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From assembling motor cars to allowing individuals to walk, robotic technologies are shaping the modern world we live in.
This is not the future: Many industries are already living in a world of automation, and many more are hurtling toward the fast-approaching future.
In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the different types of robots out there and what they do, from service robots to swimming robots and flying robots, and so much more.
We’ll go over:
- What robots are and how they’ve evolved
- The 16 different types of robots and their applications
- FAQs
What are robots?
Robots are almost literally everywhere — they’re in factories, hospitals, and even our homes.
But what exactly makes something a robot?
At their core, robots are programmable machines designed to carry out specific jobs autonomously or semi-autonomously. They use sensors, actuators, and control systems to interact with their environment, adapting to different conditions as needed. We’ve put together a quick history lesson for you below.
Pre-20th Century
20th Century
21st Century
16 different types of robots and their uses
The various types of robots and their uses have changed significantly over the past two decades. We have industrial robots, the unsung heroes of modern automation, that tirelessly assemble cars, craft electronics, and optimize warehouses. Beyond factories, we have robots that are transforming medicine, space exploration, and even companionship.
Moreover, robotics is changing the future by fusing AI with sophisticated engineering, driving innovations like self-driving marvels, and autonomous swarms that push technological boundaries. Now, let’s examine these types of robotics in detail.
1. Industrial robots
When people hear “robots,” they usually picture sleek humanoids or sci-fi machines. But the real do-it-alls of robotics are industrial robots — the always-on mainstays of factories and warehouses. These machines have been around for decades, and they’re only getting smarter, faster, and more adaptable.
What they are: Industrial robots are automated machines meant for precision-heavy, high-repetition jobs like welding, painting, assembly, and material handling. They’re designed to operate in manufacturing environments, often working with CNC machines, conveyor belts, and automated storage systems.
Here are some major examples:
2. Articulated robots
Articulated robots are multi-jointed robots that resemble a human's arm — and sometimes exceed its capabilities.
They can have as little as two or as many as 10 rotary joints that allow for freedom of movement, which makes them super versatile and capable of complex movements in various directions.
These robots are often used in the automotive industry for assembly and sorting. They work well in confined spaces too.
3. SCARA robots
SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm.
They have a unique mechanical structure, consisting of two parallel arms that are connected to a joint at a right angle.
This allows SCARA bots to move in horizontal lines, and they're known for their high speeds and reliability.
SCARA robots are often used in manufacturing and assembly processes, such as pick and place operations.
4. Service robots
Not all robots live in factories — some are out in the world, making life easier in ways people barely notice. Service robots work in homes, hospitals, hotels, and beyond, handling everything from cleaning floors to delivering packages. They’re built to assist humans, often in semi-autonomous or fully autonomous ways.
These robots focus on practical, real-world jobs rather than industrial applications. Some help with household chores, others streamline logistics, and some even provide customer service.
Examples of service robots
- Cleaning robots: The old-school Roomba is the most famous example, vacuuming floors with autonomous navigation and obstacle detection.
- Delivery robots: These are used in warehouses, hospitals, and even food delivery services, moving supplies efficiently without human intervention.
Where they shine
- Health care: Robots assist nurses by delivering medications and sanitizing hospital rooms.
- Hospitality: Some hotels now use robotic concierges for check-ins, luggage handling, and room service deliveries.
- Retail and logistics: Warehouses use robots to sort, retrieve, and move inventory with incredible speed and accuracy.
5. Medical robots
When precision matters and human hands aren’t steady enough, medical robots step in. These bots are literally life-changing.
Common types of medical robots
- Surgical robots: Systems like the Da Vinci Surgical System allow doctors to perform minimally invasive surgeries with robotic precision — no shaky hands here.
- Rehabilitation robots: These help out patients in physical therapy and mobility training, helping them regain strength and movement after injuries or strokes.
- Medical transport robots: Used in hospitals to carry supplies, deliver medication, and reduce the workload on human staff.
Where they shine
- Operating rooms: Helping surgeons perform complex procedures with scary accuracy.
- Physical therapy centers: Helping out patients in rehabilitation exercises without getting tired or distracted.
- Hospitals: Transporting meds and supplies without human error or jittery hands.
6. Exploration robots
Not all robots stay on solid ground — some go where humans simply can’t survive. From the crushing pressures of the deep sea to the radiation-filled void of space, these machines push boundaries, collect data, and expand human knowledge.
Made for extreme environments, exploration robots help scientists and engineers study places too dangerous or distant for humans. These robots have to endure harsh conditions while gathering crucial data for research and technological advancements.
Examples of exploration robots
- Mars rovers: NASA’s Perseverance and Curiosity navigate alien terrain, analyzing soil and scanning for signs of past life.
