Types of Robots: 4 Fascinating Varieties Explained

Understand the types of robots if you’re planning your robotics implementation or working with a systems integrator; Catalyst Connection’s guide from MEP National Network representative Catalyst Connection can assist.

From Cartesian and Polar robots to collaborative industrial robots (cobots), there are many varieties of robots on the market today – read on to discover which types are ideal for your manufacturing needs!

Aerospace Robots

Aerospace robots offer more versatility than other industrial robotic systems.

While they don’t work directly with electronic components, the aerospace industry requires high levels of precision and repeatability; additionally, planes typically remain in service for decades so quality must be assured during construction.

Aerospace manufacturers depend on flexible robots for tasks like drilling, painting, sealing, and inspection.

By eliminating human workers from dangerous environments while meeting stringent quality control standards on every part they produce efficiently – aerospace manufacturers benefit immensely from flexible robot’ services.

Robots offer many advantages to manufacturers when drilling thousands of holes quickly in an aircraft fuselage, robotic drilling can be done within minutes and with greater accuracy than manual methods.

Robots also perform other tasks such as washing and painting which eliminate costly rework for manufacturers who wish to speed up production without compromising quality.

Aquatic Robots

Underwater robots can dive to extreme depths or cruise along the surface to gather environmental data and inspect marine structures, playing an essential role in monitoring ocean conditions, climate change research, and protecting marine ecosystems.

Some underwater robots, like remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) used on oil platforms, are connected to surface vessels via cables, while others can be free-swimming autonomous systems controlled from onboard computers or mobile phones.

Service robots perform valuable services for people in offices and private spaces, such as cleaning and delivering items.

Examples of such robots are Emiew receptionist robots and security systems like Cobalt.

Medical robots range from da Vinci-type surgical systems to powered exoskeletons that serve as therapy tools for children living with autism.

Military Robots

The military employs several robots for various tasks. Common examples are EOD (explosive ordinance disposal), missile system guidance, and manned air vehicle control robots; as well as patrolling military bases or government facilities to detect movement in unauthorized areas as sentries alert a human overseer when movement occurs outside designated boundaries, sometimes even being equipped with weapons to handle situations in the field.

One example of a Military robot is TALON 5, equipped with a sniper rifle that can be remotely operated by soldiers.

It can target specific locations within three-quarters of a mile and fire on command.

There are other military robots capable of detecting chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats in hazardous environments.

These types of robots can be deployed either on land, air, or sea and serve as valuable assets in combat operations as they do not require sleep, food, or any other distractions that might put human operators at risk of injury.

Biomimetic Robots

After decades of retreating into rigid metal machines, roboticists are turning back toward nature for inspiration in biomimetic robotics – an emerging field that may one day help people.

Biomimetic robots that can efficiently excavate dirt and debris could provide vital assistance during times of disaster, such as after an earthquake when rescuers would be at risk if entering.

Researchers are studying animals with strong digging capabilities to create robots capable of doing this job more effectively.

Researchers are exploring how flexible feather joints and patterned electrodes can provide new movement modes for biomimetic robots in underwater environments.

Multiple electrodes can be patterned on one actuator to provide multiple degrees of freedom (DOF), such as snake-like motions or tentacle manipulation.

This approach also reduces weight as large, expensive actuators are no longer necessary; in addition, flexible feather joints allow flexible feathers to bend away from obstacles that they might run into as well as to avoid potential collisions between robots or objects that they might run into.