An electrical device with an actuator that is mechanically linked to a set of contacts. When activated, contacts that are normally open are closed, and contacts that are normally closed are opened. This causes a change of state to an electrical circuit.

A device that produces a magnetic field in a detector unit. The magnetic field induces eddy currents into any conductive material that is near the probe. A pick-up coil senses a change in magnetic field intensity when an object enters the field.

A sensor made of fine-gage resistance wire mounted on a strip of insulation that measures mechanical movement.

The range of visible and invisible light, which includes frequencies for radio, television, radar, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

An opto-electronic element that varies in conductivity according to fluctuations in light. Electrical resistance decreases when light is more intense and increases when light intensity decreases.

A device that reacts to sound. Standing sound waves are generated within a cylindrical, open-ended cavity inside the sensor. The presence of a nearby object interferes with these sound waves, which alters the sensor output.

A device that detects spatial relationships and provides depth information using stadimetry and triangulation.

A simple type of magnetic field sensor that either makes or breaks contact in response to changes in a magnetic field.

Strands of material made of glass or plastic that can transmit light from one point to another regardless of how the material is bent or shaped.

The ratio of charge on a conductor to the potential difference between conductors or the ability of a material to hold an electrical charge.

A property of electrical circuits caused by the magnetic field that surrounds a coil when current is flowing. In ac circuits, it opposes changes in current and increases as frequency increases.

A method used to determine depth that considers the distance to an object based on the apparent size of the camera image.

A device that produces a highly focused or intense beam of light. Also known as light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.

An electrical device that is turned on or off with a very small amount of force. Microswitches are small, durable, and easy to activate.

A device used on an end effector that detects obstructions or overload conditions within fractions of a second and signals the controller to shut down the robot before damage occurs.

A signal that originates from peripheral equipment to inform the microprocessor unit that the device needs attention.

Friction that forms in a fluid system and causes a decrease of power from the input to the output.

A type of valve that controls the pressure in a system. In a hydraulic system, the pressure relief valve allows fluid to flow back into the reservoir when the pressure rises to a dangerous level. In a pneumatic system, pressure relief valves release excess air in the system into the atmosphere.

Controlling the rate of fluid flow.

The resistance to change of an object to be moved.

A principle of fluid properties that states when pressure is applied to a confined fluid, the pressure is transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid. Additionally, this pressure acts on all surfaces of the container at right angles to those surfaces.

A device that allows the air pressure in a pneumatic system to be adjusted to a specific level.

The amount of force applied to a specific area; often expressed in pounds per square inch (lb/in² or psi) or as kilopascals (kPa) in the metric system.

A measurement that considers the amount of work accomplished in relation to the amount of time taken to perform the work.

A conditioning device that removes very small pieces of debris and is typically made of some porous medium, such as paper, felt, or very fine wire mesh.

A type of positive displacement pump that uses the reciprocating action (backward and forward motion) of a moving piston to move fluid into and out of a chamber.

Irregular motion or agitation of air or fluids.

Any factor that tends to produce or modify the motion of an object; normally expressed in units of weight.

A non-positive displacement pump that moves a varying amount of fluid with each rotation using an impeller blade.