Types of Robots: 8 Industrial Robot Types & Robotic Systems Explained
Compare the main types of robots used in industry, from articulated robot arms and SCARA robots to delta robots, Cartesian gantries, cobots and mobile robots. See how each robot type works, what it does best and how it fits into a complete robotic system. Then use our free robot finder to choose the right one for your application.
Last updated: October 2026 · Written by Robot Store’s robot sales and integration engineers · Need advice? Ask an expert
Main types of industrial robots explained
On a typical articulated robot arm, the most common type
Refurbished ABB, FANUC and KUKA robot models listed
Engineers for robot selection, integration and support
What are the main types of robots?
The main types of industrial robots are articulated robots, SCARA robots, delta (parallel) robots, Cartesian (gantry) robots, cylindrical robots, polar (spherical) robots, collaborative robots (cobots) and mobile robots (AGVs and AMRs). They differ in their joints and axes, which set the shape of their working area, the payload they can carry, their speed and the jobs they suit best.
The first six robot types are grouped by their mechanical structure. Cobots are grouped by how they work safely beside people, and mobile robots by the fact that they move around your site. In UK factories the 6-axis articulated robot is by far the most common type, because one robot can weld, handle, palletise, paint or tend machines.
A robot on its own doesn’t do useful work. Add tooling, sensors, safety and controls and it becomes a robotic system. This guide explains both, so you can choose the right robot type and system for your application.
Main types of industrial robots and how they work
Each robot type has a different arrangement of joints. Rotary joints swing and twist like a human arm, while linear joints slide in straight lines. That arrangement sets the robot’s work envelope, speed, accuracy and payload, so it’s the first thing to match to your application. These four robot types cover most factory jobs, and they’re the types we supply from our ABB, FANUC and KUKA stock.
Articulated robots
The classic industrial robot arm and the most common robot in UK factories. Rotary joints give it a large, sphere-shaped work envelope, so it can reach over, under and around parts and hold a tool at almost any angle. Most are 6-axis robots, and one robot can weld, handle, palletise, paint or tend machines.
It’s also the easiest type to buy refurbished: we hold ABB, FANUC and KUKA articulated robots in UK stock, from small handling robots to 1,000 kg heavy-payload arms.
- 4–7 axes6 on most models
- 3 – 2,300 kgPayload range
- 0.5 – 4.7 mReach range
Best for
- Arc and spot welding
- Material handling
- CNC machine tending
- Palletising
- Painting and coating
- Milling, grinding and deburring
SCARA robots
Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm. Two rotary joints move the arm in a flat plane, with a vertical axis and a wrist rotation at the end. Stiff in the vertical direction, so they’re fast and repeatable for small parts up to about 20 kg.
Best for
- High-speed pick and place
- Small-part and electronics assembly
- Screwdriving and dispensing
- Testing and inspection
Delta robots
Also called parallel robots or spider robots. Three or four light arms meet at one tool plate, and the motors stay in the base, so the arms move extremely fast in a dome-shaped work area. Payloads are low, usually under 15 kg.
Best for
- Picking from moving conveyors with vision
- Food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics packaging
- Sorting and tray loading
- Hygienic, wash-down areas
Collaborative robots (cobots)
Robot arms that limit their own force and speed, so they can work safely next to people, often without full fencing. Easy to teach by hand-guiding, with payloads of about 3–35 kg. Every cobot application still needs a risk assessment.
Best for
- Assembly and screwdriving
- CNC machine tending
- Packing and end-of-line palletising
- Low-volume cobot welding
Other types of robots
These four robot types complete the picture. Cartesian, cylindrical and polar robots are classified by their linear and rotary axes, and mobile robots by the fact that they move around your site. They’re usually built or sourced for a specific project, so ask our engineers if one of them suits your application.
Cartesian (gantry) robots
Also called linear or gantry robots. They move in straight lines along the X, Y and Z axes, often with a rotary wrist. They scale from a desktop unit to a gantry spanning several machines, and stay accurate over large areas.
Best for
- Loading several CNC machines
- Large-area pick and place and gantry palletising
- Dispensing, gluing and 3D printing
- Laser, plasma and waterjet cutting
Cylindrical robots
A rotating base with a vertical column and an arm that slides in and out, giving a cylinder-shaped work envelope. Simple, compact and rigid. They’re used less often today, because SCARA and articulated robots now cover most of the same jobs.
Best for
- Machine loading and unloading
- Die casting and foundry handling
- Simple assembly
- Handling in tight spaces
Polar (spherical) robots
A twisting base, a pivoting arm and a telescopic extension give a sphere-shaped work area. The first industrial robot, the Unimate, was a polar robot. Most new polar-style jobs now use articulated robots instead.
