PickandPlaceRoboter

A PickandPlaceRoboter, or pick-and-place robot, is a robotic manipulator designed to grab a part from a defined input location and transfer it to a target output location. They are widely used to automate repetitive handling tasks in manufacturing, packaging, electronics assembly, and logistics.

Most systems consist of a rigid arm driven by electric motors, pneumatics, or hydraulics, a motorized controller, and an end effector such as a gripper, suction cup, or magnetic device. Position sensors, vision systems, and a control unit coordinate movement and grip.

Common configurations include Cartesian, cylindrical, cylindrical-SCARA, and articulated designs. End effectors are chosen to match the payload and surface properties of the objects, with clamps, vacuum grippers, and adaptive grippers among options.

Control is typically realized through a PLC or embedded controller, sometimes with higher-level software for path planning and vision integration. Programming ranges from teach pendants and offline simulation to generic ROS-based control.

Performance is characterized by payload capacity, reach, cycle time, and repeatability, often with repeatability in the sub-millimeter to a few millimeters range, depending on build quality and sensor feedback.

Typical applications include picking items from conveyor lines, sorting by size or color, assembly assistance, packaging, and loading components into machines. They improve throughput and reduce repetitive strain for human workers.

Safety considerations include guarding, emergency stops, and compliance with standards such as ISO 10218 for industrial robots and ISO/TS 15066 for collaborative robots where applicable.

See also robotics, automation, industrial robot, gripper.