| actuator |
A device that converts an electrical control signal into mechanical motion. |
| alternating current |
Current that regularly reverses the direction of its flow in a repeating, cyclical pattern. Power is supplied to robots using AC run through a transformer. |
| axis |
An imaginary straight line or circle used to describe the location or movement of an object in the Cartesian coordinate system. |
| axis control module |
A component that allows a robot to move in different directions. The axis control module also controls the velocity and torque of the robotic arm. |
| bladder |
An expandable sac that can be inflated with air or filled with fluid. |
| cabinet |
An enclosure containing a robot's controller, axis control module, input/output module, and power supplies. |
| Cartesian robot |
A type of robotic arm that has prismatic joints only. The linear movement of the joints gives the Cartesian robot a highly rigid structure that allows it to lift heavy objects. |
| central processing unit |
The main device that processes information and carries out instructions in a robot. Also known as the controller or processor. |
| circuit |
A controlled path for electricity. A circuit includes a source, path, load, and control. |
| compressor |
A component that pressurizes ambient air and directs it into a pneumatic system. |
| contact sensor |
A type of sensor that detects physical contact with an object or surface. Contact sensors for robots include tactile, force, and collision sensors. |
| control circuit |
A circuit in the robot's power supply that coordinates the robot's programming, motion control, and I/Os. |
| controller |
The main device that processes information and carries out instructions in a robot. Also known as the CPU or processor. |
| coordinate |
A specific location in three-dimensional space. |
| count |
An increment on an encoder that measures the distance a robotic arm has traveled. |
| current |
The flow of electricity. Current is measured in amps. |
| degree of freedom |
The available ways a component can move in three-dimensional space. Robots typically have three to six degrees of freedom. |
| direct current |
Current that travels in one direction. Robots run on DC motors. |
| electric drive |
An actuator that uses electricity to create mechanical motion. |
| electric motor |
A machine that converts electricity into mechanical energy or motion. An electric motor is a type of prime mover for a hydraulic system. |
| electromagnet |
A powerful magnet that gains an attractive force only when current passes through it. |
| encoder |
A measuring device for motion control that is divided into a fixed number of increments called counts. In a typical encoder, one revolution equals one million counts. |
| end-effector |
The end component of a robotic arm that is shaped like a hand or like a specialized tool. Also known as end-of-arm tool (EOAT). |
| end-of-arm tool |
The end component of a robotic arm that can be shaped like a hand or a specialized tool. Also known as an end-effector. |
| expanding gripper |
A type of EOAT that uses an inflatable bladder to lift hollow objects from the inside. |
| finger |
The part of a gripper that grasps an object. |
| force multiplication |
The exponential increase in available power. Hydraulic drives and pneumatic drives provide high force multiplication. |
| gripper |
A hand-shaped end-effector designed for seizing and holding. |
| hydraulic drive |
An actuator that uses pumps, valves, and pressurized liquids to create mechanical motion. |
| hydraulic pump |
A mechanical device used to move liquids. The hydraulic pump introduces pressure into the system. |
| industrial robot |
A programmable mechanical device that is used in place of a person to perform dangerous or repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy. |
| input |
A device, usually a type of sensor, that sends information into a robot. |
| input/output module |
The jack where an input/output device is physically connected to a robot. Inputs and outputs allow the robot to interact with its environment. |
| LCD screen |
A screen on a teach pendant for displaying the robot’s inputs and outputs, position, and program. |
| linear joint |
A joint that moves in a straight line across one axis. Also known as a prismatic joint. |
| lockout/tagout |
A method of protecting employees from accidental robot startup through proper locking and labeling of robots that are undergoing maintenance. |
| magnetic gripper |
A type of EOAT that uses electromagnets or permanent magnets to pick up metallic objects. |
| main power supply |
The power supply that provides voltage and current to a robot’s motor. A robot's main power supply is AC run through a transformer. |
| manipulator |
A robotic arm. A manipulator is generally mounted on a platform or suspended from a track while the arm reaches to various distances and locations. |
| motion control key |
A type of key on a teach pendant for lead-through programming and position adjustment of the robot. |
| noncontact sensor |
A type of sensor that detects changes in light or an electromagnetic field. Noncontact sensors for robots include proximity sensors and vision sensors such as photosensors and cameras. |
| number key |
A type of key on a teach pendant for entering numeric data such as axes. |
| output |
A device that performs a mechanical action after receiving the electrical signal to do so from the robot. |
| payload |
The maximum load that a robot can manipulate. |
| permanent magnet |
A magnet that retains its attractive force once it is removed from a magnetic field. |
| pick-and-place robot |
A robot designed to transfer objects from one place to another. |
| pneumatic drive |
An actuator that uses pressurized air to create mechanical motion. |
| power circuit |
The circuit for the power supply. Power circuits for robots provide large amounts of power to the servo amplifiers that power the robot's drives. |
| power off |
A button on a teach pendant that powers off the controller. |
| power on |
A button on a teach pendant that powers up the controller and turns on the servomotor if it has been turned off by an E-stop. |
| power supply unit |
A separate power supply that provides DC voltage to a robot’s outputs and controller. |
| prime mover |
A device supplying the force necessary to turn the shaft of a generator or alternator. Hydraulic drives and pneumatic drives require prime movers. |
| prismatic joint |
A joint that moves in a straight line across one axis. Also known as a linear joint. |
| program control key |
A type of key on a teach pendant for selecting and executing programs. |
| revolute joint |
A joint that rotates around more than one axis. |
| safeguarding system |
Any device, barrier, or process that protects a worker from being injured by a robot. The two basic types of safeguarding systems are safety devices and safety guards. |
| safety device |
A mechanism that prevents the robot from operating when a worker is near a dangerous area. |
| safety guard |
An obstacle that prevents a worker from entering a dangerous area of the robotic system. |
| sensor |
A device that detects the presence or absence of an object, or certain properties of that object, and provides feedback. Robots use sensors to interact with their environment. |
| servomotor |
A type of motor used in applications that require precise positioning. Many robots use DC servomotors. |
| status lamp |
A LED on a teach pendant that lights up when errors occur. |
| suction cup |
A rubber or plastic device that sticks to smooth, nonporous surfaces. A robot's grip strength may be determined by the size of the suction cups. |
| teach pendant |
A hand-held device that can be used to program a robot and control its movements. |
| tool changer |
A device used for changing the end-effector on a robotic arm. |
| transformer |
A device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another, without changing the frequency, using electromagnetic induction. A transformer is most often used to change the line voltage. |
| vacuum gripper |
A type of EOAT that uses suction cups for gripping flat objects. |
| velocity profile |
A profile in the robot's program that controls the acceleration and deceleration of the robotic arm as it moves to its destination. |
| voltage |
A measure of electrical pressure or potential. Voltage is measured in volts. |