Six Axis Robots: Getting to know the Axes

Industrial robots are manufactured with six axis configurations. These are also known as ‘six degrees of freedom’. Robots with six axis feature great flexibility and perform with a wider variety of applications as compared to robots with fewer axes. Before you automate your business, learn about the different types of axis and its functions, here:

Axis 1

This axis is located at the robot base. It allows the robot to rotate from left to right. The weeping motion extends the work area in order to include the area on either side and behind the arm. It further allows the robot to spin up to 180 degrees from the center point.

Axis 2

Axis 2 allows the lower arm of the robot to move back and forth. It is the axis powering the movement of the entire lower arm.

Axis 3

This axis extends to the robot’s vertical reach. It allows the upper arm to raise and lower. In some models this axis allows the upper arm to reach behind the body of the robot which further expands its working operations. It also gives the upper arm the better part access.

Axis 4

Axis 5 helps in position the end effectors and in controlling parts. It is also known as wrist roll as it rotates the upper arm in a circular motion which moves parts between horizontal and vertical orientations.

Axis 5

This axis helps the wrist of the robot arm to tilt up and down. It is responsible for the pitch and yaw motion. For the pitch or bend it moves up and down, like the opening and closing of a box lid. The yaw moves left and right like a door on hinges.

Axis 6

This is the wrist of the robot arm. It is responsible for the twisting motion of the robot. It allows rotation in a circular motion in order to position the end effectors as well as to manipulate parts. This axis is usually capable of more than a 360 degree rotation. This rotation is either in a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction.

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