- Deep-sea submersibles: Alvin and HROV Nereus dive into the ocean’s abyss, discovering species and shipwrecks at depths no diver could reach without popping.
Where they shine
- Space exploration: Robots like the Voyager probes and Ingenuity helicopter push deeper into the cosmos, sending back priceless data.
- Oceanography: Machines like Boaty McBoatface (yes, that’s its real name) gather climate data and explore marine life in ways that no trad submarine would ever be able to match.
- Disaster response: After nuclear accidents, robots like Quince enter radiation zones to assess damage without risking human lives.
7. Humanoid robots
Some robots do more than human jobs, they look the part, too. Humanoid robots mimic human movement, expressions, and even speech, making them useful in customer service, research, and even companionship.
These robots are designed to resemble the human body, with arms, legs, and sometimes eerily expressive faces. They’re often equipped with AI to understand speech, recognize emotions, and interact naturally with people.
Examples of humanoid robots
- ASIMO: Honda’s famous bipedal robot that walks, runs, and even serves drinks.
- Atlas: Boston Dynamics’ parkour-performing robot that moves more like a superhero than a machine.
Where they shine
- Customer service: Some banks and hotels use humanoid robots to greet and assist customers.
- Health care assistance: Robots like Grace provide elder care, offering reminders for medication and light conversation.
- Robotics research: These machines help scientists improve AI, movement, and human-robot interaction.
8. Educational robots
Some robots build cars — others build minds. Educational robots make STEM subjects more engaging by giving students hands-on experience with coding, engineering, and AI.
Designed for classrooms and research labs, these robots teach programming, robotics, and problem-solving in an interactive way. They help students understand complex concepts while having fun.
Examples of educational robots
- LEGO Mindstorms: A beginner-friendly robotics kit that lets students build and program their own robots.
- NAO robot: A humanoid robot used in classrooms worldwide to teach coding, AI, and even human-robot interaction.
Where they shine
- STEM education: Schools use these robots to teach coding, mechanics, and problem-solving through hands-on projects.
- Research & development: Universities and tech companies experiment with educational robots to advance AI and machine learning.
- Workforce training: Some companies use robots to help employees learn how to work with automation on factory floors.
9. Companion robots
Not all robots are built for work — some are built to keep us company. Companion robots provide emotional support, entertainment, and even therapy, making them valuable for elderly care, mental health, and everyday interaction.
These robots are designed to interact with people in a social or therapeutic way. They’re equipped with AI, facial recognition, and sometimes even soft, pet-like exteriors to make them more engaging.
Examples of companion robots
- Paro: A robotic baby seal that helps reduce stress in hospitals and nursing homes.
- Lovot: A small, huggable robot designed to build emotional connections with its owner.
Where they shine
- Elderly care: Companion robots provide comfort and interaction for seniors, especially those living alone.
- Therapy: They’re used to help people with anxiety, PTSD, or developmental disorders like autism.
- Everyday companionship: Some people simply enjoy having a friendly, interactive robotic pet.
10. Autonomous mobile robots
Self-driving cars aren’t part of a dream scenario — they’re rolling onto roads, navigating warehouses, and even delivering packages. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) use AI, cameras, and sensors to move without human intervention, making them key players in transportation, logistics, and industry.
These are vehicles capable of sensing their environment and making driving decisions without a human behind the wheel. They rely on LiDAR, GPS, and real-time data processing to react to their surroundings.
Examples of autonomous vehicles
- Self-driving cars: Tesla, Waymo, and other companies are pushing fully autonomous vehicles for public roads.
- Autonomous drones: Used for surveillance, deliveries, and even agriculture.
- Automated forklifts: Warehouses use them to move goods with extreme precision.
Where they shine
- Transportation: Companies like Tesla and Waymo are leading the charge in self-driving consumer vehicles.
- Logistics and delivery: Amazon and UPS are testing autonomous trucks and drones for package delivery.
- Warehousing: Automated forklifts and AGVs streamline material handling in factories.
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are a special type of autonomous mobile robot that follow preset paths or tracks.
They’re guided by sensors or markers along the ground, magnetic strips, or lasers. AGVs are excellent for precise and repetitive jobs and widely used for logistics and warehousing jobs such as loading and unloading trucks.
11. Collaborative robots (cobots)
Not all robots work alone — some are designed to be the ultimate coworkers. Collaborative robots, or cobots, can work alongside humans safely, handling repetitive stuff while humans refocus on higher-end activities.
Unlike traditional industrial robots that require safety cages, cobots come equipped with sensors and force-limiting features that prevent nasty accidents.
