What is a SCARA Robot? Benefits of using a SCARA Robot
13-10-2025 117
SCARA robots are a type of industrial robot arm known for its popularity and ease of use. They are commonly found in manufacturing and assembly industries due to their ability to accurately perform tasks such as pick and place, sorting, and component assembly.
What is a SCARA Robot?
SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, which represents the ability to move flexibly on three axes while maintaining rigidity along the last axis. This feature makes SCARA robots particularly suitable for processes that require high speed and precision.
History of SCARA Robot Development
SCARA robots were first introduced in 1977 by Professor Hiroshi Makino of Yamanashi University, Japan, at the International Symposium on Industrial Robots in Tokyo. Here, he saw the potential of SIGMA assembly robots, opening up the idea of developing a more advanced line of robots.
Makino then founded the SCARA Robot Consortium with the participation of 13 Japanese companies to research and develop assembly robots. In 1978, the first SCARA robot prototype was completed and underwent many practical tests in production. By 1981, the first commercial SCARA robot was born, highly appreciated for its outstanding price/performance ratio, thereby becoming a factor that changed the global industrial production landscape.
>> See more: History of AGV robots
How does a SCARA robot work?
A SCARA robot (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) is a 4-axis industrial robot, with 2 parallel arms operating on a plane and the last axis perpendicular to the remaining axes. Thanks to the compliance of the last axis, SCARA is able to maintain high accuracy during operation.
The simple design of SCARA allows it to move quickly while still ensuring accuracy. This type of robot is very suitable for assembly tasks that require detail and speed. In addition, SCARA is easy to program thanks to simpler inverse kinematics than 6-degree-of-freedom industrial robots, helping to optimize the usage process.
With a fixed structure, positions in the SCARA workspace can only be accessed from a single direction, which increases predictability and stability during operation.
Benefits of using SCARA Robots
High performance
SCARA robots perform repetitive tasks quickly and accurately, making them ideal for tasks such as assembly, product inspection, or sorting.
Cost-effective
With a reasonable initial investment, SCARA robots offer superior economic efficiency compared to other types of industrial robots.
Flexible in application
SCARA robots are easily integrated into modern production lines thanks to their flexible mobility and suitability for many different tasks.
Simple maintenance
The simple design reduces maintenance costs while increasing the life of the equipment, ensuring long-term operational efficiency.
Disadvantages of using SCARA Robots
Although SCARA Robots stand out for their high speed and precision, they still have some limitations that businesses need to consider before applying:
Limited load capacity
SCARA robots can typically only handle a maximum load of 30-50 kg, which is significantly lower than 6-axis industrial robot arms that can lift up to 2000 kg. This makes them unsuitable for applications that require heavy object handling or tasks that require high strength.
Limited working space
Due to their design, SCARAs have a relatively small operating range and are limited in size and flexibility when approaching tasks. This can be an obstacle in manufacturing processes that require robots to travel long distances or operate in large spaces.
Applications of SCARA Robots
SCARA robots stand out for their ability to operate quickly, accurately, and repeatedly in small spaces. They are particularly effective in:
- Electronic assembly: Requires high precision and speed.
- Food manufacturing: Needs smooth motion and ensures safety standards.
- Picking and placing components: Meets the requirements of agility and precision in continuous tasks.
Why choose SCARA Robots?
SCARA robots are the perfect choice if you are looking for a compact, high-speed, and highly accurate automation solution. Here are the reasons why you should consider using this type of robot today:
Outstanding Performance
SCARA robots offer the ideal combination of speed and precision, making them suitable for high-performance manufacturing processes such as component assembly, product pick and place, or quality inspection.
High Flexibility
This robot is easy to integrate into modern production lines and adapts to a variety of working environments. In particular, advanced programming features help SCARA operate effectively even when installed in non-standard locations.
Cost Optimization
With a reasonable investment level and the ability to reduce production cycle times, SCARA robots help businesses optimize costs in the long term, while increasing productivity.
Easy Programming
When using programming software such as RoboDK, you can take advantage of new updates to make SCARA programming faster and simpler. Enhanced features, such as axis reversibility or flexible mounting, help optimize processes without increasing complexity.
SCARA Robots are the top choice in automation. With the ability to increase productivity, save costs, and high flexibility, SCARA Robots have affirmed their indispensable role in modern industries. If you are looking for an automation solution to improve production efficiency, SCARA Robots are the optimal choice for your business.
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