Types of Robotic Arms and Joints

CYLINDRICAL ROBOTIC ARM

A robotic arm with at least 1 prismatic joint. It uses rotational motion along joint axis in a linear motion.

CYLINDRICAL JOINT

A combination of a prismatic and revolute joint. This joint allows only linear motion along an axis and rotation about that axis. This joint has 2 degrees of freedom.

SCARA ROBOTIC ARM

A cylindrical robot, having 2 parallel rotary joints (horizontally articulated) and provides compliance in one selected plane. SCARA stands for Selectively Compliant Arm for Robotic Assembly.

REVOLUTE JOINT

A joint that allows rotational motion about a single axis. This joint has 1 degree of freedom.

SPHERICAL JOINT

A joint that ensures two bodies remain connected at a common point, preventing any linear translation. Rotation about any axis is permitted. This joint has 3 degrees of freedom.

PRISMATIC JOINT

A joint that provides linear sliding movement between two bodies on a single axis. This joint has 1 degree of freedom.

DELTA ROBOTIC ARM/ PARALLEL ROBOTIC ARM

A spider like robotic arm used for delicate precise movements. It is high flexibility and is often used in welding and materials handling. It is usually a higher priced robotic arm. It is a type of parallel robot.

CARTESIAN ROBOTIC ARM/ GANTRY ROBOTIC ARM

Also known as Rectilinear robotic arms. It usually possess 3 joints and uses X, Y, & Z axis's.

SPHERICAL ROBOTIC ARM / POLAR ROBOT ARM

Connects to the base with a twisting joint and a combination of 2 rotatory joints and 1 linear joint.

ARTICULATED ROBOTIC ARM

Robotic arms that range from simple two-jointed structures to systems with 10 or more interacting joints and materials. It contains rotary joints.