Types of Robots:

Robots can be classified on the basis of their motion into the following types:

1. Stationery Robot- They are further divided into the following types

a.) Cartesian Robot: A robot that is capable of moving in the x,y and z

directions. It is used for picking up objects and can handle machine tools.

b.) Cylindrical Robot: It is used in assembly lines. It works along the surface

of a cylinder.

c.) Spherical Robot/ Polar Robot: They are similar to a cylindrical robot but
form a spherical range of motion using a polar coordinate system.
d.) SCARA Robot: It stands for- Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm
or Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm.

The term ‘Selective Compliance’ means that the arm is slightly compliant in
the X-Y direction but rigid in the Z direction.

The term ‘Articulated’ means that it has an arm with two joints, similar to the
human arm.

e.) Parallel Robot: Two or more robots functioning simultaneously and

performing similar tasks.

2. Robots that can move- These are robots

a.) that have single leg/wheel.

b.) that have multiple leg/ wheels.

c.) that can swim.

d.) that can fly.

VIRTUAL ROBOTS

 They are not real but are software related.

 They do not have any physical existence like a two/three
dimensional structure.
 For example: a Search Engine, Web Crawler

BEAM ROBOTS

 BEAM stands for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics and Mechanics.

 They are not industrial robots.
 They are mostly used for hobby purposes.
 They are shaped in the form of a real creature like a frog.

 Robots can be classified on the basis of their appearance into:

1. Humanoid: It appears, behaves and interacts with the environment

like a normal human being. It may not have a full human body or a
human like face.
2. Android: It looks and acts like a human being and is built with a far more
aesthetic sense. If the face looks like a female then it is called a Gynoid. It
cannot move its lips or blink its eyes.

Source: The Japan Times

3. Actroid: It is android with a strong human appearance. It can blink,
smile, speak and sing.

Self-Reconfiguring Modular Robots 

 It can change its shape on its own.

 It can reconnect its parts and by reconnecting it adapts to the new
environment.
M-BLOCK

 Robotic system made out of a number of cubes.

 The cubes can join together to create a shape.
 It is a type of modular robot.
 These cubes can even jump and climb i.e. they have mobility.
 They are used for various types of industrial and repair jobs.

CLAYTRONICS

 Very small scale robots.

 Mostly nano/mini scale.
 They can join together to create an object.
 Each point is a robot called CATOM (claytronic atom).
 They also have the ability to change colour.

MICROBOTS

 They are mobile robots with size less than 1mm.

 They are capable of handling micrometre size components.

SNAKE ROBOTS

 They resemble a snake.

 Generally self-configured.
 Can pass through narrow passages hence useful in disaster
management (search and rescue).

ROBOEARTH

 It is a world wide web for the robots.

 It will help in multiple robots interacting with each other using
internet.
 It is a knowledge based system.
 It can interact with human being also.

SWARM ROBOTS
  These are a large number of small particles together.
 They can function in a collective manner.
 They can communicate with each other effectively by using radio
frequencies  or any other mechanical device.
 They can learn from the environment.

ANT ROBOTS

 It is a special case of Swarm Robots when they can follow each

other.
 They can also communicate with each other.

ROBONAUT

 Made by NASA.
 Mainly to work with astronauts in the International Space Station
(ISS).
 It has a human-like design.
 The first Robonaut was R-1 (R-1A and R-1B).
 Then they made Robonaut-2 (R-2) and sent it to space in 2011 and
now it is functional.
 R-2 can carry out spacewalk and can repair space stations.
 It has got a dexterous hand so that it can hold the equipment in the
ISS similar to the human hand.

FEDOR

 Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research

 It is a russian humanoid robot and will start operating onboard the
ISS in 2021.
 It can operate not only in space but also in extreme environments
on earth.
 It will replace humans in areas dangerous for life.
 It can perform the functions of a rescuer, a mine-disposal expert, a
diver and a welder.
  Its companions in space include the Russian-made – SAR-400, SAR-
401, the US made Robonaut and Robonaut-2, Germany’s AILA and
China’s Xiaotian.
 NASA is also making a robot called Valkyrie for a long mission to the
red planet, Mars, where they will be tasked to build colonies.

EXOSKELETON

 It is a machine which can be worn.

 It helps a human being to function with strength and endurance.

SMART DUST

 Very small electro-mechanical device.

 It has a sensor which can detect light and vibrations.
 It can be used for security, fault finding in machines and pipelines.
 It can be used to monitor movements.

BUG BOTS

 These are nano robots.

 They can function bot as single as well as swarm robots.
 They can be used as micro aerial vehicles.
 Can be used in fields like security and information gathering.