What is the difference between a robot and a manipulator?

The difference between a manipulator and a robot is that the manipulator is in accordance with a fixed or pre-set program to imitate the motion of an artificial arm. Through various trajectory movements, it can realize the transportation and handling of materials in the industrial field, and at the same time, it can operate tools to complete specified tasks. Based on the fixed program of the manipulator, the robot can use its own power and intelligent programs to complete learning tasks and intelligent operations that are not within the scope of a specific program.

Manipulator: It is a fixed or mobile machine whose structure is usually composed of a series of interlinked or relatively sliding parts. The working mode is mainly achieved by linear movement along the X, Y, and Z axes to reach the target position. The grabbing or moving of objects can realize automatic control, repeatable programming, and multiple degrees of freedom (axis). The manipulator can be automatic or human-controlled. It is an electromechanical system that simulates the actions of human hands and arms. It is only an extension of human hands and arms. It has no autonomous ability. It is attached to the host device. It has simple actions and fixed operating procedures. Repeated operations. Operating device with unchanged positioning point. Manipulator is a widely used mechanical device in the field of robotics, which is widely used in industry, medical and even military, and other fields. The manipulator is divided into four axes, five axes, six axes and multi-axis, 3D/2D robots, independent manipulators, hydraulic manipulators, etc. Although there are many types, they have one thing in common is that they can receive instructions and be positioned to three-dimensional (or two-dimensional) Points in space to perform operations.
Robots: I often talk about industrial robots. Industrial robots are automated equipment. There are many forms of them, and manipulators are just one of them. It can be programmed, but it is usually assembled with the end effector (manipulator) to form a complete machine; the industrial robot is a whole, and the manipulator is only a small part. Industrial robots rely on their own power and control capabilities to perform work. It can accept human command, can also run according to pre-arranged procedures, and can also act according to the principles and guidelines formulated by artificial intelligence technology. Industrial robots generally have independent controllers, drive systems and operating interfaces, which can be manually and automatically operated and programmed. Therefore, it is a complete device that can run independently and can achieve the required functions through its own control system. . The equipment has an independent mechanical mechanism and control system, which can be autonomous, complex in motion, more freedom of work, variable operating procedures, and an automatic operating machine that can be positioned at will
 If a person is an industrial robot, and the human hand is like a manipulator. Usually in the industrial field, both robots and manipulators use a fixed base without a walking mechanism.