary joints that give it huge levels of flexibility.
Articulated robots get the job done with precision and flair — whether they’re painting, welding, or helping out with assembly.
Read on to learn more about:
- What an articulated robot is
- How articulated robot arms work
- What articulated robots are used for
- Advantages and challenges of articulated robots
- How to choose the best articulated robot
Let’s dive into the basics first.
What is an articulated robot?
An articulated robot is a bit like a robotic Olympic gymnast; it’s a machine with rotary joints (fancy word for “it can bend in a lot of ways”) that make it super flexible.
The most common type is the 6-axis articulated robot, which can move in six directions: up, down, twist, pivot, you name it. This makes it perfect for stuff that needs complex motion.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- What is an articulated robot used for? These bots handle jobs like welding, painting, and packing. What is an articulated arm used for? If it’s repetitive or requires steady hands, it’s all over it.
- What makes them special? Unlike SCARA or Cartesian robots, articulated robots move in all directions, not just in straight lines. A 6-axis articulated robot, for example, can move up, down, twist, and rotate like it’s showing off.
How does an articulated arm robot work?
Articulated robots might seem like magic, but they’re really just clever machines.
Here’s how they do their thing:
- Bones and muscles: Think of the arm as having "bones" (the rigid links) connected by "joints" (the moving parts), just like a human arm. But instead of muscles pulling the joints, motors act as the robot’s super-strong muscles, giving it precise and powerful motion. Together, the "bones" and "muscles" make the arm flexible and strong enough to handle all kinds of tasks.
- Powered by brains: Motors give the arm power, and the controller acts like its brain, telling it exactly where to go and what to do.
- 6-axis moves: With six joints, a 6-axis articulated robot can tackle super-complicated jobs, like welding in tight spaces or painting smooth curves.
- Teach it once, and it remembers forever: Robots follow programs you set up in software, so once you teach them a task, they’ll nail it every single time. Some even have teaching pendants, where you can physically show them a movement.
What is an articulated robot used for?
These robots are super versatile — they can do a little bit of everything.
Here’s where they crush it:
- Manufacturing: Need to assemble products or load machines? Articulated robot arms can do it faster and better than any human (no offense).
- Welding: Whether it’s robotic TIG welding machines for precision or robotic MIG welding machines for speed, these bots lay down near-perfect welds every time.
- Painting: These robots can paint like Da Vinci — smooth, flawless strokes every time. Perfect for cars, furniture, or anything that needs a fancy finish.
- Packaging: They sort, stack, and pack with the best of them. Whether it’s loading boxes onto pallets or organizing products, these bots will help you with logistics on lock.
Advantages of getting an articulated robot arm
Articulated robots aren’t just cool to look at — they’re straight-up gangsters when it comes to making your shop floor more efficient.
Here’s why:
- Flexibility for days: These robots can bend, twist, and rotate in ways that make other robots jealous. It might even make your yoga teacher jealous, too.
- Nails it every time: They’re accurate, consistent, and won’t mess up just because they stayed up late binge-watching a show.
- Built for all trades: Welding, painting, packing, you name it. These robots can jump from one task to another. Just reprogram them and watch them go.
Challenges of adopting an articulated robot arm
No robot is perfect, and articulated robots have a few bumps in the road.
Here’s the tea:
- Big money upfront: The articulated robot market isn’t cheap. Between buying, installing, and training people to use them, the costs add up. We estimate that you can spend between $5,000 to $150,000. It depends on whether you’re shopping for something small or a top-tier industrial model.
- Not plug-and-play: These robots need some serious setup and programming, so you’ll need skilled operators to get them up and running. Some models offer no-code programming, which simplifies things massively.
- They need space: A robot arm swinging around isn’t going to fit in a broom closet. Make sure you’ve got room before you bring one in. Of course, some have a smaller footprint, so your mileage may vary.
Choosing the right articulated robot for your needs
Picking the perfect robot isn’t about getting the fanciest one — you want to find one that actually fits your business.
Here’s how to choose:
- What’s the weight? Make sure the robot can lift your stuff without struggling. No weaklings allowed. Remember: The robot’s payload capacity will also include its gripper or end-of-arm tooling.
- How far does it reach? A robot that can’t reach your workspace isn’t going to do you much good.
- What’s the job? Whether you need speed, precision, or versatility, pick a robot that matches your specific needs.
Summing up
Articulated robots are automation all-stars: They bring flexibility, precision, and versatility to a huge array of industries, like manufacturing, welding, and logistics.
Yes, they come with challenges like upfront costs and training (no bot is perfect), but the benefits make them a no-brainer for businesses ready to level up.
Next steps
If you’re ready to embrace automation with a flexible, accessible solution, Standard Bots’ RO1 is the #1 six-axis cobot arm for businesses looking to simplify operations.
- Affordable and versatile: RO1 offers best-in-class capabilities at half the purchase price of comparable robots. If buying isn’t an option, you can lease it for just $5/hour.
- Precision and power: With an 18 kg payload and repeatability of ±0.025 mm, RO1 handles jobs like assembly, welding, and material handling super easily.
- AI and no-code simplicity: Featuring AI capabilities on par with GPT-4 and a no-code setup, RO1 is straightforward to program and operate — no IT knowledge needed.
- Safety-first design: Built with machine vision and collision detection, RO1 works very well alongside human teams without the need for additional barriers.
Schedule a risk-free, 30-day onsite trial today and experience how RO1 can transform your shop floor with advanced, affordable automation.
