| autotune |
A feature in some motor control devices that automatically adjusts the control system at start-up. |
| blockout |
An energy-isolation procedure that physically prevents the flow or movement of energy. Blockout is often a failsafe backup to lockout/tagout. |
| centralized lubrication system |
An automated lubricant delivery method that lubricates multiple robot parts at once. |
| control system |
A manual or automatic mechanism used to manage dynamic processes by adjusting or maintaining physical variables such as velocity or positioning. |
| downtime |
Unproductive blocks of time during which robot operations cease, often due to mechanical problems. |
| drip feed |
A type of lubricant delivery system that includes a small reservoir of lubricant connected to pipes that distribute the lubricant to robot parts. |
| friction |
The resistance to relative motion between surfaces. Friction is caused by contact between surface asperities. |
| gravity lubrication system |
A type of lubricant delivery system that uses individual lubricant reservoirs from which lubricant is distributed to robot parts. This system is often used with drip feeds or wick feeds. |
| hand-operated gun |
A device used to apply lubricant manually to robots. |
| lockout/tagout |
A method of protecting employees from accidental startup through proper locking and labeling of robots that are undergoing maintenance. |
| lubricant |
A substance used to reduce friction between two surfaces in relative motion. Oil and grease are common industrial lubricants. |
| maintenance |
The necessary and basic support and repair of machines. Robot maintenance includes tasks such as lubricating, adjusting, and replacement of parts. |
| oil mist system |
A lubricant delivery method that pipes oil throughout the robot to desired locations and dispenses the oil with a spray nozzle. Oil mist systems cool and lubricate many robot parts at once. |
| overlubrication |
The process of applying too much lubricant to a robot component. Overlubrication can lead to robot malfunction. |
| preventive maintenance |
Maintenance performed while a robot is in working order to keep it from breaking down. |
| relative motion |
A change in position of one object in relation to another object. Contact between two objects in relative motion causes friction. |
| tuning |
A system of adjusting the controller's response to error by adjusting values in the PID algorithm. |
| wick feed |
A type of lubricant delivery system that includes a small reservoir of lubricant that distributes the lubricant to robot parts through a strip of absorbent material, which also filters the lubricant. |