Glossary

A-Z Glossary for Industrial Automation

Posted on by qviro
20
Feb

This guide and glossary is a step into industrial automation and your key to unlocking the future of making things. You want to boost your line’s speed, quality, or smarts? Starting with the basics is key. 

We’re talking the essentials—from what PLCs do to how robotic arms can help you. This journey is about making sure you pick the tech that fits your needs and budget perfectly. 

Let’s dive in, and get you set up with the right automation tools.

Common Industrial Automation Terms: 

 

A

The ability of an automation system to speed up from a stop to its working speed, crucial for cutting down production cycle times.
The way a gripper’s motion is controlled, like pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or magnetic methods.

Differentiates between pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, and mechanical actuators, each offering distinct advantages for linear motion applications.
Refers to tooling systems that can change how they grip objects depending on factors like shape and size, making them more versatile for handling various materials.
It is the making of objects by adding layers of material following digital designs, like in 3D printing.
Mobile robots used in industry for tasks like transporting goods along predetermined routes.
A component of HMI that alerts operators to system states requiring attention, often with visual or auditory cues.
The process within a SCADA system of detecting, notifying, logging, and managing abnormal conditions in the automation process.
A set of rules or calculations used by vision systems to process images and make decisions based on visual data.
Robots that navigate without fixed paths, using sensors to move autonomously in dynamic environments.
Signals or data that represent varying levels of voltage or current, used in PLCs for monitoring and controlling devices with non-digital signals.
Provides safety standards for cobots in the U.S.
Refers to the capability of safety scanners to survey and analyze a predefined space around machinery or robots for the presence of unauthorized objects or personnel.
The process of putting together individual components or parts to create a finished product, often automated using robotic arms or assembly lines.
A robot with rotary joints to provide a wide range of movements. These robots are commonly used in manufacturing for tasks requiring high precision and flexibility.
The physical and electrical connections that allow accessories to be added to or removed from a robot, ensuring compatibility and ease of integration.
The technology by which a process or procedure is performed with minimal human assistance.
The process of combining robotic systems with existing manufacturing operations to enhance efficiency and productivity.
The ability of a robot to determine its path and move through its environment without human intervention, using sensors, algorithms, and sometimes machine learning.
Refers to the arrangement and number of linear axes (X, Y, Z) that a Cartesian robot utilizes, determining its movement capabilities and workspace dimensions.
The number and orientation of the axes on a CNC machine, determining the complexity and types of operations it can perform.

 

 

B

Techniques used to correct or minimize the play or loose movement in the gear and joint connections, critical for maintaining precision in repetitive tasks.
Techniques used in CNC machining to minimize play between mechanical components, ensuring high precision in the machining process.

The stationary part of the robot to which the first joint is attached, serving as the foundation for its structure and movements.
A system that monitors and manages the battery pack of a mobile robot, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the battery.
The arrangement and density of the detection beams emitted by a safety scanner, crucial for determining its resolution and sensitivity.
The expected operational lifespan of bearings within a system, crucial for understanding maintenance schedules and system durability.
The use of two cameras to capture the same scene from slightly different angles, mimicking human stereoscopic vision to determine depth.
A task where robots select items from a bin using vision systems and AI.
A mechanism often incorporated into EOATs for ejecting parts or clearing debris using compressed air, critical for maintaining clean and efficient operation.
The basis of PLC programming, involving logical operations such as AND, OR, NOT, used to make control decisions.
The maximum force that can be applied to a gripper before it loses its grip on an object.
In networking, a device or software that connects two or more networks, facilitating communication between devices that use different protocols.
The main support structure of a gantry robot that spans the working area, allowing movement along the X-axis and supporting the Y and Z axes.

 

 