Best for
- Die casting
- Spot welding
- Machine tending
- Handling with long horizontal reach
Mobile robots (AGVs and AMRs)
AGVs (automated guided vehicles) follow fixed routes using floor tape, magnets or reflectors. AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) map your site and plan their own way around people and obstacles. Add a robot arm and you get a mobile manipulator.
Best for
- Feeding parts to production lines
- Moving pallets, racks and carts
- Warehouse picking and order fulfilment
- Linking robot cells together
Also worth knowing: dual-arm robots are used for fine assembly, and humanoid robots are still mainly at the trial stage in manufacturing. Ask us if you’d like to compare them with the robot types above.
Robot types compared: axes, payload, reach and speed
Use this table to compare the four main types of industrial robots: articulated, SCARA, delta and collaborative robots. Ranges are typical across the leading brands. Always check the data sheet of the exact model before you decide.
| Robot type | Axes | Typical payload | Typical reach | Speed | Repeatability | Footprint and mounting | Best for | From Robot Store |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articulated robot | 4–7 rotary (6 on most) | 3 – 2,300 kg | 0.5 – 4.7 m | High | ±0.02 – 0.1 mm | Medium. Floor, wall, ceiling or track mounted | Welding, handling, machine tending, palletising, painting, milling | Refurbished ABB, FANUC and KUKA in UK stock |
| SCARA robot | 4 | 1 – 20 kg | 0.2 – 1.2 m | Very high | ±0.01 – 0.02 mm | Small. Table or wall mounted | Small-part assembly, screwdriving, pick and place | Sourced to order |
| Delta robot | 3 – 6 | 0.5 – 15 kg | 0.4 – 1.6 m working diameter | Highest (150+ picks/min) | ±0.05 – 0.1 mm | Small. Mounted overhead in a frame | High-speed picking and packaging from conveyors | Refurbished ABB FlexPicker in stock |
| Collaborative robot (cobot) | 6 – 7 | 3 – 35 kg | 0.5 – 1.8 m | Medium. Slows when people are near | ±0.03 – 0.1 mm | Small. Bench, stand or mobile cart, often no fence | Assembly, machine tending, packing, low-volume welding | FANUC CRX in stock |
Payload is the maximum weight at the wrist, including the gripper. Repeatability is how closely the robot returns to the same point. Scroll sideways on mobile to see all columns. For Cartesian, cylindrical, polar and mobile robots, see other types of robots.
Comparing budgets? See how much different types of robots cost on our robotic prices page.
Which type of robot for each application?
Most jobs can be done by more than one robot type. This is which of the four main types, articulated, SCARA, delta or collaborative robots, we usually recommend to UK manufacturers for each application, and why. See how these robots are used across food, automotive, metal and plastics in our guide to manufacturing robots.
| Application | Best robot type | Alternative | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welding | Articulated 6-axis robot | Cobot, for low volumes and short runs | The wrist angles the torch around complex seams, and heavy models handle spot-welding guns |
| Painting and coating | Articulated painting robot (ATEX) | Cobot, for small-batch spraying outside ATEX zones | Explosion-proof design and smooth paths for an even finish |
| Palletising | 4- or 6-axis articulated palletising robot | Cobot palletiser, for light cases at the end of the line | High payload, big vertical reach and fast cycles |
| Machine tending | Articulated robot or cobot | SCARA robot, for small parts on flat fixtures | Reaches into CNC machines, presses and moulding machines |
| Material handling | Articulated robot | Cobot, for parts up to about 10 kg near people | Wide payload range and long reach, from small parts to 1,000 kg loads |
| Assembly | SCARA robot or cobot | Articulated robot, for larger or 3D assemblies | Precise, repeatable small-part moves |
| Screwdriving and dispensing | SCARA robot | Cobot | Stiff vertical axis and very good repeatability |
| Pick and place and packaging | Delta robot | SCARA robot, for heavier or more precise placing | Fastest cycles for light items on moving conveyors |
| Milling, cutting and deburring | Heavy articulated robot | Cobot, for light deburring and sanding | Rigid enough for machining forces on large parts |
| Inspection and testing | Cobot or SCARA robot with vision | Articulated robot | Repeatable positioning of cameras and probes |
Not sure which fits your process? Try the robot type finder or ask an engineer. Scroll sideways on mobile to see all columns.
What is a robotic system?
A robotic system is a robot plus everything it needs to do a job automatically: the tooling that holds or works on the part, sensors and vision, safety equipment, controls and software. The robot type decides what the system can reach and move. The rest of the system decides what it actually produces.
That’s why two identical robots can perform very differently. A well-designed robotic system feeds parts reliably, keeps people safe, talks to your other machines and is easy for your team to run. Planning one? See our robotic system integration service.
Components of a robotic system
The mechanical arm and its motors. Its type, payload and reach set the limits of the whole system.
