---
title: "Industrial robots: configuration and applications"
subject: "Manufacturing and Production Processes"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_4/manufacturing_and_production_processes:industrial-robots-configuration-end-effectors"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/manufacturing_and_production_processes/industrial-robots-configuration-end-effectors
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Industrial robots: configuration and applications

Manufacturing and Production Processes · Chapter 9: Numerical Control of Machine Tools

- Asked in: year not given, 4 marks
- Video: [Types of Industrial Robots with Applications । Robot Configuration.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8ejdPMqpZQ) — Industrial Solutions
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/manufacturing_and_production_processes/industrial-robots-configuration-end-effectors
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_4/manufacturing_and_production_processes/chapter-9

## Question

Write short notes on industrial robots: definition, basic configurations, degrees of freedom, end effectors and typical applications in manufacturing.

## Answer

An **industrial robot** is a reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools or devices through programmed motions for a variety of tasks.

#### Main parts

Manipulator (links and joints), actuators (electric servo, hydraulic or pneumatic), controller, sensors and the end effector.

#### Configurations

| Type | Axes | Work envelope | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartesian (gantry) | 3 linear | Box | Pick and place, CNC loading |
| Cylindrical | 2 linear + 1 rotary | Cylinder | Assembly, machine loading |
| Spherical (polar) | 1 linear + 2 rotary | Sphere section | Die casting, spot welding |
| Articulated (revolute) | 3 or more rotary | Roughly spherical, irregular | Welding, painting, assembly |
| SCARA | 2 rotary (vertical axes) + 1 vertical linear | Cylindrical, flat | Electronic assembly |

#### Degrees of freedom

Each independent joint motion is one degree of freedom (DOF). Three DOF position the wrist at any point in space, and three more (roll, pitch, yaw) orient the tool. A general-purpose robot therefore has six DOF.

#### End effectors

- **Grippers:** mechanical (jaw), vacuum cups, magnetic, adhesive.
- **Tools:** welding torch, spray gun, drill, grinder.

#### Applications

Material handling and palletising, machine loading and unloading, spot and arc welding, spray painting, assembly, inspection, and work in hazardous environments (forging, foundry). Advantages: repeatability, consistent quality, no fatigue, and safety. Limitations: high cost and the need for programming.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which robot configuration has three linear axes giving a box work envelope?
   A. Cylindrical
   B. SCARA
   C. Articulated
   D. Cartesian (gantry)
   Answer: D. Cartesian has 3 linear axes; cylindrical has 2 linear + 1 rotary. (Key point: Configuration)

2. Why does a general-purpose robot have six DOF?
   A. Three position the wrist; three (roll, pitch, yaw) orient the tool
   B. Six joints are needed for gripping
   C. Three for positioning and three for speed
   D. Six is the limit of controllers
   Answer: A. Position + orientation need 3 + 3. (Key point: Degrees of freedom)

3. Which is an example of a tool-type end effector?
   A. Vacuum cup
   B. Welding torch
   C. Jaw gripper
   D. Magnetic gripper
   Answer: B. Grippers hold parts; tools perform processes. (Key point: End effector)

## Related in Manufacturing and Production Processes

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- [Cutting tool materials and their properties](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fmanufacturing_and_production_processes%3Acutting-tool-materials-characteristics-economics) — Manufacturing and Production Processes, chapter 7

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