C

Solutions for organizing and protecting the cables and hoses that supply power, data, and materials to robots and their accessories.
The process of measuring and correcting the intrinsic (camera-specific) and extrinsic (position and orientation) parameters to improve the accuracy of the vision system.
The component that moves along the linear guide or rail, often supporting the load or the actuating mechanism.
Robots that operate along three orthogonal axes (X, Y, and Z) offering simple, straight-line movements. They are typically used for CNC machines and 3D printing.
The amount of force applied by a gripper or clamp EOAT to hold an object securely during manipulation, impacting the tool’s ability to handle different materials without causing damage.
The ability of a gateway to connect devices and sensors on a local network to cloud-based services for data analysis, storage, and remote management.
A set of points in a coordinate system representing the external surfaces of objects. In 3D vision systems, these are generated from depth data to create a 3D model of the scene.
Computer Numerical Control machines that use computerized controls and tools to perform a wide range of manufacturing tasks with high precision.
A robot intended to physically interact with humans in a shared workspace.
The shared area where humans and robots can perform tasks simultaneously.
Technologies and strategies implemented in mobile robots to detect obstacles and navigate around them to prevent accidents.
Software algorithms that predict and prevent physical interference between robot components and external objects, enhancing safety and operational reliability.
The ability of a robot to adjust to external forces.
Design principles that utilize material elasticity to achieve movement, offering advantages in precision and reducing the need for maintenance.
The ability of safety scanners to identify the shape and size of objects within their monitoring area, aiding in differentiating between personnel and work materials.
The central hub where operators monitor and interact with the SCADA system to manage process operations.
The control unit of a robot, which executes actions by processing inputs.
The enclosure that houses the computer and the control hardware, responsible for processing the robot’s movements and operations.
Equipment integrated into CNC machines to regulate the temperature of the tool and workpiece, preventing overheating and ensuring dimensional accuracy.
The primary component of a PLC that executes control instructions contained in the program.
The component of the gantry system that connects to the vertical supports and moves along the Y-axis, often carrying the Z-axis and the end effector.
The development of unique software solutions to control robotic systems, tailored to specific production tasks or requirements.
The time it takes to complete one full operation or cycle in a process or machine.
Strategies and improvements aimed at decreasing the time it takes to complete a single operation cycle, enhancing overall productivity.

 

 

D

The process of collecting and summarizing data from various sources, often performed by gateways to streamline data transmission to central systems.
The collection and storage of data over time within a SCADA system, allowing for historical analysis and troubleshooting.
EOATs designed for removing burrs and smoothing edges of metal parts, crucial for finishing processes in manufacturing.
The number of independent movements a robot can make.
A type of parallel robot designed for fast and precise operations in a small workspace, commonly used in packaging and sorting applications.
The period required to install, program, and commission a turnkey robotic system until it is fully operational.
An image or data array containing information related to the distance between the surface of objects from a viewpoint (typically the camera lens) to the camera.
Predefined areas within the field of view of a safety scanner, each with customized response actions upon intrusion.
The ability of a gripper to manipulate objects with precision, including tasks that require fine motor skills.
A common drive mechanism for mobile robots, using two separately driven wheels placed on either side of the robot, allowing for simple and effective turning and speed control.
The manipulation of digital images through an algorithm to enhance, analyze, or reconstruct visual data for further application.
A method where the operator physically guides the robot to teach task paths.
A control architecture distributed throughout a system, sometimes integrated with PLCs for complex automation applications.
A company that buys products from manufacturers and sells them to end-users or businesses, often providing support and services.
Refers to the method by which motion is imparted in a linear system, including belt, screw, rack and pinion, and direct drive systems.
The mechanism by which motion is imparted to the Cartesian robot, including options like ball screws, linear motors, or belt drives.
The ratio of operation time to total time, indicating the endurance and operational efficiency of a robot during continuous use.

 

 

E

The adjustment and control of the tool or device at the robot’s arm end to align with the target operation or task requirements.
The ability of EOATs to operate without emitting or being affected by electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliability in electronically sensitive environments.
A sensor device that provides feedback on the position, velocity, and direction of a mobile robot, often used for precise movement control.
A technique used to identify the boundaries of objects within an image, crucial for feature detection and analysis.
The capability of a gateway to perform data processing tasks close to the source of data generation, reducing latency and bandwidth use.
The device at the end of a robotic arm designed to interact with the environment.
Concerns the behavior and control of the tool at the arm’s end as it interacts with the environment, affecting precision and task efficiency.
The interface on the Z-axis or tooling plate for attaching various tools or devices, designed for specific tasks such as gripping, welding, or dispensing.
A comprehensive package that includes all necessary components, from hardware to software and support, to meet a client’s automation needs.
Various tools that can be attached to the end of a robot arm, such as grippers, drills, and welding torches, allowing robots to perform different tasks​​.
Mechanisms that securely supply power and fluids to moving parts of the robot, preventing entanglement and wear.
Features in safety scanners that adjust sensitivity and detection parameters based on environmental conditions like dust, ambient light, or temperature.
Software that manages business processes, potentially integrated with cobot data.
A common networking protocol used in industrial automation, allowing PLCs to communicate over Ethernet networks.
The rate at which a linear motion system can extend, critical for timing and synchronizing operations in automated processes.
The process of determining and adjusting the external spatial relationship between multiple cameras or between cameras and other sensors in a 3D vision system.