Cobots can share a workspace with humans, assisting in manufacturing, assembly, and even health care. They’re easy to program, very flexible, and perfect for businesses that want to automate without massive infrastructure changes.
Examples of collaborative robots
- Standard Bots’ RO1: The most advanced six-axis cobot for machine shops, with best-in-class precision, AI-driven automation, and effortless no-code programming. It’s the total package that can do everything from CNC machine tending to delicate assembly work.
- Universal Robots’ UR series: Industry-favorite cobots renowned for their plug-and-play simplicity and flexible deployment.
- Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer: It’s got a reputation for precision jobs in assembly and quality control.
Where they shine
- Manufacturing: Cobots assist in assembly lines, improving speed and accuracy.
- Quality inspection: AI-powered vision systems detect defects in real time.
- Medical assistance: Some cobots help surgeons by holding instruments steady or aiding in rehabilitation therapy.
12. Swarm robots
One robot is great, but hundreds working together? That’s next-level efficiency.
Swarm robots are small, independent bots that communicate and coordinate like a robotic beehive, tackling complex tasks that would be impossible for a single machine. Inspired by nature’s best team players — ants, bees, and birds — these bots move, adapt, and problem-solve as a collective.
Swarm robots are all about numbers and teamwork. They don’t rely on one leader, but instead swarm robots follow simple rules to create intelligent, decentralized systems. If one bot fails? No problem. The rest keep working like nothing happened.
Examples of robots with swarm capabilities
- Kilobots: Tiny research robots used to study collective behavior and self-organization.
- Harvard’s RoboBees: Miniature flying robots designed to mimic bee behavior for pollination and search-and-rescue.
- Festo’s BionicAnts: Robot ants that collaborate to complete tasks using a swarm intelligence approach.
Where they shine
- Search-and-rescue missions: Swarm robots can quickly scan disaster zones, locate survivors, and even deliver supplies.
- Agriculture: These bots monitor crops, assess soil conditions, and even act as artificial pollinators.
- Scientific research: Studying how simple agents work together to form complex systems, which could lead to breakthroughs in AI and robotics.
13. Soft robots
Soft robots ditch the rigid frames for flexible, squishy materials, letting them stretch, bend, and conform to their surroundings. Inspired by living organisms, they move more like octopuses than Terminators, making them perfect for handling delicate objects and navigating unpredictable environments.
Instead of traditional motors and gears, soft robots use air pressure, fluid movement, and smart materials to change shape and adapt to their environment. This makes them ideal for tasks where a heavy metal claw would be overkill — or outright destructive.
Examples of soft robots
- Octobot: A fully soft robot inspired by octopuses, designed for flexible movement.
- Soft robotic grippers: Used in food handling and medical applications where a gentle touch is key.
- Festo’s BionicSoftHand: A robot hand with soft, adaptive fingers that can grasp objects just like a human.
Where they shine
- Medical applications: Used in wearable assistive devices, prosthetics, and minimally invasive surgeries.
- Biotech research: Helps scientists study soft-tissue interactions and develop more lifelike prosthetics.
- Delicate object handling: From food processing to assembling fragile electronics, soft robots pick up what rigid bots would crush.
14. Nanorobots (nanobots)
Forget robots you can see — nanorobots operate on a microscopic level, small enough to swim through your bloodstream or break down pollutants at a molecular level. While they sound like science fiction, they’re inching closer to real-world applications, especially in medicine and environmental science.
These ultra-tiny machines can do high-quality jobs where precision is everything. Most are still in research and development, but they have the potential to change everything from drug delivery to industrial cleanup.
Examples of nanorobots (prototype and theoretical)
- DNA nanorobots: Tiny robots engineered from DNA strands, capable of delivering medicine to specific cells like a GPS-guided syringe.
- Microbivores: A conceptual nanobot designed to move through the bloodstream and eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Environmental cleanup bots: Theoretical nanorobots that could break down pollutants in water and air at a molecular level.
Where they shine
- Health care: Future nanobots could precisely target cancer cells, reduce the need for invasive surgery, and even repair damaged tissues from the inside.
- Precision diagnostics: By detecting diseases at a cellular level, nanorobots could make early detection more accurate and less invasive.
- Pollution control: Potential applications include breaking down toxic waste and purifying contaminated water sources at an unprecedented scale.
15. Reconfigurable robots
Reconfigurable robots are designed to physically change shape depending on the task. Some modular robots snap together like high-tech LEGO, while others shift form without needing to be taken apart.
These shape-shifting machines perform particularly well in scenarios requiring versatility and adaptability; plus, they can do this autonomously! Moreover, their ability to reconfigure makes them an invaluable tool in several fields.
