In manufacturing, automation is rewriting the rulebook — Industrial robots are speeding up production worldwide, and a crucial player on the factory floor is the robotic arm.

For decades, human arms have been assembling products in factories. Now, we have industrial robotic arms doing the same job, but way faster and more precisely. 

But how do robotic arms work, and how are they changing production? In this article, we’re going to dive deep into this topic — and point you in the direction of an awesome robotic arm. 

We’ll cover: 

• What are robotic arms? 
• How do robotic arms work? 
• Robot arm types 
• The main types of robotic arm joints 
• What industries benefit the most? 
• Advanced technologies
• Real-world applications
• Benefits 
• Cobot vs robot arms
• FAQs

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An introduction to robotic arms

First, what is a robotic arm? Think about your own arm. What can it do? It can bend, grasp objects (with the help of your hand), lift things, and move objects. The jobs performed by robot arms are not all that different, although they tend to be more efficient.

A robotic arm is a series of connected segments, rather than one solid arm. These segments are connected through "joints" or "axes". Each joint has a motor that acts like a muscle. The more joints or axes a robotic arm has, the more flexible it is, as a general rule of thumb. 

More things to know: 

• One common type is the six-axis robotic arm: It looks and moves a lot like a human arm. It has segments resembling a shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
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• In the industrial world, robotic arms perform precise jobs: They have what is called a "work envelope", which is essentially their workspace.
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• Robotic arms also use an "end-effector": A specialized tool attached to their wrist for interacting with materials and completing jobs. It could be a gripper, welding torch, cutter, sprayer, or drill. What kind of end-effector the robotic arm will have will depend on the job.
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• Robotic arms don't come pre-programmed with skills; they need to be taught: Typically, this is done through a robotic arm controller and a "teaching pendant". Some robotic arms, like collaborative robots, can be programmed by manually moving them, or with drag-and-drop no-code programming. Robots by Standard Bots can ‘think’ for themselves. 

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How do robotic arms work? 

A robotic arm’s movement is like a human’s but with way more flexibility. These arms have parts that act like the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, working together to move and grab objects.

So, how do robots move? Here’s your answer: 

1. Joints and actuators: These are the moving parts of the robot. Think of them as the robot's joints that can bend or turn. They are pushed or pulled by mechanisms called actuators, which can be powered by electricity, air (pneumatic), or liquids (hydraulic).
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2. Links: Links are the segments connecting the robot's joints. They are usually made of sturdy materials like metal tubes and determine how far the robot can reach and how stable it is.
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3. Internal sensors: Inside the robot, there are sensors that tell it where its joints are and how they're moving. It's similar to our sense of touch and awareness of our body's position.
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4. End of arm tool: Also called an end-effector, this acts as the robot's hand. It can grab things, and sometimes the wrist can turn to make the job easier.
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5. Digital I/O and controller: This is how the robot talks to its "brain", also known as the controller. Digital inputs and outputs are electronic signals that control the robot arm's joints. When you give the robot arm a job to do, the controller makes sure it does it with precise movements.

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The various robot arm types

Robot arms, often called robotic manipulators, are a key part of industrial robots. Robotic arms generally refer to a diverse grouping of robotic arm mechanism families. While these robots share some commonalities, each has unique features making it more suited to certain jobs.

The different types of robotic arms you'll find include:

1. Six-axis
2. Articulated arm
3. Collaborative robot arm
4. Cartesian arm
5. SCARA arm
6. Cylindrical arm
7. Polar/Spherical arm
8. Delta/Parallel arm
9. Dual arm
10. Anthropomorphic arm

Let's look at the most common types of robotic arms today:

Articulated arm

Picture a robot arm that's as flexible as your own; that's an articulated arm in a nutshell. It's one of the most common types in industrial automation, featuring a single mechanical arm attached to a base with a twisting joint. These robots, often with four to six joints, are incredibly flexible and capable of jobs like arc welding, assembly, material handling, and more.

Cartesian arm

Cartesian robots, also known as linear or gantry robots, move in straight lines on three different axes — up and down, in and out, and side to side. Cartesian robotic arms offer precise control and are commonly used in CNC machining and 3D printing applications.

SCARA arm

The SCARA robot, short for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, is a multijober of sorts. It can move in three directions and twist around. It's lightning-fast and ideal for jobs like assembling things and stacking cases of products or goods on pallets.

