## Common ground
All options describe industrial robots or robotic systems designed for specific automated tasks in manufacturing, logistics, or specialized environments.
## Options at a glance
**8424.20 – Spray application robots**
- **Defining trait:** Designed to apply liquids, powders, or materials like paint, varnish, or cement via spraying.
- **Typical examples:** Paint sprayers in automotive assembly lines, powder coating robots.
- **Best fit when:** The robot’s primary function is material deposition through spray nozzles.
**8424.89 – Liquid/powder projection robots**
- **Defining trait:** Projects or disperses liquids or powders, but not necessarily for coating (e.g., cleaning or distribution).
- **Typical examples:** Robots distributing cement in construction, powder dispensers in food processing.
- **Best fit when:** The robot’s role is material dispersion, not coating or spraying.
**8428.70 – Lifting/handling robots**
- **Defining trait:** Specifically built for lifting, moving, loading, or unloading items.
- **Typical examples:** Robotic arms in warehouse palletizing, assembly line part transfer.
- **Best fit when:** The robot’s core function is physical handling of objects.
**8428.90 – Handling systems with robots**
- **Defining trait:** Systems that include robots but are defined by broader automation (e.g., conveyors + robots).
- **Typical examples:** Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), integrated production lines.
- **Best fit when:** The robot is part of a larger automated handling system.
**8471.41 – Service & educational robots**
- **Defining trait:** Not industrial in core function; used for catering, reception, education, or pet interaction.
- **Typical examples:** Robot waiters in restaurants, classroom teaching bots, pet-feeding robots.
- **Best fit when:** The robot serves non-manufacturing, human-centered roles.
**8479.50 – Other industrial robots**
- **Defining trait:** Does not fit into more specific categories; general-purpose industrial use.
- **Typical examples:** Custom automation arms for unique tasks not covered elsewhere.
- **Best fit when:** No other HS code matches the robot’s function.
**8486.10 – Wafer manufacturing robots**
- **Defining trait:** Used exclusively in semiconductor wafer production.
- **Typical examples:** Robots handling silicon boules or wafers in cleanrooms.
- **Best fit when:** The robot is used in semiconductor fabrication.
**8486.20 – Semiconductor device robots**
- **Defining trait:** Specifically for manufacturing or assembling semiconductor devices.
- **Typical examples:** Pick-and-place robots in IC packaging.
- **Best fit when:** Focus on chip-level assembly or testing.
**8486.30 – Flat panel display robots**
- **Defining trait:** Used in LCD/OLED screen production.
- **Typical examples:** Robots handling glass substrates in display lines.
- **Best fit when:** The robot is used in display manufacturing.
**8486.40 – Multi-purpose semiconductor & display robots**
- **Defining trait:** Performs multiple tasks including assembly, handling, or repair of semiconductors and displays.
- **Typical examples:** Robots handling wafers, chips, and display panels in mixed lines.
- **Best fit when:** The robot serves several functions across semiconductor/display production.
**8515.21 – Resistance welding robots**
- **Defining trait:** Used for automated resistance welding (e.g., spot welding).
- **Typical examples:** Car body welding arms in automotive plants.
- **Best fit when:** The robot performs electrical welding tasks.
**8515.31 – Arc welding robots**
- **Defining trait:** Designed for arc welding (e.g., MIG/TIG).
- **Typical examples:** Robotic welders in steel fabrication.
- **Best fit when:** The robot performs high-heat, continuous welding.
**8525.89 – Pet-interaction robots**
- **Defining trait:** Designed to interact with pets (feeding, playing).
- **Typical examples:** Treat-dispensing robots with laser pointers.
- **Best fit when:** The robot’s main purpose is pet entertainment or care.
**8705.90 – High-risk mission robots**
- **Defining trait:** Built for dangerous environments (fire, defense, rescue).
- **Typical examples:** Firefighting robots, bomb disposal units.
- **Best fit when:** The robot operates in hazardous or inaccessible areas.
**9018.90 – Medical robotics**
- **Defining trait:** Used in medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary procedures.
- **Typical examples:** Robotic surgery assistants, dental implant robots.
- **Best fit when:** The robot is used in clinical or healthcare settings.
**9031.80 – Autonomous vehicle testing robots**
- **Defining trait:** Used to measure/monitor vehicle parameters during self-driving tests.
- **Typical examples:** Test robots that simulate road conditions or collect sensor data.
- **Best fit when:** The robot supports autonomous vehicle R&D.
## Key differences
| HS Code | Primary Function | Industry Focus | Specialization |
|--------|------------------|----------------|----------------|
| 8424.20 | Spraying materials | Manufacturing | Coating |
| 8424.89 | Projecting/dispersing | General | Material handling |
| 8428.70 | Lifting/handling | Logistics | Physical movement |
| 8486.10–40 | Semiconductor/display | Electronics | High-precision |
| 8515.21/31 | Welding | Automotive | Joining metals |
| 9018.90 | Medical procedures | Healthcare | Clinical use |
## How to choose
- Does it spray paint, varnish, or similar? → 8424.20
- Is it used for cleaning or dispersing materials (not coating)? → 8424.89
- Is its main job lifting, moving, or loading items? → 8428.70
- Does it handle wafers, chips, or display panels? → 8486.x0
- Is it used for welding (resistance or arc)? → 8515.21/31
- Is it for medical/surgical use? → 9018.90
- Is it for autonomous vehicle testing? → 9031.80
- Is it for pet interaction, education, or service? → 8471.41 or 8525.89
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Robots in **8486.40** may also fit **8428.70** (handling) or **8486.10–30** (specific tasks). Choose based on **primary function**: if multiple, prioritize the most specific use.
- **8428.70 vs 8428.90**: If the robot is part of a larger system (e.g., conveyor + robot), use 8428.90; otherwise, 8428.70.
- **No priority rule given** – users should select based on the robot’s **main function**