Examples of reconfigurable robots
- Roombots: Shape-shifting furniture bots that snap together to form chairs, tables, or whatever you need — then reassemble into something new.
- Molecubes: Cube-shaped robots that twist, turn, and even self-replicate, paving the way for machines that build themselves.
- PolyBot: A modular marvel that slithers like a snake or loops into new shapes, tackling rugged terrain with ease.
Where they shine
- Space exploration: Reconfigurable robots can traverse unpredictable terrains on other planets or moons, adapting their shapes or functions to collect samples or conduct repairs in space environments.
- Disaster relief: Their ability to change form enables them to navigate through rubble and tight spaces, assisting in search and rescue operations.
- Manufacturing: These robots can quickly switch configurations to meet changing production demands, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in industrial settings.
16. Cartesian robots
Also known as Gantry robots, Cartesian robots operate similarly to a 3D grid. Their versatility offers precise control over linear movements. They're used in pick-and-place jobs, CNC machining, and 3D printing.
Some other places where industrial robots shine
- Car assembly: Welding car frames, installing parts, and painting with more consistency than any human.
- Electronics manufacturing: Placing tiny chips onto circuit boards with blink-and-you-miss-it accuracy.
- Warehouse automation: Sorting, packing, and stacking goods with speeds no human could match.
Want to see how industrial robots fit into your day? Check out our full guide to industrial robotics.
FAQs
What are the main types of robotics?
Robots come in many forms, but they generally fall into these categories:
- Industrial robots: Handle manufacturing, welding, assembly, and material handling.
- Service robots: Take care of cleaning, security, delivery, and logistics.
- Medical robots: Assist in surgeries, rehabilitation, and patient care.
- Military robots: Used for reconnaissance, bomb disposal, and combat support.
- Exploration robots: Sent to space and deep-sea environments to explore the unknown.
- Autonomous vehicles: Self-driving cars and drones that operate without direct human control.
- Swarm robots: Work collectively to complete tasks like search-and-rescue or environmental monitoring.
- Reconfigurable robots: Change their physical structure to adapt to different jobs.
Are autonomous vehicles considered robots?
Yep, autonomous vehicles qualify as robots since they move independently, process environmental data, and make real-time decisions. Self-driving cars, robotic delivery vehicles, and autonomous drones all use AI, sensors, and cameras to navigate the world without direct human control.
What are collaborative robots (cobots)?
Collaborative robots (cobots) work with humans rather than replace them. Unlike traditional industrial robots that need fenced-off workspaces, cobots have built-in safety features like force sensors and machine vision, so they can operate safely around people.
They're commonly used for:
- Manufacturing: Automating assembly lines while working alongside humans.
- Quality inspection: Using AI vision to detect defects faster than the human eye.
- Packaging & logistics: Handling, sorting, and preparing goods for shipment.
How do swarm robots function?
Swarm robots take inspiration from nature’s best team players: ants, bees, and birds. Instead of acting individually, they communicate and coordinate as a group to complete tasks efficiently. Swarm robotics is especially useful in:
- Search-and-rescue: Quickly scanning disaster zones for survivors.
- Agriculture: Monitoring crops and automating tasks like pollination.
- Scientific research: Studying collective behavior and robotics coordination.
What does the future of robotics look like?
The future of robotics is smarter, more adaptive, and more integrated with human life. Expect to see:
- AI-powered robots: Machines that continuously learn and improve over time.
- More human-robot collaboration: Cobots and humanoid robots working alongside people.
- Autonomous everything: From fully self-driving warehouses to robotic-run supply chains.
- Soft and biodegradable robots: Safer, flexible machines made from sustainable materials.
Summing up
So there you have it, a comprehensive rundown of the different types of robots.
From their humble beginnings in the 1700s to the advanced mechanisms we see today; robots are changing the modern world, with many yet to be invented.
But, as always, what it all comes down to is choosing the right robot for the job — and that’s precisely what we’re here to help you with.
Next steps with Standard Bots
Looking to automate your shop floor or factory without blowing your budget? Standard Bots’ RO1 has you covered.
- Affordable and accessible: Half the cost of other six-axis cobots, with leasing options starting at just $5/hour.
- A focus on precision: An 18 kg payload and ±0.025 mm repeatability make it a beast for even the most detailed jobs.
- AI you can trust: RO1 runs on next-gen tech that’s as smart as GPT-4 (but way less annoying). Plus, its no-code framework makes it extra-easy to set up and get going.
- Safety-minded design: With advanced vision and collision detection, RO1 can work alongside your team without a hitch.
Book a risk-free, 30-day on-site trial today and see why Standard Bots is leading the pack in collaborative robotics. It’s time to let RO1 do the heavy lifting. Literally.
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