When and Where to Use Cartesian Robots

Eric Rice, Product Market Manager, Festo Corporation

Along with articulated, SCARA, and delta robots, cartesian robots are one of the primary categories of robotic systems used to solve material handling tasks. Like all robotic systems, cartesian robots fit better in some applications than others. This presentation will focus on the criteria to consider when deciding whether to use a cartesian robot or not, including payload, reach, speed, degrees of freedom, environment, end-of-arm tooling, installation, and commissioning.  Cartesian robots are built using precision linear actuators for the X, Y, and Z axes.  Systems built upon two (X-Y or Y-Z) and three (X-Y-X) linear axes are available. Onto the Z-axis of a cartesian robot an additional axis can be mounted to provide rotation around the Z-axis (yaw). The goal of this presentation it to provide automation users and machine builders with a set of practical guidelines to use when selecting the best robot system for their material handling applications.  Other major robot types will be used for reference and comparison, but the focus will be on the advantages, disadvantages, and other considerations of cartesian robots.

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