Advantages of Linear Robots

Linear robots are those that are mounted to a grid system and move in straight lines along the X, Y, and Z planes which run perpendicular to one another. Linear robots are ideal for automating highly repetitive processes in manufacturing settings. Their grid system is unique to other types of industrial robots and allows for several advantages, which include:

• • High Accuracy - The perpendicular grid system of linear robots means they can only move in one direction at a time and eliminates rotating movements. This increases their accuracy and makes them more accurate than articulated robots. Their high accuracy is why they excel at highly repetitive applications. They can replicate the same motions over and over without deviation.


• • Fast Operating Speeds - The grid system of linear robotic manipulators provides them with fast operating speeds. Linear industrial robot arms can quickly travel several feet with their rail system to transfer parts, tend multiple machines, or move from workstation to workstation. Cycle times can be reduced by automating with a linear factory robot.


• • Linear Movement - Most traditional industrial robots are stationary unless they are integrated with an RTU. With linear robots no extra equipment is needed to make them mobile. Their linear movements allow them to manage multiple machines, workstations, or applications.


• • Payload Capacities - Linear robots can handle a variety of payloads from light to heavy. Even though the robot manipulators of linear robots are not that large, they can still handle heavy payloads. Their grid system provides extra stability allowing them to work with higher payloads despite their size.


• • Flexible - Linear robots are some of the most flexible. In terms of their setup, they can be installed overhead, or their grid system can be installed below work areas, so the robots can operate underneath workpieces. Their grid system is scalable meaning it can be expanded for larger work envelopes or decreased for smaller spaces. It can also be disassembled and setup for multiple single axis systems. Linear robots can also automate a variety of applications including part transfer, palletizing, picking, sorting, and dispensing.


• • Large Work Envelopes - The grid system of linear robots expands their work envelope beyond what is capable with what their reach will allow. Their travelling capabilities means they can operate within large workspaces or with large workpieces. Should work envelopes exceed the capabilities of a linear robot, its rail system can be expanded.


• • Save Floorspace - While the grid system of linear robots can be quite large, not much floorspace is consumed since they are either installed above or below work areas. Space underneath or above the linear robotic system is left open for productions. In addition, linear robots do not require traditional guarding like other robots which also saves space.


• • Easy to Program - Linear robots are easier to program than other types of industrial robots since they operate only on the X, Y, and Z planes. Their linear only movement makes programming more straightforward as opposed to robots with rotational movements.


• • More Economical - Linear robots are some of the most economical. They are typically less expensive than others due to their scalability, versatility, and ease of programming. They are especially cost-effective for applications with large work envelopes.