A robotic arm is a mechanical device that can be automated or manually controlled; an industrial robot is an automated device, and a robotic arm is a type of industrial robot, which also come in other forms. Therefore, although the two terms have different meanings, they overlap in some areas.
So, simply put, there are many forms of industrial robots, and robotic arms are just one of them.
Industrial robotic arm
An industrial robotic arm is "a fixed or mobile machine, typically composed of a series of interconnected or relatively sliding parts, used to grasp or move objects, capable of automatic control, repeatable programming, and multiple degrees of freedom (axis). Its working principle is mainly to reach the target position by making linear movements along the X, Y, and Z axes."
Industrial robots
According to ISO 8373, an industrial robot is a machine that automatically performs tasks, relying on its own power and control capabilities to achieve various functions. It can be commanded by humans or operate according to pre-programmed procedures. Modern industrial robots can also act according to principles established using artificial intelligence technology.
The difference between a robot and a robotic arm
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 humans in certain jobs, especially repetitive and dangerous ones.
The definitions of robots differ between Western countries and Japan:
Western countries generally consider robots to be computer-controlled, programmed to become multifunctional automated machines. Japan, on the other hand, defines robots as advanced automated machines, thus including robotic arms in the definition of a robot. Western countries consider robotic arms with 6 or more axes to be robots, while those with 5 axes or less can only be called robotic arms. Japan defines 3-axis robotic arms as robots.
The international community now largely agrees on the concept of robots, viewing them as automated machines that rely on their own power and control capabilities to perform various functions.
The difference between robots and robotic arms 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 robots complement parallel robots 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.
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