Terms & Glossary

Actuator: A device that converts electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy into mechanical motion. Commonly used in robotics to enable movement of joints or other components.

Automation: The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention. In robotics, it involves programming robots to handle repetitive or complex tasks autonomously.

Collaborative Robot (Cobot): A robot designed to work alongside human operators in a shared workspace. Cobots are equipped with safety features to ensure safe interaction with humans.

End Effector: The tool or device attached to the end of a robot’s arm, used to interact with the environment. Examples include grippers, welders, and cameras.

Firmware: The specialized software embedded in a robot’s hardware that controls its low-level operations. Firmware is essential for the basic functioning of robotic systems.

Manipulator: The arm or limb of a robot designed to move, position, or handle objects. Manipulators can have multiple degrees of freedom, allowing for complex movements.

Robot Operating System (ROS): An open-source framework for developing and controlling robotic systems. ROS provides tools and libraries for writing software to control robots.

Sensors: Devices that detect and measure physical properties, such as distance, temperature, or force. Sensors provide feedback to robots, enabling them to interact with and respond to their environment.

Servo Motor: A type of motor used in robotics that provides precise control of angular position. Servo motors are commonly used in joints and actuators to achieve accurate movements.

Trajectory Planning: The process of determining the path a robot will follow to move from one point to another. This involves calculating the necessary movements and timing for smooth and efficient operation.

Vision System: A set of hardware and software used to enable robots to see and interpret visual information. Vision systems typically include cameras and image processing algorithms to support tasks like object recognition and navigation.

Wiring Harness: A bundle of electrical wires and connectors that distribute power and signals between different components of a robotic system.

End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT): The specific tools or devices attached to the end of a robot’s arm for performing specific tasks, such as gripping or welding.

Kinematics: The study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. In robotics, kinematics involves the analysis of the robot’s movements and positions.

Payload: The maximum weight or force that a robot can handle or manipulate. Payload capacity is a critical factor in selecting and designing robots for various applications.

Degrees of Freedom (DOF): The number of independent movements a robot can make. For example, a robotic arm with six DOF can move in three dimensions and rotate around three axes.

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