Cylindrical arm

Imagine a robot with a single arm that can go up and down. This robotic arm has a rotary joint at the base and can extend its arm to reach for things. Cylindrical arms are compact and perfect for assembly operations and taking care of other machines.

Delta arm

Also called parallel robots, delta arms are known for their incredible speed and precision. They have three arms connected to one base and are perfect for high-speed jobs in industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

Polar arm

Also known as spherical robots, these robots have a base and an arm with one joint that moves back and forth, and two rotary joints that spin. This setup lets them work in a sphere-like work envelope. They're typically used in jobs like die casting, material handling, arc welding, and more.

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Types of robotic arm joints: How your robot moves

Not all robotic arms move the same way — some are smooth operators, while others are more rigid and specialized. The secret? Joints. Just like in the human body, different joint types give robotic arms their range of motion and flexibility.

Exploring robotic arm joints:

• Rotary joints: These allow parts of the arm to rotate around a fixed axis, making them perfect for twisting, turning, and precise positioning. Think of a robotic barista swirling a coffee cup before serving it.
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• Linear joints keep things straightforward (literally): Moving in a straight line along a single axis, these joints help with tasks like pushing, pulling, or extending. Imagine a robot reaching out to place a box on a shelf.
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• Ball-and-socket joints are more flexible: Offering the most flexibility, these joints enable multi-directional movement, similar to a human shoulder. Great for applications that need high dexterity, like welding at awkward angles.

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Advanced technologies in robotic arms: Smarter, faster, better

Robotic arms are no longer just mechanical workhorses — they’re getting smarter, more adaptable, and better at handling complex tasks. Thanks to AI, sensors, and cutting-edge control systems, modern robotic arms are learning on the job and working more efficiently than ever.

Innovation in motion:

• AI is turning robotic arms into quick learners: Machine learning algorithms help robots adapt to new tasks, self-correct mistakes, and optimize movements for speed and precision. The more they work, the better they get.
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• Computer vision gives robots a new set of eyes: With advanced cameras and sensors, robotic arms can identify objects, assess their surroundings, and make split-second decisions — no coffee breaks required.

Emerging trends:

• Next-gen controllers make robots more intuitive: Future robotic arms will rely on smarter control systems that require less programming and more natural, human-like interaction. Think drag-and-drop automation instead of hours of coding.
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• Sensor integration is leveling up precision: Tactile sensors, force feedback, and real-time environmental awareness will make robotic arms even more responsive. Soon, they’ll be able to adjust grip strength like a human hand — just without the sweaty palms.

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What industries benefit the most from robotic arms?

Robotic arms are taking over the jobs that humans find repetitive, dangerous, or just plain exhausting. Whether it’s assembling products, handling delicate procedures, or moving heavy loads, these machines thrive in making industries more efficient. 

Here’s where they’re making the biggest impact:

• Manufacturing is where robotic arms put in overtime: From assembling cars to welding metal, these bots handle high-speed, high-precision work that humans just can’t (or shouldn’t) do for hours on end.
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• Logistics runs smoother: Warehouses use robotic arms for sorting, packing, and palletizing — cutting down on errors and back pain.
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• Healthcare gets a precision bump-up thanks to robotic arms: From robotic-assisted surgeries to automated pharmaceutical dispensing, these machines are improving patient care with steady, controlled movements.
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• Food processing moves faster with robotic chefs: Sorting produce, cutting meat, and even decorating cakes — robotic arms keep food production efficient.
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• Electronics assembly needs a steady hand, and robots deliver: When you’re dealing with tiny circuits and delicate components, robotic arms mean you get accuracy without the shaky hands of a sleep-deprived engineer.

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Real-world applications of robotic arms

Robotic arms have fast become essential in modern times and have given various industries a major shot in the arm, making jobs quicker, more efficient, and safer.

Most industrial robotic arms have a primary goal: Handling repetitive and occasionally risky jobs that require perfect precision. From assembling intricate products to organizing our food, industrial robot arms can be programmed to carry out a wide range of functions.

Robotic arms are commonly used in manufacturing applications, where they handle jobs like:

• Arc and spot welding
• Polishing and grinding
• Metal processing
• CNC tending
• Material handling
• Machine tending
• Palletizing
• Polishing
• Assembly
• Rubber and plastic work

But, robotic arms like Standard Bots’ RO1 can do much more than this — it can handle most manufacturing jobs easily, and re-adapt to a new job in a flash. 

