Cutting robots: a review of technologies and applications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of robotic cutting techniques and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper firstly describes the main cutting techniques used with robots and subsequently discusses robotic cutting applications, giving examples of specific uses.

Findings

This paper shows that robotic laser, water‐jet, ultrasonic, plasma and oxy‐gas cutting techniques are used in a wide range of industries on materials which include plastics, metals, fabrics, foodstuffs and even human tissues. The use of a particular technique reflects application‐specific factors such as material, thickness, precision, cut quality and cutting speed.

Originality/value

Provides an introduction to robotic cutting techniques and their applications.

Citation

Bogue, R. (2008), "Cutting robots: a review of technologies and applications", Industrial Robot, Vol. 35 No. 5, pp. 390-396. https://doi.org/10.1108/01439910810893554