Which robot type is synonymous with Cartesian coordinates for straight-line motion in X, Y, and Z?

• A. polar
• B. articulated
• C. SCARA
• D. cartesian

Answer: (D)

Positions in Cartesian space are described by x, y, and z distances along three perpendicular axes. A Cartesian robot uses three linear actuators aligned with those axes, so moving along each axis yields true straight-line motion in 3D. This direct mapping makes planning and control simple for tasks requiring precise linear travel, like pick-and-place or CNC-like operations. Other robot types use different coordinate ideas or rotary joints, so their motion is naturally curved or follows other paths rather than a guaranteed straight line in x, y, and z. Therefore, the robot type that matches straight-line motion in Cartesian coordinates is the Cartesian robot.