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Benefits of a robotic arm

In today's ever-changing industrial landscape, robotic arms have become indispensable in multiple sectors. Not only do they change the way we work, but they also bring plenty of benefits.

The role of robotics in the industrial sector is not to replace human workers, but rather to work alongside them: Although it may seem like this will create fewer jobs for humans, in practical terms robots free up human workers to focus on jobs that require more skill.

Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits: 

Automating tedious jobs

Robotic arms are great for automating repetitive jobs, which means human workers can dedicate their time to more complex and creative projects. This not only makes work less monotonous but also cuts down on mistakes that often occur with routine, mundane jobs - human error, in other words.

Improving safety

By taking on hazardous jobs, robotic arms can safeguard human workers from potential injuries. A safer work environment not only protects the well-being of employees but also minimizes potential medical and compensation costs for employers.

Increasing productivity

Perhaps the greatest benefit of robotic arms is the fact that they're tireless workers, capable of maintaining high-speed and high-precision performance 24/7. Their efficiency means more work gets done in less time, increasing overall productivity and profits.

More precision

Getting a machine to be fast and accurate at the same time is tough, but robotic arm motors have mastered this balance. They use modern programming to operate quickly without making mistakes or sacrificing precision.

This can translate into consistent and top-notch product quality that not only boosts customer satisfaction but also reduces waste and rework.

Reduced downtime

Robotic arms are also incredibly reliable, hardly ever breaking down or stopping. This means operations can keep running smoothly without costly interruptions or delays.

More flexibility

Another useful feature of robotic arm motors is that you can change what they do fairly easily. They're not stuck doing the same thing all the time. Depending on what a manufacturer needs, they can be reprogrammed to perfect a different set of jobs.

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Cobot vs. robot arms: What you need to know

Some arms are designed to collaborate, while others are meant to dominate the workspace. If you're trying to decide between a cobot and a traditional robotic arm, here’s what you need to know:

• Cobots are the friendly coworkers who actually help: These are meant to work safely alongside humans, cobots are easy to program, adaptable, and perfect for dynamic tasks. No safety cages, no pain — just plug in and go.
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• Industrial robotic arms are the muscle-bound solo performers: These machines are made for speed, precision, and non-stop output. They work fast and hard but need dedicated space and strict safety measures to operate.

Which one’s right for you? If you need flexibility, easy integration, and a human-friendly design, cobots are the move. If raw power and speed are your priorities, a traditional robotic arm might be the better fit.

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FAQs

How much does an industrial robotic arm cost?

The cost of industrial robotic arms can vary widely. The price can range from $25,000 to $150,000 but may increase significantly when specific features are added. Simpler single-axis robot arms can start at around $3,000, while more advanced articulated robots can exceed $500,000.

The total cost depends on the robot's type, capabilities, and any extras like controllers and software needed to make it work.

What is a robotic arm controller? 

An industrial robotic arm is controlled using both hardware and software. It moves thanks to motors, like electric servo motors or hydraulic/pneumatic actuators. The robot controller sends signals to these motors, telling the arm how to move and where to go. In basic terms, it's like a remote control for the robotic arm, guiding its actions.

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Summing up 

At their core, robots tackle repetitive, boring, and time-consuming jobs, all while feeding us essential data to make everything run even smoother.

In a nutshell, robotic arms have become indispensable tools in modern manufacturing. Taking cues from the flexibility and mechanics of human arms, the types of robotic arms are wide-ranging and incredibly versatile.

But, of course, the crux of the matter is choosing a robotic arm that serves your purposes, and that’s why we recommend that you keep reading. 

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Next steps with an AI-powered robotic arm 

RO1 is the six-axis cobot upgrade your shop’s been waiting for:

• Affordable and versatile: Best-in-class capabilities at half the price of competitors; leasing starts at just $5/hour.
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• Precision and strength: Repeatability of ±0.025 mm and an 18 kg payload make it ideal for assembly, welding, and material handling.
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• AI-driven and user-friendly: No-code programming lets any team automate without a robotics degree.
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• Safety-first design: Machine vision and collision detection enable barrier-free operation alongside workers.

Book your risk-free, 30-day onsite trial today and let RO1 handle the heavy lifting — no stress, no downtime, just results.