ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cartesian parallel manipulators

Imagine you have a toy with four adjustable arms that can move up, down, left, and right. Now, imagine that each arm is connected to a fixed point. When you move one arm, the others move along with it, but they stay parallel to their original positions. This is a simplified version of a cartesian parallel manipulator!

A cartesian parallel manipulator is a type of robot that has multiple arms connected to a platform, which is fixed in space. The arms can move in three dimensions (up and down, left and right, and forward and backward) and they are all parallel to each other. This means that they move in the same direction and maintain the same orientation as they move.

The platform that the arms are connected to is called the end-effector, and it can also move in three dimensions. This means that a cartesian parallel manipulator can move in six dimensions altogether.

These robots are often used in manufacturing, packaging, and assembly because they are very precise and can move quickly. They also have a relatively small footprint compared to other types of manipulators, which makes them useful in tight spaces.

Overall, a cartesian parallel manipulator is like a toy with arms that move in three directions, and they always stay parallel to each other. The robot can move in six dimensions and is often used in manufacturing and assembly.