A type of signal that has a range of values. A good example is an 8-bit light sensor with at least 256 different values.

Movement of a robot's wrist in a straight line on the X, Y, or Z axis.

A resistor used in a circuit to limit the current going to a component such as a light emitting diode (LED).

The range and flexibility of motion. Each degree of freedom adds greater range of motion to the robot's tooling within its work area.

Either on or off, no in between. Generally represented by a 1 or 0, or in electronics terms; 5 volts or 0 volts.

The power or motors that are used to control the positioning of the robotic arm. Usually electric but may be hydraulic or pneumatic as well.

A drive system used for high accuracy, repeatability and speed. Used to control motors, servos, or stepper motors.

The tooling added to the end of a robot's arm that allows it to perform specific operations. Also known as an end effector.

Function:

Defined as safe communication between two or more, like or unlike, pieces of technology.

A position within the robot's work envelope designated as a starting point for the operation.

A drive system used for larger robots that require large amount of power. Linear movements are produced by hydraulic pistons while rotary is produced by rotary vanes.

A signal or value that is recieved by the robot from sources such as sensors, other devices, or other robots.

The movement of a robotic arm's end effector defined by the movement of its individual joints.

Loop:

The brain of the robotic system. Used to control the motion of and programming of the robot as well as control various inputs and outputs and communicate with other elements in a work cell.

A rectangular array of parts, made of a finite number of rows and columns. A good example is an array of boxes on a pallet.

Making parts fit most efficiently on a pallet or in a given space.

A digital switch, that when activated, turns OFF.

A digital switch, that when activated, turns ON.

An electronic device that separates two unlike voltages or currents in a robotic communication system by using an infrared LED and a light sensor embedded in a device.

Produces an action. Can be a simple signal sent from a robot to another device such as a tool, machine, or other robot.

An automated process that uses a robot to load and unload parts, containers, or boxes onto pallets for storage and shipping.

Sensors that detect inputs from the physical environment without external power.

Payload:

When a robot retrieves parts from one location and consistently places them in new locations.

The degree of freedom of a robot arm's end effector around its Y axis.

A drive system used in smaller robots to control rotary actuators or sliding joints.

A resistor used in an electrical circuit to force a signal to be LOW when not activated (0V) preventing the signal from floating in between a 1(5V) and 0(0V) in a digital circuit.

A resistor used in an electrical circuit to force a signal to be HIGH (5V) when not activated preventing a signal from floating in between a 1(5V) and 0(0V) in a digital circuit.

To accelerate or decelerate the speed with which a robot moves.

Record:

A cartesian coordinate system where each successive point is relative to the point before it. Also known as incremental.

A system of recording positions where each point is relative in X, Y, and Z coordinates to all the other points in a program.

Robot accuracy:

Robot repeatability:

Robotic arm:

The degree of freedom of a robotic arms end effector around its X axis.

Adjusting this angle allows a robot's end of arm tooling to line up and nest parts on a pallet.

Inputs that provide feedback and bring in a variety of data into the robot.

Suction:

the gripper or end of arm tooling that uses vacuum and a flexible suction cup to pick up parts easily.

To save a position with a robot arm by typing in an X, Y, and Z value and storing the position.

A handheld device used to manually control, program, and troubleshoot a robotic arm without the need for a full control terminal.

The X, Y, and Z value recorded or taught in robotics that represents where the work is actually being done in space by the robot's end of arm tooling. (TCP)

To easily correct or round saved points in a robotics program by manually adjusting X, Y, and Z values in the control software.

Vacuum:

The creation of negative pressure that allows a robot to pick up an object easily.

A changeable quantity in a program that can be represented by a word or a letter. Can be assigned, changed, or referenced throughout a program.

The complete environment around a robot. May include tools, machines, and/or other robots.

Defiend as the range and area each robot may work within.

The degree of freedom of a robotic arm's end effector around its Z axis.