What is a robotic arm?
A robotic arm is a mechanical device that can be automated or manually controlled. It refers to a complex system with high precision, multiple inputs and multiple outputs, high nonlinearity, and strong coupling. Due to its unique operational flexibility, it has been widely used in industrial assembly, safety and explosion protection, and other fields.
A robotic arm is a complex system with uncertainties such as parameter perturbations, external disturbances, and unmodeled dynamics. Therefore, the modeling of the robotic arm also has uncertainties. For different tasks, it is necessary to plan the motion trajectory of the robotic arm joint space, so as to cascade and form the end effector pose.
What are industrial robots?
Industrial robots are multi-jointed manipulators or multi-degree-of-freedom machines designed for industrial applications. They can perform tasks automatically, relying on their own power and control capabilities to achieve various functions. They can be commanded by humans or operate according to pre-programmed procedures. Modern industrial robots can also act according to principles established by artificial intelligence technology.
An industrial robot consists of three basic parts: the body, the drive system, and the control system. The body, including the base and actuators, comprises the arm, wrist, and hand; some robots also have a locomotion mechanism. Most industrial robots have 3 to 6 degrees of freedom, with the wrist typically having 1 to 3 degrees of freedom. The drive system includes the power unit and transmission mechanism, which enables the actuators to perform corresponding actions. The control system issues command signals to the drive system and actuators according to the input program and performs control accordingly.
The difference between robotic arms and industrial robots
Robotic arms are the most widely used mechanical devices in the field of robotics, with applications in industry, medicine, and even military and aerospace. Robotic arms are classified into four-axis, five-axis, six-axis, and multi-axis types, 3D/2D robots, independent robotic arms, hydraulic robotic arms, etc. Although there are many types, they all have one thing in common: they can receive commands and accurately position themselves at points in three-dimensional (or two-dimensional) space to perform tasks.
Unlike robotic arms, robots can receive human instructions, perform tasks according to pre-programmed instructions, and act according to principles defined by artificial intelligence. In the future, robots will increasingly assist or replace human workers, especially in repetitive and hazardous tasks.
The differences between robotic arms and industrial robots in terms of application scope:
Robotic arms are widely used in industry, and their main technologies are drive and control. Robotic arms are generally serial structures.
Robots are mainly divided into serial and parallel structures: Parallel robots (PM) are mostly used in applications requiring high rigidity, high precision, and high speed, but not large spaces. Specific applications include sorting, handling, motion simulation, parallel machine tools, metal cutting, robot joints, and spacecraft interfaces. Serial and parallel robots complement each other in application. Serial robots have a larger workspace and can avoid coupling effects between drive axes. However, each axis of their mechanism needs independent control, and encoders and sensors are required to improve motion accuracy.
