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When it comes to robotics in manufacturing,  SCARA robots (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) are some of the most common and sought-after industrial machines. SCARA robots are specialized in performing high speed assembly, welding, painting, labeling, and material handling tasks with great accuracy and repeatability.

But what is it exactly that makes SCARA robots so important to manufacturing in particular? Well, let's take a look.

What Are SCARA Robots?

SCARA robots are articulated robot arms which, by their very nature, involve multiple joints that allow for flexibility and accuracy in motion control. They typically come complete with a controller, end-effector (such as a gripper or welding tool), power supply, and software. These robots are designed to have four axes of rotary motion: the vertical (Z) axis, the horizontal (X) axis, and two rotational axes (Y1 & Y2). The combination of these four axes allows them to move in an arc motion with a radius of up to 500mm.

You've probably seen pictures of SCARA robots without realizing it. They look like  a large robotic arm with a tool on the end, which often takes the shape of a large claw.  This claw is used to pick up and manipulate materials, depending on the task.

Of course, there can be other tools at the end of the arm.  For example, if welding is the task at hand, then a welding tool will be attached. Or if painting needs to be done, a spray gun can be fitted.

It is this versatility that makes SCARA robots so useful in manufacturing.  They can be adapted to the task at hand with relative ease, making them ideal for a wide range of robotics applications.

Advantages Of SCARA Robots

The primary advantage of SCARA robots is that they offer great speed and accuracy when compared to human operators. This makes them ideal for performing highly precise tasks such as assembly, welding, and painting. What's more, they can operate at very high speeds without sacrificing accuracy or repeatability.

Another benefit of SCARA robots is that they are relatively compact in size. This makes them suitable for use in smaller workspaces where space is limited.  They also don't require extensive programming or training to get up and running, which makes them ideal for short-term or one-off tasks.

Finally, SCARA robots are generally very reliable and require minimal maintenance compared to other types of industrial robots. This makes them a cost-effective option in the long run.

SCARA Robots Still Need Human Operators

Despite all the advantages of SCARA robots, they still need human operators to program and monitor them. This is because the robots can only follow precise instructions. Human operators provide an important safety role in this regard, making sure that operations are performed safely and efficiently.

This is actually proving to be a bit of a problem, because the manufacturing industry is struggling to fill roles with skilled robotics workers.  That's where you come in. 

How to Get a Job Working With SCARA Robots

If you're somebody who gets excited by the idea of working with these articulated technological wonders, then we've got some good news for you. Now is the best time to get started on a path to a robotics career. 

There are a lot of options for how to enter the field, but one of the most popular is to work towards getting a robotics technician job. Robotics technicians are on the floor working closely with the robots, helping to troubleshoot and operate them.

You'll need a combination of technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities in order to be successful. In terms of training and education, you'll typically need a two-year robotics related degree or a trade school certification, and you can find all of those things in the RoboticsCareer.org training database. 

Right on our homepage, you'll find a search tool  that will help you find the perfect robotics training program for you. For example, you can search for "robotics technician," and then filter the results by your preferred format, including online, on-site, or hybrid.

In case we haven't been articulating the point well enough, now is the best time to get started. So go find the program for you!