What is a 6-axis robot? A simple guide

April 17, 2024

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Evan Beard

CEO

What is a 6-axis robot? A simple guide

April 17, 2024

Today, productivity has six degrees of freedom: If you haven’t heard about what a six-axis robot can do for your shop floor, we’re about to tell you some great news.

These automated robot arms can help you boost productivity and throughput while cutting costs. In this article, we’ll tell you all about them.

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We’ll cover:

The anatomy of the 6-axis robot arm
How these robots work and move
The many benefits of buying a 6-axis robot arm
Industries where 6-axis robot arms are common
Will it cost you an arm and a leg?

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Let’s dive right in!

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Anatomy of a 6-axis robot arm

A 6-axis robot arm has six joints that correspond to the six degrees of freedom required for precise movement. The "axes" refer to the joints and how the arm can rotate, bend, or move in different directions, much like a human arm.

Let’s break down the key components:

The base, also called the pedestal, anchors the robot to the floor or table. The base allows the first joint to rotate the arm left or right. The second joint lifts the arm up and down. These first two joints are responsible for the robot's overall range of motion.
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The third joint, known as the elbow, bends the arm in and out.
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After the elbow, the fourth joint rotates the forearm.
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The fifth joint bends the wrist up and down, while the sixth joint rotates the end-of-arm tooling left or right.
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Keep in mind that some robot arms have an additional joint for gripping or an end-effector like a welding torch. The end-effector is attached to the end of the wrist and can be customized for the robot's specific task.

With six joints working together, the robot arm can achieve an incredibly high degree of accuracy and skill to perform precise movements in a three-dimensional space.

In a nutshell, the robot can “work the angles” by moving to specific points in its range of motion and by manipulating the angles and rotation of each joint.

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How 6-axis robots work and move

As we’ve gone over, these robots have six degrees of freedom/motion. But what are these called in practice?

They are: up/down, left/right, forward/backward, pitch, roll, and yaw.

Now, let’s take a look at how these robots move and operate:

Fine-grained control. The six joints are powered by actuators that precisely control the position, velocity, and acceleration of each axis. Sophisticated software coordinates the movements between joints, enabling smooth and dexterous motion.

As such, 6-axis robots can perform tasks that require a high degree of manipulation and control, such as assembling complex components, handling fragile objects, or working in confined spaces that would have even the most nimble human feeling claustrophobic.
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Ultra-high range of motion. With the aforementioned six axes of motion, these robots have an extensive range of movement that allows them to reach nearly any point within their work envelope. They can extend, retract, and rotate their arms to navigate around obstacles and manipulate objects from pretty much any angle. This flexibility makes them a perfect match for applications with limited access or in tight spaces.

The many advantages of 6-axis robots

Turns out, there’s a lot to love about 6-axis robots. Here are the main benefits of using one of these automated machines on your shop floor:

Super-high dexterity levels. With six axes of motion (degrees of freedom), these robots can reach around obstacles and access confined spaces more easily than robots with fewer axes. Their "arms" have a greater range of motion that allows them to maneuver as deftly as a human arm. This makes them well-suited for tasks that require a high degree of dexterity and flexibility.
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Top-tier precision levels. The additional axes also provide more precise control and movement. 6-axis robots can make very small, controlled motions to grasp, place, and manipulate objects with a high degree of accuracy.

This precision is important for applications like electronics assembly, biomedical devices, and quality inspections where tolerances are very tight.
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Near-zero interference. Compared to articulated robots with fewer axes, 6-axis robots have a smaller "footprint" and take up less space on the production floor. Their compact design, with joints that can rotate 360 degrees, means they can operate within a confined area without interfering with other equipment or robots.

This can help maximize available space in an automated production facility.
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Skyrocketing productivity. The combination of flexibility, precision, and very low interference means that 6-axis robots can typically perform tasks faster and more efficiently than other types of robots because they can work pretty much forever without needing to reposition themselves as frequently.

For many manufacturing applications, this improved productivity and speed can result in lower costs and way higher output.

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Applications and industries using 6-axis robots

6-axis robots are already used to great success across a wide variety of industries.

Let’s take a look:

Auto manufacturing: 6-axis robots are great at welding, painting, assembly, and material handling tasks within the auto industry.
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Putting electronics together: Their precision and adaptability make them a perfect choice for complex tasks like circuit board assembly, component placement, and soldering.
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High-quality food and drink production: 6-axis robots handle packaging, palletizing, quality inspection, and even food preparation tasks. Some are even more precise than the most skilled chef.
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Logistics and warehousing: These versatile robots streamline picking, packing, sorting, palletizing, and depalletizing processes, which is a big win for warehouse efficiency.
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Med and pharmaceutical: 6-axis robots help out in surgical procedures, laboratory automation, and packaging and handling of sensitive medical materials.

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How much does a 6-axis robot arm cost?

The cost of a 6-axis robot arm can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. While there are 6-axis robots under $5,000, a typical lightweight manufacturing six-axis robot will go from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the payload.

But if you’re looking for a heavy-duty arm? Costs can rise upwards of $500k.

Why such variation, though? Let’s take a look at the factors influencing price:

Robot specs: Payload capacity, reach, number of axes, and controller type directly impact cost. Expect to pay more for heavier-duty models (think 500+ kg capacity), long reach, 6-axis flexibility, and advanced controllers.
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Add-ons: Factor in necessary components like end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), safety systems, conveyors, and potentially vision systems. These can add $10,000 to $200,000 or more to the overall investment.
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Installation & services: Include programming, installation, testing, and training costs in your budget. These services typically range from $5,000 to $50,000.
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Top-end robots, like RO1 from Standard Bots, offer a great bang-for-your-buck option with a cost-effective price, and a lease model with training and support included.

This can save you a ton of money.

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Summing up

Now you know all about 6-axis robot arms and what makes them tick.

With their amazing skill, dexterity, and precision, it's no wonder these bots are being deployed across so many industries.

But keep in mind that bringing one on board requires careful planning and investment. If the use case is right, though, a 6-axis arm could be a total miracle for your shop floor.

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Next steps

Dive into accessible automation with RO1 from Standard Bots, a powerful 6-axis robot suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Automation that doesn’t break the bank: RO1 delivers essential automation features to streamline processes and boost productivity.

Maximize efficiency, not headaches: The RO1's 6-axis arm and best-in-class 18 kg payload capacity ensure the precision and speed your business demands.

Collaboration? Check!: Advanced safety features promote seamless teamwork between humans and robots.

AI-powered adaptability: With an AI brain that stands toe-to-toe with GPT-4, RO1 evolves with your team.

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Our team supports you every step of the way, maximizing the impact of your RO1 investment. Experience the difference – try RO1 risk-free for 30 days!

Press contacts

Evan Beard

CEO

evan@standardbots.com