The control mode of some industrial robots launched in 1962 in the United States is roughly similar to that of CNC machine tools, but the shape is mainly composed of hands and arms similar to human beings. Later, industrial robot systems with vision sensors that can identify and locate emerged.

1. Humanization: the mechanical structure of industrial robots is similar to human walking, waist turning, big arms, small arms, wrists, claws and other parts, and the control is provided with computers. In addition, intelligent industrial robots also have many "biosensors" similar to humans, such as skin contact sensors, force sensors, load sensors, visual sensors, acoustic sensors, language functions, etc. The sensor improves the adaptive ability of industrial robot to the surrounding environment.

2. Programmable: The further development of production automation is flexible startup. Robot system integration can be reprogrammed according to the needs of its working environment changes, so it can play a good role in the small batch, multi variety, balanced and efficient flexible manufacturing process, and is an important part of the flexible manufacturing system.

3. Wide range: Industrial machine technology involves a wide range of disciplines, which can be summarized as the combination of mechanics and microelectronics - electromechanical integration technology. The third generation intelligent robot not only has a variety of sensors to obtain external environmental information, but also has the ability of memory, language understanding, image recognition, reasoning and judgment and other artificial intelligence, which are closely related to the application of microelectronic technology, especially the application of computer technology. Therefore, the development of robot technology will certainly drive the development of other technologies, and the development and application level of robot technology can also verify the development level of a country's science and technology and industrial technology.

4. Versatility: In addition to specially designed industrial robots, general industrial robots have good versatility when performing different tasks. For example, replacing the end effector of the industrial robot hand (claw, tool, etc.) can perform different tasks.