Robotics Glossary

Accuracy- the ability of a robot to reach a given point in space repeatedly, and how far off it will be in the worst case.

Actuator- a transducer that converts electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy to cause motion of the robot.

Artificial Intelligence- the ability of a machine to perform certain complex functions normally associated with human intelligence, such as judgment, pattern recognition, understanding, learning, planning, and problem solving.

Axis- in robotics- an individual component free to move relative to the other components.

Degrees of Freedom- the number of independent ways in which the end effecter can move, defined by the number of rotational or translational axes through which motion can be achieved.

End Effecter- the tool or gripper which is attached to the mounting surface of the manipulator wrist in order to perform the robot's task.

Gripper- End-of-arm tooling used to grasp objects.

Leadthrough Programming- a means of teaching a robot by leading it through the operating sequence with a control console or a hand-held control box.

Off-Line Programming- a means of programming a robot by developing a set of instructions on an independent computer and then using the software to control the robot at a later date.

Payload- the maximum amount that can be handled by a robt during normal operation.

Pick and Place Robot- a simple category of robot used to pick parts and place them down somewhere else.

Point-To-Point Motion- a type of robot motion in which a limited number of points along a path of motion is specified by the controller, and the robot moves from point to point rather than in a continues, smooth path.

Repeatability- the ability of the manipulator arm to position the end effecter at a particular location within a specified distance from its position during the previous cycle.

Robot- a reprogrammable multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through variable programmed  motion for performance of a variety of tasks.

SCARA Robot stands for Selective Compliant Articulated Robot Arm -or- Selective Compliant Assembly Robot Arm. The motion these robots provide is similar to a shoulder-elbow-wrist combination movement, with the addition of an up-and-down component. SCARA is a 4-axis robot with rotating elements that move in a single plane. This limits the work envelope, but it also limits costs, making SCARA robots inexpensive compared with sophisticated robots like the 6-axis articulated arm-type robot. Applications for SCARA robots include: Assembly-line insertion, Packaging, Sorting Light-duty drilling and screwdriving. Definition provided by: Intelligent Actuator Inc. - IAI America

Samsung Electronics robots scara robot

Solenoid- an electrical coil with an iron section inside that will pull or push when current goes through the coil.

Work Envelope- the area in which a robot can work, the limits to its motions.

Source:  http://mediatheek.thinkquest.nl/~ll106/Reference/Glossary/main.html