 

F

Design and programming practices that ensure a PLC-controlled system defaults to a safe condition in the event of a failure.
The process of identifying and isolating various attributes or characteristics within an image, such as edges, corners, or blobs, to facilitate object recognition or inspection.
A control system used to adjust the robot’s movements and actions based on feedback from sensors, ensuring accuracy and precision in its operations.
The speed at which the cutting tool advances through the material, critical for optimizing machining time and surface finish.
The total angular extent of the area covered by the safety scanner’s detection capabilities.
The standard form of material used in many 3D printers, typically a thermoplastic, fed into the printer’s extruder.
A part of the gripper that comes into direct contact with the object, often adjustable or interchangeable to handle different objects.
Devices used to attach robots or their components to floors, tables, or walls, providing stability and precision in positioning.
Joints that rely on material flexibility to achieve motion, enhancing reliability and precision by eliminating the need for traditional bearings.
The process of designing or selecting robots to maximize the use of available floor space, particularly important in compact or crowded manufacturing settings.
The maximum force that can be applied by or to the linear motion system without causing damage or affecting performance.
A safety feature that limits the force a robot can exert in contact with a human.
The integration of sensors in EOATs to detect and measure the force exerted during operation, allowing for delicate handling of objects and feedback for adaptive control.
The number of individual frames or images displayed or captured per second.
The unit of measurement for frame rate, indicating how many frames are displayed or captured per second.
A method for 3D shape measurement that projects a series of light patterns onto an object and captures the deformed patterns with a camera to calculate the object’s surface contours.

 

 

G

The vertical distance between the work surface and the gantry’s crossbeam, affecting the height of objects that can be accommodated.
A type of robot that moves along one or more axes, providing high precision and control over large work areas, often used for pick-and-place tasks.
A device that connects different networks, allowing data to flow from one to another, often used in industrial automation for communication between field devices and control systems.
The programming language used to control CNC machines, specifying movements, speeds, and tool changes.
The relationship between the rotation speed of the motor and the movement speed of the robot arm, affecting precision and speed.
The use of GPS or RFID technology to create a virtual geographic boundary, enabling software to trigger a response when a mobile robot enters or leaves a particular area.
The visual elements through which users interact with electronic devices, crucial for HMIs in presenting information and receiving user inputs.
An image composed of shades of gray, without color, where each pixel represents an intensity of light. Grayscale images are widely used in 2D vision systems for analysis and processing due to their simplicity compared to full-color images.
A feature in advanced EOATs that confirms whether an object has been securely grasped, enhancing operational reliability and reducing the risk of dropping or mishandling items.
A device at the end of a robot arm used to grasp objects. Types include finger grippers, vacuum grippers, and magnetic grippers, each suitable for specific tasks​​
The amount of force applied by the gripper to hold onto an object.
Precision bars or tracks that provide a path and support for the moving carriage, crucial for maintaining alignment and reducing friction.

 

H

Technology that provides tactile feedback to the user, enhancing human-robot interaction.
A type of gear often used in robotics for high precision and reliability, featuring a high gear reduction ratio beneficial for smooth and accurate arm movements.
Techniques and designs aimed at minimizing vibrations during rapid movements, essential for maintaining accuracy and component longevity.
Advanced CNC machining strategies that utilize high spindle speeds and feed rates to increase productivity and improve part quality.
The maximum distance the robot can cover horizontally, influenced by the length of the X and Y axes.
The user interface that connects an operator to the controller for an industrial system or machine, allowing for interaction and control.

 

 

