When specifying a motion control system for, say, a pick-and-place application on an automated assembly line, engineers have two choices.
One option is to design and build a two- or three-axis gantry system from modular components, such as servomotors, drives, linear and rotary actuators, and pneumatic cylinders. Let’s call that option “rigid automation.” Alternatively, they could simply buy a robot. We’ll call that option “flexible automation.”