The key difference between 6-axis and 7-axis robots is their range of movement and degrees of freedom. A 6-axis robot operates with six degrees of freedom, allowing it to perform a wide range of tasks with flexibility similar to a human arm. Its movement, however, is restricted to the area within its reach because it operates from a fixed base.

A 7-axis robot features an additional degree of freedom, achieved by mounting the robot on a linear track or guide system. Therefore, a 7-axis robot has all of the movement and flexibility of a 6-axis robot with the additional ability to move horizontally or vertically along a straight path. The additional axis significantly expands the robot’s functionality and work area, allowing it to access multiple workstations or cover longer distances without needing to be repositioned.