Application of robotic manipulator technology and its relation to additive manufacturing process — a review

This scientific paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research concerning the application of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, especially the fused filament fabrication (FFF) and fused granular fabrication (FGF) methods, where robotic manipulator systems are applied in fabrication processes. To achieve this, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted to identify, select, and evaluate the most relevant research. A total of 63 papers sourced from the most relevant scientific database covering the period from 2019 to December 2023 were thoroughly analyzed and synthesized. The examination, analysis, and assessment of these papers provide insights about the integration of the AM processes with robot manipulator technology, presenting the types of polymers, blends, and polymeric matrix composites that are processed using this advanced technology. This paper highlights and discusses current gaps in this area and proposes future research directions, emphasizing the potential enhancements in flexibility, quality, consistency, productivity, safety, and cost-effectiveness in AM facilitated by robot-assisted systems.