I

Lighting accessories designed to improve visibility for vision systems or operators, ensuring accuracy in tasks requiring detailed inspection.
The process of capturing an image, typically using a camera and a light source, as the first step in the vision system workflow.
Robots designed for industrial tasks, equipped with advanced navigation to move materials efficiently in factories and warehouses.
Network standards used for data exchange in industrial environments.
Virtual Private Networks used within SCADA systems to securely connect remote sites over public networks.
The ability to manage dynamic forces when manipulating objects, ensuring stable and controlled movements even at high speeds.
Ensuring that data entered by users through the HMI is correct and within acceptable parameters before it is processed or acted upon.
Operations involving the placement or fitting of components into specific positions or assemblies, requiring high precision and repeatability.
The capability to easily swap out one EOAT for another on a robot arm, facilitating quick changes between different tasks or applications.
The process of determining the internal optical characteristics of a camera, such as focal length, optical center, and lens distortion, crucial for accurate 3D measurements.
Alerts triggered by safety scanners when an object or individual enters a restricted zone, prompting immediate action or system shutdown.
The tracking and control of goods and materials throughout the supply chain, often facilitated by automated inventory management systems, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology, or warehouse automation solutions.
The mathematical process of calculating the necessary joint configurations to achieve a desired position of the robot’s end effector.
Hardware components that provide PLCs with the ability to interface with input devices (sensors) and output devices (actuators).
Indicates the level of protection a gripper has against solids and liquids, important for ensuring durability in various environments.
An international standard-setting body that provides safety guidelines for cobots.

 

 

J

A matrix that represents the relationship between a robot’s joint velocities and end effector velocities.
The part of the gripper that moves to clasp or release objects. Jaws can be parallel, angular, or in other configurations depending on the design.
Efforts to minimize oscillations or instability in the robot’s movements, ensuring smooth and precise operation.
The movable connections between the segments of a robot arm, allowing for rotational or linear movement.

 

K

The study of motion without considering forces.
The sequence of linked joints from the base to the end effector, defining the robot’s possible movements.
Refers to the arrangement and motion capabilities of the gripper’s components, determining how it can manipulate objects.
The process of creating mathematical models to simulate the motion of robots, used in software for planning and control.

 

 

L

A graphical programming language resembling electrical relay logic, widely used for programming PLCs.
The use of laser beams to create a detailed map of the scanner’s surroundings, enabling precise detection of objects and personnel.
A technique for measuring the distance from a laser to a surface by detecting the laser dot’s displacement on a camera, used in 3D scanning and profiling systems.
The thickness of a single layer of material deposited by the 3D printer, affecting the detail and surface finish of the printed object.
A programming method where the user guides the robot’s arm to teach it specific tasks.
A remote sensing method used in mobile robots for mapping and navigation, using laser beams to measure distances.
Methods used to illuminate the object being inspected, which can significantly affect the quality and reliability of image capture in vision systems.
The use of advanced materials to reduce the mass of moving parts, enabling quicker acceleration and more energy-efficient operations.
The ability to control movement along a straight path, crucial for operations requiring linear insertion or assembly.
Precision engineering components that provide smooth and accurate movement of the robot’s carriage along its axes.
Mechanisms that provide movement in a single straight line, used in machinery and robots for precise control of position.
The maximum weight a gripper can securely hold.
The manner in which weight or force is spread across the linear motion system, affecting its stability and performance.
The process by which a robot determines its location within its environment, often using a combination of sensory inputs and positioning systems​​.

 

 

M

A company that designs and builds machines for industrial use, often including automation technology to make processes more efficient.
A subset of AI that allows machines to improve from experience.
The task of loading and unloading parts or products into a machine, such as a CNC machine or a 3D printer, usually performed by industrial robots to automate production processes.
The technology and methods used to provide imaging-based automatic inspection and analysis for applications such as automatic inspection, process control, and robot guidance.
EOATs that use magnetic forces to hold ferromagnetic objects, ideal for handling items with smooth or perforated surfaces where vacuum or mechanical grips are ineffective.
A measure of how well a robot can position and orient its end effector in space, important for assessing its effectiveness in performing specific tasks.
A mechanism that is used to control movement in a robot.
The process of creating a map or floor plan of an area, which a mobile robot uses to navigate its environment.
he movement, storage, control, and protection of materials and products throughout the manufacturing process, often facilitated by automated systems such as conveyor belts, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), or robotic arms.
The process of cutting, grinding, or machining materials to shape or finish them, commonly automated with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, robots, or industrial cutting systems.
A measure of the volume of material removed per unit of time, indicating the efficiency of the CNC machining process.
A standard set of machine instructions used to control automated machinery or processes, often used in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) systems to initiate specific actions or functions.
A unit of measurement for the resolution of an image sensor, representing one million pixels.
Precision handling of very small objects or performing tasks with extremely fine movements, often in applications requiring high accuracy.
Graphical representations of physical processes and layouts within a SCADA system, providing operators with a visual overview of system status.
A communication protocol commonly used for connecting industrial devices, allowing PLCs to communicate with various sensors, actuators, and other controllers.
The design principle allowing for easy expansion or reconfiguration of the robot’s axes or components to adapt to different tasks or workspaces.
Algorithms and routines that determine how a robot moves from one point to another, avoiding obstacles and optimizing efficiency.
The predefined path of acceleration, constant speed, and deceleration that a linear actuator follows during its operation.
Customizable brackets that allow for the precise positioning of sensors, cameras, and other accessories on a robot.
The capability to install robots in various orientations or positions, allowing for optimal integration into existing production lines.
The process of creating a 3D model of an object or scene from multiple 2D images taken from different angles.
A feature that allows multiple safety scanners to operate in close proximity without causing false alarms or detection errors due to overlapping fields.

