The classification of robotic arms from four aspects: range of use, form of motion coordinates, driving method, and arm strength:

1. Classification by scope of use:

(1) Specialized robotic arms generally only have fixed programs, without a separate control system. It belongs to a certain machine or production line used to automatically transfer objects or operate a certain tool, such as "blank loading and unloading manipulator", "crank automatic lathe manipulator", "oil pump camshaft automatic line manipulator", and so on. This type of robotic arm has a simple structure and low cost, making it suitable for large-scale production situations with relatively simple movements.

(2) A universal mechanical finger has a variable program and a separately driven control system, which is not subordinate to a certain machine and can automatically transfer objects or operate certain mechanical devices. Universal robotic arms can be divided into two types based on their positioning and control methods: simple and servo. The simple type is only point control, so it belongs to the program control type. The servo type can be point control or continuous trajectory control, generally belonging to the digital control type.

2. Classification by motion coordinate type:

(1) The rectangular coordinate Robotic arm can move along the rectangular coordinate axes X, Y and Z, that is, the arm can stretch back and forth (move in the X direction), move left and right (move in the Y direction), and move up and down (move in the Z direction);

(2) The cylindrical coordinate robotic arm can move along the X and Z directions of the Cartesian coordinate axis, and can also rotate around the Z axis (defined as rotating around the Z axis), that is, the arm can be retracted back and forth, raised and lowered up and down, and rotated left and right;

(3) The spherical coordinate Robotic arm can move along the X direction of the rectangular coordinate axis, and can also rotate around the Y axis and Z axis, that is, the arm can stretch back and forth (move along the X direction), swing up and down (swing around the Y axis), and rotate left and right (still rotate around the Z axis);

(4) The arm of a multi joint robotic arm can be divided into a small arm and a large arm. The connection between the forearm and the upper arm (elbow), as well as the connection between the upper arm and the body (shoulder), is a joint (hinge) connection, meaning that the forearm can swing up and down around the elbow, the upper arm can swing multiple angles around the shoulder, and the arm can also rotate left and right.

3. Classification by Drive Method:

(1) The hydraulic driven robotic arm is driven by pressure oil;

(2) The pneumatic driven robotic arm is driven by compressed air;

(3) The electric powered robotic arm is directly driven by an electric motor;

(4) Mechanical drive robotic arm is a driving method that transfers the power of the host machine to the robotic arm through cams, linkages, gears, intermittent mechanisms, etc.

4. Classification based on the arm strength of the robotic arm:

(1) The force of micro Robotic arm is less than 1kg;

(2) The force of small Robotic arm is 1-10kg;

(3) The force of medium-sized Robotic arm is 10-30kg;

(4) The force of large Robotic arm is more than 30kg.