A pick-and-place machine, also known as a surface-mount technology (SMT) machine, is a type of automated equipment that places surface-mount components, such as capacitors, resistors, and integrated circuits, onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) in the assembly of electronics.

Pick-and-place machines use a robotic arm, also known as a pick-and-place head, to pick up components from supply trays or feeders and place them onto designated locations on the PCB. Since these machines can place thousands of components per hour with high accuracy and precision, they are an essential tool in modern electronics assembly, particularly in the production of smartphones, laptops, and other such devices.

As with other types of robots used in automated processes, pick-and-place machines can be programmed with software and equipped with vision systems and sensors to recognize the position of items and determine the proper placement of components. For handling sensitive components, these machines typically use vacuum adsorption devices, such as suction cups or nozzles.

While pick-and-place machines are a type of pick-and-place robot, it is important to note that robotic pick-and-place machines have a range of applications much beyond that of an SMT machine, including packaging, bin picking, and even inspection.

Pick And Place Robot / Robotic Pick And Place / Surface Mount Technology