Degrees of Freedom
Degrees of freedom (DOF) count the independent ways a robot can move. Six DOF give full positioning and orientation of a tool in 3D space; SCARA arms have four.
Degrees of freedom (DOF) describe the number of independent parameters that define a robot's configuration — in practice, the number of controlled axes. Each DOF lets the tool move in one more way.
Six DOF are the threshold for full spatial control: three to position the tool anywhere in 3D space and three to orient it. Fewer than six restricts the approach angles; more than six adds redundancy to reach around obstacles.
Match DOF to the task: planar pick-and-place may need only four (SCARA), while complex welding or assembly needs six. The Robot Portal lists axis count for every robot so you can confirm the required degrees of freedom.