If six-axis robots are virtually synonymous with automotive body shops, then SCARA robots are the kings of small-parts assembly applications. With their high speed, high precision and small footprint, SCARAs are ideal for automated assembly applications involving parts weighing less than 5 kilograms.
SCARAs have four axes of motion. The first two are radial joints in the horizontal plane. These allow the arm to swivel about its base and fold in on itself like a folding screen. The third, or Z, axis produces vertical motion, while the fourth, or Θ, axis produces rotational motion around the Z axis. In some cases, there can also be a bend at the end of the Z axis.