Runs the robot program, motion and safety functions, such as ABB IRC5 or OmniCore, FANUC R-30iB and KUKA KR C4 or KR C5.
Grippers, vacuum cups, welding torches, spray guns or spindles that do the actual work.
Cameras, force sensors and part detection, so the robot can find, check and adapt to parts.
Fencing, light curtains, area scanners and safety PLCs, designed to UK and EU machinery standards.
Coordinates the robot with conveyors, machines and operators, and shows status and alarms.
Conveyors, positioners, fixtures and feeders that present parts to the robot in the right place.
Robot programs, offline programming and simulation to design, prove and update the system.
Need help with the software side? See our robot programming services and robotic training courses for your team.
Types of robotic systems, from single cells to smart factories
Robotic systems are usually grouped by how many robots they use and how they connect to the rest of the factory. These are the six types of robotic systems we design and install most often.
Standalone robot cell
One robot doing one dedicated job, such as welding, palletising or machine tending, inside its own guarded cell. The most common robotic system for SMEs.
Multi-robot cells and production lines
Several robots working together or in sequence, linked by conveyors and a line PLC. Typical in automotive body shops, food lines and high-volume assembly.
Collaborative robot workstations
Cobots working beside operators at a bench or machine, with safety designed around the task instead of fixed fencing. Quick to move to a new job.
Mobile robot systems
Fleets of AMRs or AGVs run by fleet software, moving materials between stores, lines and robot cells. Can include mobile manipulators.
Pre-engineered robot packages
Standard cells designed once and built many times, such as our ready-to-use palletising cell. Faster to install, with less engineering.
Smart factory systems
Robots, machines and sensors connected to MES or ERP software, sharing production data for monitoring, traceability and predictive maintenance.
Robot types vs robotic systems
| Aspect | Robot type | Robotic system |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The robot’s mechanical design: articulated, SCARA, delta and so on | A complete automation solution built around one or more robots |
| Scope | A single machine | A cell, a line or a whole factory |
| Includes | Arm, joints, motors and controller | Robots, tooling, sensors, safety, PLC and conveyors |
| Decides | Reach, payload, speed and accuracy | Output, quality, safety and uptime |
| Example | A SCARA robot | A SCARA assembly cell with feeders, vision and a screwdriving tool |
Looking to explore automation beyond robots? Check out our industrial automation systems, or visit our Robotics page.
How to choose the right type of robot
Choosing the right robot type early stops you paying for capacity you don’t need, or buying a robot that can’t do the job. Work through these eight checks, or send us the answers and we’ll do it for you.
Define the task
What will the robot do: weld, pick, pack, palletise, tend a machine or move material? List every part and variant it must handle.
Work out the payload
Add the heaviest part to the gripper weight, then allow a margin. Check the load the robot can carry at full reach, not just its headline payload.
Check reach and work envelope
Measure every point the tool must reach, including approach angles. This often decides between an articulated, SCARA or gantry robot.
Set cycle time and accuracy
How many parts per minute, and how precise? Delta and SCARA robots win on speed. For most jobs, repeatability matters more than absolute accuracy.
Look at the environment
Clean rooms, food-grade wash-down, foundry heat, dust and ATEX zones each need the right robot variant and IP rating.
Decide how people interact
If operators share the space, a cobot or a fenced robot with area scanners may suit. A risk assessment decides the safety design.
Allow for space and mounting
Floor, wall, ceiling or gantry mounting changes what fits. Overhead robots free up floor space for people and conveyors.
Plan for integration and growth
Think about tooling, PLC links, programming and spare parts. Using one robot brand across your site makes training and support easier.
Robot type finder: which robot do you need?
Answer four questions to see whether a SCARA robot, a delta robot, a collaborative robot or a refurbished ABB, FANUC or KUKA robot fits your application, and which matching robots we have in stock right now. It’s a starting point. Our engineers will confirm the right model, tooling and layout for free.
Recommended robot type
Robots displayed are from our UK refurbished inventory. Prices are for the robot arm and controller, excluding VAT. Stock frequently changes, so please see all ABB robots, FANUC robots, and KUKA robots available, or browse all industrial robots for sale.
Which types of robots can you buy refurbished?
Articulated robots are the easiest type to buy refurbished, because ABB, FANUC and KUKA have built them in large numbers for decades. A tested refurbished robot typically costs 30–60% less than new, runs the same programs and uses the same spare parts.
- 6-axis articulated robots: the widest choice, from small handling robots to heavy palletising arms
- Welding and palletising robots: often available with matching controllers and dress packs
- SCARA, delta and painting robots: available from time to time. Ask us to search our network
- Cobots and mobile robots: mostly bought new, with refurbished stock growing
Browse by brand: ABB robots, FANUC robots, and KUKA robots. Learn about comparing leading brands of 6-axis robots.
