The kinematics of a gantry robot consists of linear axes, just as a milling machine. Due to its simple kinematical assembly, it is possible to handle large geometrical models.

It is characterized by good accessability and can reach in case of separation of the engines from the effector high speeds at high dynamic.

In the SCARA robot the principle joints are combined with the linear axis. A SCARA robot usually has two rotational axis and one translational axis. It has a high horizontal stiffness. However it can only be assembled on coplanar surfaces. Typical applications are "pick and place" activities.

The main axes of the articulated robot (universal robot) consists of swivel-joints, just as the human arm. There is a big variety of articulated robots. The amount of joints is important. An articulated robot gives many advantages. On the one hand the space requirement is very small compared with its workspace. And on the other hand the robot is flexible for the use in different applications. However programming and controlling an articulated robot is very complex.

The delta robot demonstrates a completely different approach. While the other robot types (listed above) have axes which are in series connection, the delta robot has axes in parallel connection. The effector thereby gains stability at little weight, but its free moving space is smaller. A typical application field for this type of robot are flight simulators.