The right choice depends on your workshop’s layout and the specific parts you handle.
Column-Mounted: Fixed to the workshop floor. Best for dedicated workstations where a 360° circular reach is sufficient.
Overhead Rail-Mounted: Suspended from a ceiling track or bridge. Ideal for moving loads across long assembly lines or between different work cells.
Mobile / Portable: Mounted on a pallet-jack base or wheels. Great for workshops that need flexibility to move the tool to different areas.
| Type | Best For… | Key Feature |
| Pneumatic | Harsh environments (heat, dust), ATEX/Explosion-proof zones. | Uses compressed air; “soft” natural movement. |
| Electric (Intelligent) | High precision, rapid repetitive tasks, “Smart Factory” data. | Uses servo motors; instant response with zero “bounce.” |
| Hydraulic | Extreme heavy-duty loads (over 1,000kg). | High lifting capacity but slower and requires more maintenance. |
A manipulator is only as useful as its gripping tool. Most are custom-engineered for your specific part:
Mechanical Grippers: Jaws or clamps for irregular, solid objects like engine blocks or shafts.
Vacuum Suction: Best for flat, non-porous surfaces like glass sheets, metal panels, or cardboard boxes.
Expanding Mandrels: Inserted into the center of rolls, coils, or pipes to lift from the inside.
Magnets: Used for quick handling of ferrous metal parts.
If your team is frequently lifting items over 20kg or performing repetitive “pick and place” tasks, a manipulator provides:
Zero-Gravity Sensing: The machine counterbalances the weight. If you lift a 100kg engine, it feels like it weighs less than 1kg to your hand.
Off-Center Loading: Unlike a hoist, a rigid-arm manipulator can pick up a load that isn’t directly underneath it (e.g., reaching inside an oven or a CNC machine).
Injury Prevention: Drastically reduces Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and worker fatigue.