Not sure which type of robot you need? Ask an engineer
Tell us about your parts and process. A Robot Store engineer will recommend the right robot type, brand and model, and whether a single robot or a complete robotic system makes sense. There’s no charge and no obligation.
- 1. Share your applicationPart sizes and weights, cycle time, and photos or a short video.
- 2. Get a robot type recommendationWith a suggested ABB, FANUC, KUKA or Universal Robots model, new or refurbished.
- 3. See the complete systemTooling, safety and layout options, with a simulation if you need one.
- 4. Get a clear quoteAn itemised price for the robot or the full robotic system.
- Independent advice across all the main robot brands
- New and refurbished robots in UK stock
- Integration, programming and training in-house
- Engineers in the UK and France
Find the right robot
Describe your application and we’ll recommend a robot type, usually within one working day.
Prefer to talk? Contact our robot team and we’ll call you back.
Types of robots FAQs
What are the main types of robots?
The main types of industrial robots are articulated robots, SCARA robots, delta (parallel) robots, Cartesian (gantry) robots, cylindrical robots, polar (spherical) robots, collaborative robots (cobots) and mobile robots (AGVs and AMRs). Each has a different joint layout, work envelope, payload and speed. See robot types explained.
How many types of industrial robots are there?
By mechanical structure there are six classic types: articulated, SCARA, delta, Cartesian, cylindrical and polar. Most guides add collaborative robots and mobile robots, which makes eight main types. Within each type there are hundreds of models with different payloads and reaches.
What is the most common type of industrial robot?
The 6-axis articulated robot. It’s the most flexible type, so one robot can weld, handle, palletise, paint or tend machines. It’s also the easiest type to buy refurbished. See our industrial robotic arms.
What is a robotic system?
A robotic system is a robot plus the tooling, sensors, safety equipment, controls and software it needs to do a job automatically. A robot cell, a multi-robot production line and a fleet of mobile robots are all robotic systems. See components of a robotic system.
Which type of robot is best for pick and place?
Use a delta robot for light items at high speed. Choose a SCARA robot for small parts that require precise placement. For heavier parts, longer reach, or picking from bins, opt for a 6-axis articulated robot or a cobot. Check out our robot type finder.
What is the difference between a robot and a robotic system?
The robot is the machine: the arm, motors and controller. The robotic system is the complete solution built around it, including grippers, fixtures, guarding, a PLC, conveyors and programming. The robot type sets reach and payload; the system design sets output, quality and uptime.
What is the difference between a SCARA robot and an articulated robot?
A SCARA robot has 4 axes and moves mainly in a flat plane, which makes it faster and stiffer for small parts up to about 20 kg. An articulated robot usually has 6 axes, so it can tilt and turn the tool in any direction, reach around obstacles and carry far heavier loads.
Can I buy refurbished robots of every type?
Articulated, welding and palletising robots from ABB, FANUC and KUKA are widely available refurbished. SCARA, delta and painting robots come up less often, and cobots and mobile robots are mostly bought new. See our industrial robots for sale.
What is the difference between a delta robot and a SCARA robot?
Delta robots are mounted overhead and are the fastest type for picking very light items from conveyors. SCARA robots carry more weight and are better for precise placing, insertion and screwdriving. Both are common in packaging and assembly.
What is the difference between a cobot and an industrial robot?
A cobot limits its force and speed so it can work beside people, often without full fencing, and is easy to teach by hand. An industrial robot is faster and stronger, but usually works inside guarding or with safety scanners. Both need a risk assessment for the application.
What is the difference between an AGV and an AMR?
An AGV (automated guided vehicle) follows fixed routes marked by tape, magnets or reflectors and stops if something blocks its path. An AMR (autonomous mobile robot) builds a map of your site and plans its own route around people and obstacles, so it’s easier to change.
How much do different types of robots cost?
It depends on the type, payload, brand and whether you buy new or refurbished. We keep up-to-date guide prices for each robot type on our robotic prices page.
What is a 6-axis robot?
A 6-axis robot is an articulated robot with six rotary joints, giving it six degrees of freedom. Three axes position the wrist in space and three orient the tool, so it can reach any point in its work envelope at almost any angle.
Which type of robot is used for welding?
Most welding robots are 6-axis articulated robots, because the wrist can angle the torch around complex seams. Cobots are popular for low-volume welding, and heavy articulated robots are used for spot welding. See our welding robots.
Explore robots by application and brand
Know the robot type you need? These guides go deeper into each application and robot brand.
Robot services & guides
Industry data: See the International Federation of Robotics World Robotics report for installations by robot type and industry. Learn more about used robot parts.
Find the right robot or robotic system for your application
Tell us what you want to automate. We’ll recommend the robot type, compare new and refurbished options, and design the complete robotic system around it. There’s no obligation.
