There are a lot of manipulators on the market now, and many friends can't distinguish that manipulators and robots are different concepts. Today I will explain with you.
 
Manipulator is a kind of mechanical device, which can be automatic or controlled by human; industrial robot is a kind of automatic equipment, manipulator is a kind of industrial robot, and it has other forms. Therefore, although the meanings of the two are different, there are overlaps in the content.
 
 
In short, there are many forms of industrial robots, and the robotic arm is one of them.
 
The manipulator is "a fixed or mobile machine", and its structure usually includes a series of interconnected or relatively sliding parts for grasping or moving objects. It can realize automatic control, repeatable programming, and multiple degrees of freedom (axis ). Its working mode is mainly to move linearly along the X, Y, Z axis to reach the target position.
 
By definition, an industrial robot is a mechanical device that automatically performs tasks, and is a machine that relies on its own power and control capabilities to complete various tasks. Modern industrial robots can not only be commanded by humans, they can also be operated according to pre-designed procedures, and they can also act according to the principles of artificial intelligence technology.
 
What is the difference between a robot and a manipulator?
 
Manipulators are one of the most widely used mechanical devices in the field of robotics, and have a wide range of applications in the fields of industry, medicine, military, and space. Manipulators are divided into four-axis multi-axis, five-axis multi-axis, 3D/2D robots, independent manipulators, hydraulic manipulators, etc. Although there are many types, they all have one thing in common, that is, they can accept instructions and be in three-dimensional (or Two-dimensional) spatial positioning operation.
 
Unlike manipulators, robots can not only accept instructions from humans, they can also perform tasks in accordance with human pre-arranged procedures, and they can also act in accordance with the principles prescribed by artificial intelligence. In the future, robots will help or replace human work more, especially some repetitive work, dangerous work and so on.
 
The definition of a robot is different: in European and American countries, a robot should be controlled by a computer and programmed to make it a multi-functional automated machine; in Japan, a robot is an advanced automated machine, so the robotic arm is included in the robot.
 
In European and American countries, manipulators with 6 axes and above can be called robots, manipulators with 5 axes and below can only be called robots, while Japan defines 3 axis manipulators as robots. At present, the concept of robots has basically formed a consensus in the world. It is believed that robots are automated machines that rely on their own power and control capabilities to complete various functions.
 
The difference between manipulators and manipulators in the scope of application: manipulators are widely used in the industrial field, and the main technology it contains is drive and control, while manipulators usually adopt a series structure.