 

N

Rules and formats for communication between network devices in SCADA systems, enabling reliable data exchange and control actions.
In screw-driven systems, the nut type (e.g., ball, lead, or roller) significantly influences efficiency, load capacity, and precision.

 

O

The ability of a robot to identify objects within its path or environment using sensors, crucial for navigation and safety.
The agency that sets and enforces safety standards in the workplace in the U.S.
A phenomenon where part of an object or scene is hidden from view by another closer object, presenting challenges in 3D imaging and reconstruction.
A company that makes parts or machines used by other companies in their products or systems.
The measure of how effectively a turnkey robotic solution performs its intended tasks, optimizing time and resources.
The conversion of images of typed, handwritten, or printed text into machine-encoded text, used in 2D vision systems for identifying and processing human-readable characters.
The method by which safety scanners detect objects and personnel, using light-based technology to measure distances and identify intrusions.

 

 

P

The process of preparing products for storage, transport, and sale by placing them into containers or wrapping them in protective materials, frequently automated using packaging machinery and robots.
The application of paint, powder, or other coatings onto surfaces for protection or decoration, frequently automated using robotic painting systems to achieve uniform coverage and precise application.
The process of arranging items on a pallet in a specific configuration, typically done by a robotic palletizer in industrial settings.
A configuration that maintains rigidity and supports high-speed operations with minimal vibration, suited for tasks requiring fast and precise movements.
The process of determining the path a robot will take to reach a goal.
The effectiveness of the robot’s ability to determine and follow the optimal route for performing a task, minimizing motion waste and increasing speed.
The weight a robot can lift.
The science of making measurements from photographs, especially for recovering the exact positions of surface points in 3D.
The selection and arrangement of items for order fulfillment or shipping, typically done with automated picking systems, robots, or sorting machines in warehouse and distribution centers.
A control loop feedback mechanism (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) used in PLCs for continuous control of processes such as temperature, flow, and pressure.
The smallest unit of information in an image, representing a single point in the photographic image.
A digital computer used for automation of electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines.
The process by which a SCADA system cyclically checks input devices for data or status updates.
The use of compressed air to drive movement in EOATs, commonly found in grippers and suction cups, offering simplicity and reliability in operation.
A gripper powered by compressed air, known for its simplicity, speed, and reliability.
The degree to which a linear motion system can place or maintain a component at a specific location within its operational range.
High-quality cutting tools designed for specific materials and applications, essential for achieving the desired accuracy and finish in CNC machining.
Materials and coatings designed to shield robots and their components from environmental hazards such as dust, moisture, and chemicals.
The space around a robot or machinery that is actively monitored by a safety scanner to prevent unauthorized access or collisions.
The function of translating data and commands from one communication protocol to another, enabling interoperability between different systems and devices.

 

 

Q

The assessment of products or parts to ensure they meet predetermined standards or specifications, commonly done using automated vision systems, sensors, or robotic inspection stations.
A feature that allows for rapid swapping of EOATs with minimal downtime, enhancing flexibility and productivity in robotic systems.

 

 

