What is a cartesian robot and how is it used in automation?
A Cartesian coordinate robot (also called linear robot) is an industrial
robot whose three principal axes of control are linear (i.e. they move in a straight
line rather than rotate) and are at right angles to each other.[1] The three sliding
joints correspond to moving the wrist up-down, in-out, back-forth. Among other
advantages, this mechanical arrangement simplifies the robot control arm solution.
It has high reliability and precision when operating in three-dimensional space.
[2]
As a robot coordinate system, it is also effective for horizontal travel and for
stacking bins. [3]
A cartesian robot system that uses XYZ coordinates to
move multiple axes—typically three—to a specific
location within its workspace. Cartesian robots can be
extremely beneficial for engineers that are looking to
automate their warehouses, improve their current
systems, or solve unique design challenges.
Applications
Popular applications for Cartesian coordinate robots are computer numerical
control machines (CNC machine) and 3D printing. The simplest application is used
in milling machines and plotters where a tool such as a router or pen translates
across an X-Y plane and is raised and lowered onto a surface to create a precise
design.
Pick and place machines are another application for Cartesian coordinate robots.
For example, overhead gantry Cartesian robots are applied for continuous parts
loading and unloading on CNC lathes production lines, performing 3-axis (X, Y,
Z) pick and place operations of heavy loads with high speed performance and high
positioning accuracy. In general, overhead gantry Cartesian robots are suitable for
many automation systems.
cartesian robots are actually used often in everyday life.
Whether it is a two-axis gantry robot, such as a crane,
which can move large parts of a multiple story-high
building, or even a 3D printer within a much smaller area
of operation, both still rely on the same mechanics to
complete the process. The benefits of a cartesian robot
are endless since they cater to most applications that
require automated assistance—pick and place, labeling,
measuring, and other processes that require both speed
and precision with an outstanding return on investment.
The ability to automate these procedures with a
cartesian robot system will allow you to turn an
operation that would normally take an assembly line of
three to four people into a process that requires just
one, or possibly even no one, depending on how intricate
the system is, i.e. peripheral AI.
A key benefit offered by a cartesian robot over other
automated solutions, such as an articulated robot
arm or a SCARA robot system, is that they provide a
more flexible workspace while enabling a much faster
pick rate. The cube-shaped workspace of a cartesian
robot allows for easier calculation of coordinates
without the constraint of a SCARA or other robotic arms'
reach. Since robotic arms and SCARA robots require a
round or multi-axis workspace, the circumference will
always need to be factored in when planning out
coordinates. However, a cartesian robot system has
definitive corners to its workspace which allows for
much simpler calculation.
Another aspect to
consider is that most robotic arms will be defined to
certain sizes which will limit its workspace, whereas a
gantry can be multiple meters long! In the picture to the
right, you can see the new igus® XXL Gantry, which is a
large DIY, 3-axis linear cartesian robot that has an
action radius of 2,000 x 2,000 x 1,500 millimeters and is
particularly suitable for palletizing applications of up to
10 kilograms.
