A 4-axis robot is an articulated machine with four joints that provide movement in multiple planes. If you want automated equipment handling complex tasks with precision, a 4-axis robot is a great pick.
A 4-axis robot typically consists of a few main parts:
Basically, a 4-axis robot can move in three directions: up/down, left/right, forward/backward, and rotate — a total of four degrees of freedom. Each joint gets power from an actuator (like an electric motor) that gives the necessary force and torque to move and lift the robot arm.
Also, the joints typically allow 180 degrees of motion for maximum flexibility and range — although the range can vary depending on the robot’s design.
But how do these robots even feel their way around?
Sensors on the robot provide feedback about the position and movement of each joint. The robot uses this information to precisely control the arm and ensure smooth, accurate movement. Of course, more advanced robots may use machine vision or other sensors to detect the environment around them and navigate on their own.
All 4-axis robots are versatile and flexible enough for various industrial applications.
A 4-axis robot is very good at assembling components with multiple parts. Their skilled end-effector can grab, orientate, and join parts accurately. Automotive, electronic, and medical device assembly often use 4-axis robots.
4-axis robots frequently unload, transfer, and organize materials on production lines or in warehouses. As for lift capacities, they can vary widely by manufacturer and application. Some models have smaller payload capacities (2 to 20 kg), while heavy-duty industrial models can lift hundreds of kilograms.
Most 4-axis robots equipped with cameras and sensors are excellent for inspecting products. They can rotate, tilt, and pan sensors over parts to examine all surfaces. Automated optical inspection using 4-axis robots improves all-around quality control.
All 4-axis robots are commonly used for packaging products by grabbing, orientating, and loading items into boxes, crates, or pallets. They handle packaging at super-high speed while minimizing product damage. Food, drink, and pharmaceutical packaging frequently use these bots.
4-axis robots have quite a few benefits over standard robotic arms.
Let’s take a look:
Here are some limitations to keep in mind for 4-axis robots:
A 4-axis robot can be a great solution if you need a flexible automation system for simple pick-and-place or assembly tasks. The additional axis gives you much more skill and range of motion compared to a 3-axis robot. This lets 4-axis robots access confined spaces and work with objects along multiple orientations.
However, 4-axis robots are more complex to program and typically more expensive. They also require a larger footprint and consume more energy. If you need a robot for extremely basic automation jobs, a 3-axis or SCARA robot may be more your speed.
A 4-axis robot offers some cool capabilities but isn’t necessarily right for every situation. Only you can decide if the precision and flexibility of four axes meets your needs, or if you need more or fewer axes of motion.
Maybe you just need a simple pick-and-place application. Then 2 or 3 axes could work fine.
But if you need complex movements and flexibility, 4 axes and beyond open up possibilities. Just weigh the higher costs and programming challenges against the dexterity.
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