| American National Standards Institute |
ANSI. A private organization that sets voluntary standards for commercial products and services. |
| AWG |
American Wire Gauge. A series of ratings for wire sizes and ampacities. |
| boot |
To start a robot by turning on the controller. |
| connector |
A plug or receptacle on the robot's interface panel that can be joined to a corresponding plug or cable. |
| controller |
The main device that processes information and carries out instructions in a robot. Also known as the CPU, or processor. |
| data communications cable |
A cord that acts as the conduit for the transmission of digital messages from one device to another. |
| diagnostic program |
A function run on a teach pendant through which an operator can determine the cause of a robot's malfunction. |
| dolly |
A wheeled platform used to move equipment. A dolly can be used to move a controller. |
| end-of-arm tool |
The component of a robotic arm that is shaped like a hand or like a specialized tool. Also known as an end-effector. |
| forklift |
An industiral vehicle with a forked platform used for lifting and moving heavy items. Robots can be moved with a forklift. |
| grounding |
The process of removing the excess charge on an object by means of the transfer of electrons between it and another object of substantial size. |
| grounding cable |
A bundle of electrical wires dedicated to removing the excess charge on an object by means of the transfer of electrons between it and another object of substantial size. |
| grounding wire |
An electrical wire dedicated to removing the excess charge on an object by means of the transfer of electrons between it and another object of substantial size. |
| hoist |
A device for lifting and lowering loads by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps. A hoist can be used to move a robot. |
| IEC |
International Electrotechnical Commission. An international standards organization dealing with electrical, electronic and related technologies. |
| 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/output cable |
A cord that connects inputs and outputs to the controller. |
| installation manual |
A book of guidelines for installing and maintaining a piece of equipment. |
| interface panel |
The area on a robot used to join it with other pieces of equipment. |
| jog |
To bring parts into alignment by moving them. |
| lubricating grease |
A type of lubricant used on different parts of a robot. Lubricating grease should be changed at regular intervals. |
| manipulator |
A robotic arm. A manipulator is generally mounted on a platform or suspended from a track and is capable of reaching to various distances and locations. |
| movement zone |
The defined area of space through which a robot can move. Also known as the work envelope or work cell. |
| National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health |
The U.S. agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. |
| noise interference |
An AC power line disturbance caused by sudden changes in the load. |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
OSHA. An agency of the U.S. Department of Labor that sets standards for worker health and safety. |
| personal protective equipment |
Any of various safety equipment that workers wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. Safety glasses are common personal protective equipment (PPE). |
| pneumatic device |
A device powered by compressed air. The end-effectors for most robots have pneumatic drives. |
| polarity |
In electricity, having two oppositely charged poles, one positive and one negative. Always install robot cables with the correct polarity or the robot may be damaged. |
| port |
An input plug on a robot into which you can connect other devices. |
| power cable |
A cord that acts as the conduit for electrical power from the power source to the robot. |
| programming |
The process of entering information such as velocity and travel time into the robot's processor. |
| prompt |
A character or command that appears on a display screen to indicate that the robot is ready for input. |
| robot installation |
The process of assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining an industrial robot. Installation may also include implementing safeguards and disassembling the robot for service and repair. |
| robot technician |
A person who installs, services, troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs robots and automated production systems. |
| Robotics Industry Association |
A trade group organized specifically to serve the robotics industry. Member companies include leading robot manufacturers, users, system integrators, component suppliers, research groups, and consulting firms. |
| teach pendant |
A hand-held device that can be used to program a robot and control its movements. |
| viscosity |
A fluid's resistance to flow. Consult the robot's installation manual for manufacturer recommendations on lubricating oil viscosity. |
| voltage drop |
The amount of energy used by a device with resistance in the circuit. In a series circuit, voltage drop increases as resistance increases, and decreases as resistance decreases. |
| voltage spike |
A sudden, short surge in voltage. Voltage spikes can be caused by lightning, power outages, short circuits, or power transitions in large equipment on the same power line. |
| work cell |
The defined area of space through which a robot can move. Also known as the work envelope. |
| world mode |
Set to operate according to world coordinates. |