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Why do artistic gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics use different kinds of apparatus?

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Simone Biles of Team United States performs a flip above the balance beam during the Women's Balance Beam Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. — gymnastics Simone Biles performing on the balance beam at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (delayed until 2021). She won a bronze medal in the event.

Artistic and rhythmic gymnastics utilize different apparatuses because the two disciplines serve distinct athletic purposes and are evaluated on different criteria.1

In artistic gymnastics, the apparatuses—such as the pommel horse, uneven bars, and balance beam—function as set pieces. These tools are designed for athletes to climb, balance, and maneuver upon, allowing them to demonstrate technical precision and athletic strength.1

Conversely, rhythmic gymnastics focuses on presentation, style, and fluidity, often incorporating elements of dance. Rhythmic gymnasts use hand-held apparatuses—ropes, hoops, balls, clubs, and ribbons—not as platforms, but as extensions of their movement. These tools are used to enhance the aesthetic quality of their routines, which are scored based on artistic skill, body language, and synchronicity with music rather than the technical acrobatics prioritized in artistic gymnastics.12