A type of layout that allows the movement of a robot along three intersecting, perpendicular, straight lines that are referred to as the X, Y, and Z axes.

A type of control method that allows feedback to affect the output of the robot.

A microprocessor linked to input/output and monitoring devices that coordinates all movements of the mechanical system and receives input from the immediate environment through various sensors.

A type of work envelope layout that consists of two slides placed at a 90 degree angle and mounted on a rotary axis.

A value that describes a range of motion (as for a robotic arm and end effector) in three-dimensional space - specifically, the ability to move forward and backward, up and down, and to the left and to the right.

A high-torque engine that drives the robot arm directly without the need for reducer gears.

A device that is attached to the end of the manipulator (robot arm) that operates to grasp and manipulate objects. Also called the end-of-arm tooling.

A message generated when the programmed actions of a robot and the actual actions do not match.

A system that organizes commands and instructions from the software to the parts and devices of the robot into levels or layers. Each level is dependent on the level above for instructions.

A power system that uses fluid and consists of a pump connected to a reservoir tank, control valves, and an actuator.

A type of motor or valve that provides motion along a straight line.

The simplest type of robot, which uses an open-loop system that does not allow for system feedback. Also called limited sequence, pick-and-place, or fixed-stop robots.

A type of control method that does not include a feedback mechanism to compare programmed positions to actual positions.

The up-and-down movement of an object, such as a robot's wrist.

A power system that uses air-driven actuators.

A mechanism that provides energy to drive the robot's controller and actuators.

A series of instruction stored in the controller's memory that direct the robot's actions.

One of the three degrees of freedom in the robot arm, which involves the extension and retraction of the arm and creates in-and-out motion relative to the base.

A type of layout that is irregularly shaped and requires a jointed-arm robot. Also called the jointed-arm configuration.

The swivel or rotating movement of an object, such as a robot's wrist.

A type of motor or valve that provides rotation, moving a load in an arc or circle.

One of the three degrees of freedom in the robot arm, which involves movement on a vertical axis and allows the side-to-side movement of the robot arm on the base.

A robot arm configuration that is horizontally articulated and generally has one vertical (linear) and two revolute joints. Also known as selective compliance assembly robot arm.

A device that translates feedback signals from the controller into motor voltage and current signals.

A type of robot that uses a closed-loop system, which allows feedback signals to affect the performance of the robot.

A type of work envelope layout that resembles a sphere, relative to the base. Also called polar configuration.

A device used to measure the speed of rotation of an object, such as the acceleration and deceleration of a robot's manipulator (arm) movements.

A device used to demonstrate the movements required for a robot to perform a useful task. Also called a teach box or handheld programmer.

A method of creating instructions for a robot in which the operator moves the robot through the various positions involved in an operation. The points are recorded and used to generate a point-to-point path that the robot will follow during operation.

Path of movement.

One of the three degrees of freedom in the robot arm, which allows the up-and-down motion of the robot arm.

The area within reach pf a robot's end effector or end-of-arm tooling.

The side-to-side movement of an object, such as a robot's wrist.

An object that is humanlike in form or has human attributes.

The ability of a computer program to make decisions based on known information.

An object made by a person that moves automatically. This term was originally used for what we now consider to be a robot.

A manipulator that repetitively performs successive steps of a given operation according to a predetermined order, condition, and position. Its instructions cannot be easily changed.

Machinery capable of performing a variety of tasks.

Machinery specifically designed and built to perform particular tasks within an assembly line.

A multi-function manipulator programmed to perform various task.

A root that can, by itself, detect changes in the work environment by means of sensors (visual and/ or tactile). Using decision-making capabilities, the robot can then proceed with that appropriate operations.

The arm of the robot that moves material, part, tools, or special devices through various motions to provide useful work.

A manipulator worked by human operator.

A manipulator that can perform the sequence of movement, conditions, and positions of a given task, which are communicated by means of numerical data.

A manipulator that can reproduce operations originally executed under human control and stored in memory.

Having the ability to be given new instructions, as in a robot that can meet changed requirements to perform new tasks.

A machine or device that automatically performs tasks or activities that are typically completed by a person using skill and intelligence.

The study, engineering, and use of robots.

The first robot produced by Unimation Inc. in 1961.

A manipulator that repetitively performs successive steps of a given operation according to a predetermined order, condition, and position. The order of movement it follows can be easily changed.

A component of an electrical system that provides overload protection by interrupting the flow of the current when a short circuit occurs of a power surge reaches it.

Two or more elements that are held in position by spring-loaded mechanisms. When placed under excessive stress, they shift from their original position and power is removed from the machine to prevent an overload.

An injury that occurs when a person comes into contact with electric current.

A safety device, typically a pressurized container, that contains a substance that can be used to put out flames.

Supplies and equipment used to treat a person in the event of an accident or injury.

A device that provides overload protection in an electrical system. When a power surge reaches a fuse, an element in the fuse melts, interrupting the flow of current.

Providing a path that allows current to flow from an electrical system or device to the ground in the event of a short circuit or power surge to protect against electrical shocks.

A device or implement used to perform work that is held by the hands and does not use electricity or some other type of power.

A safety device that consists of a series of photoelectric sensors. If the beam of light between two sensor is interrupted, the power to a nearby machine, such as a robot, is stopped.

Practices used to disable machinery and prevent injury to workers from hazardous energy releases.

An overload protection device in the form of a pin or tube that breaks or buckles under extreme stress.

A set of rules that covers safety related to electrical installation in residential and commercial structures.

An agency of the US federal government whose purpose is to ensure safe and healthful conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards related to safety.

Clothing or devices worn to shield the worker's body and help prevent injuries, such as boots with steel toes, safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, respirators, and hard hats.

A device or implement that is used to perform work and that uses electricity or some other type of energy.

An overload protection device that responds to excess stress by releasing a spring that causes the end effector on a robot to break away from the work area.

A floor covering that contains sensors that detect force applied to it. If a person steps on this, a signal is sent to power down a nearby machine, such as a robot.