Cartesian coordinate geometry is an excellent method for mapping three-dimensional space in a simple, easy-to-understand numerical system. In the Cartesian system for three-dimensional space, there are three coordinate axes that are perpendicular to each other (orthogonal axes) and meet at the origin.
The three axes are generally referred to as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. Any point in three-dimensional space is represented by three numbers as (x, y, z). X represents the distance of the point from the origin along the x-axis, y is the distance from the origin along the y-axis, and z is the distance from the origin along the z-axis.
Mechatronic robots that use linear axes for movement are called Cartesian robots, linear robots, or gantry robots. Gantry robots look similar to gantry cranes and operate similarly. But gantry robots are not limited to lifting and moving functions. They can have custom functionality as per the requirement.
Cartesian robots have an overhead structure that controls the motion in the horizontal plane and a robotic arm that actuates motion vertically. They can be designed to move in x-y axes or x-y-z axes. The robotic arm is placed on the scaffolding and can be moved in the horizontal plane. The robotic arm has an effector or machine tool attached to the end of the arm depending on the function where it is used.
Though Cartesian robots and gantry robots are used interchangeably, gantry robots generally have two x-axes while Cartesian robots will have only one each of the two/three axes (according to the configuration).
