Types of joints

There are two types of joints used for robotic arms, each with one single degree of freedom. In the following the abstractions shown in the figure on the left will be used. The first type is the prismatic joint, that allows for translational movement along the joint axis. The displacement is described by the joint variable, for example $d$ like in the figure. The second joint type is the revolute joint. A revolute joint allows for a rotation about the joint or rotation axis, respectively, and its joint parameter is the rotation angle, named $\theta$ in the figure. The Puma560 for example has three revolute joints (see figure on the right).

three joints $J_1$, $J_2$ and $J_3$, the end-effector of the Puma560, The end-effector of the Puma560, which is the black part at the end of the arm, is located at different positions and with a different orientation.