A robotic arm is an automatic operating device that can mimic certain movements and functions of human hands and arms, used to grasp, transport objects or operate tools according to a fixed program. Mechanical arm is the earliest industrial robot and also the earliest modern robot. It can replace human heavy labor to achieve mechanization and automation of production, and can operate in harmful environments to protect personal safety. Therefore, it is widely used in mechanical manufacturing, metallurgy, electronics, light industry, atomic energy and other sectors.

It developed on the basis of early ancient robots, and research on robotic arms began in the mid-20th century. With the development of computer and automation technology, especially since the first digital electronic computer was introduced in 1946, computers have made amazing progress towards high speed, large capacity, and low price. At the same time, the urgent demand for large-scale production has driven the progress of automation technology and laid the foundation for the development of robots. On the other hand, research in nuclear energy technology requires certain operating machinery to replace humans in handling radioactive materials. In the context of this demand, the United States developed remote-controlled robotic arms in 1947 and mechanical master-slave robotic arms in 1948. The development of robotic arms began in the United States.