R

An image where each pixel denotes the distance from the sensor to the point in the scene corresponding to the pixel, used in 3D imaging to create depth maps.
The maximum distance a robot arm can extend.
The capability of PLCs to process data and execute control instructions in a time frame that is consistent with the process being controlled.
The capability to quickly change tools or end effectors to adapt to various tasks, enhancing the flexibility and utility of automation systems.
The duplication of critical components or functions in a SCADA system to increase reliability and availability.
The ability to observe and manage robotic operations from a distance, typically enabled by software applications.
The ability of a robot to return to a specific position or perform a specific movement with high precision multiple times under the same conditions. Repeatability is crucial for tasks requiring high accuracy and is a key performance indicator for cobots and industrial robots alike.
The detail an image holds, typically measured in pixels (px), determining the image’s clarity and the vision system’s ability to distinguish features.
The duration between the detection of an intrusion and the activation of a safety response, critical for preventing accidents.
A technology used in mobile robotics for tracking and identifying tags attached to objects through electromagnetic fields, useful in navigation and inventory management.
The structural stiffness of a robot, important for maintaining accuracy and reducing deflection under load.
The evaluation of potential hazards and operational risks associated with integrating robotic solutions into existing workflows.
Additional components or devices that enhance the functionality or efficiency of robots, such as sensors, controllers, and communication modules.
The device at the end of a robotic arm designed to grasp, hold, and release objects.
An open-source framework for robot software development.
The process of creating instructions for the robot to perform specific tasks, using languages and interfaces designed for robotic applications.
Components that provide rotational motion to EOATs, enabling tasks such as screw driving or object orientation adjustments.

 

 

S

A safety feature that stops the robot if a human enters a defined space.
Classification standards that indicate the level of safety provided by the scanner, based on international safety protocols and certifications.
Devices used to detect the presence of humans or objects within a predefined area, ensuring the safety of collaborative robot applications.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems that use computers, networked data communications, and graphical user interfaces for high-level process supervisory management.
An acronym for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, known for its rigidity in the Z-axis and flexibility in the XY-axis, ideal for pick-and-place tasks.
Technologies integrated into grippers to provide them with the ability to sense characteristics of the objects they are handling and make decisions accordingly.
A device that detects or measures physical properties and sends information to the controller.
A programming language used for structuring the control program into a series of steps and transitions, facilitating complex process control.
A type of motor used in robots for precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration.
Devices that translate electrical signals from sensors or other accessories into formats that can be processed by the robot’s control system.
Tools that allow for the virtual design and testing of robotic systems and their tasks, facilitating development and troubleshooting.
A critical technology for autonomous mobile robots, allowing them to map their environment while keeping track of their own location within it.
Applications that convert 3D models into a series of thin layers and generate the necessary code to control the 3D printer’s movements.
A navigation system that combines multiple levels of control, from manual to fully autonomous, allowing for flexibility in robot operation​​.
The use of compliant materials in grippers to handle delicate or irregularly shaped objects safely, minimizing the risk of damage.
The rate at which something moves or operates, often measured in units such as meters per second or revolutions per minute.
The ability to adjust the velocity of the robot’s movement across its axes, essential for optimizing operational efficiency and handling delicate tasks.
A safety strategy where the robot’s speed is adjusted based on the distance from humans.
A technique that uses two cameras to obtain depth information by comparing the differences between the images from each camera, although primarily associated with 3D vision systems, it lays foundational concepts for understanding image depth and dimensionality.
The rotation rate of the cutting tool or workpiece, critical for determining the cutting speed and overall machining performance.
The resistance of a linear motion system to deformation under load, affecting accuracy and load handling capabilities.
A 3D scanning method that involves projecting a known pattern of light onto a scene and analyzing the pattern’s deformation to deduce the 3D structure of the scene.
The function within SCADA systems that allows operators to send commands to control devices in the field, adjusting process parameters as needed.
The extent of rotational movement allowed by the robot’s arm or joints, impacting the robot’s ability to access different areas within its work envelope.
The ability to coordinate actions with other machines or systems in real-time, optimizing workflow and efficiency in automated processes.
The degree to which a turnkey robotic solution can be integrated with existing production lines and software systems.
A company that combines different parts to make automation systems. They work with manufacturers to create custom solutions for industries.

 

 

T

A sensor used in grippers to detect and measure the force and pressure between the gripper and the object, contributing to delicate handling and manipulation.
A method of programming robots by manually guiding the robot’s arm through a sequence of movements, which are then recorded and replayed by the robot.
A handheld device used to control or program a robot.
The remote collection and transmission of data from field devices back to the SCADA system for monitoring and control purposes.
The remote control of a mobile robot by a human operator, often used in environments that are hazardous or inaccessible to humans.
A method in digital image processing for finding areas of an image that match a template image, used in applications such as object recognition and localization.
The evaluation of products or components to ensure they meet performance or quality standards, often conducted using automated testing equipment, sensors, or measurement devices.
Controlling the temperature of the print bed and the extruder to ensure optimal printing conditions and material properties.
A technology used in 3D vision systems that measures the time taken by a light signal to travel from the camera to the subject and back to determine distance and generate 3D imagery.
The degree of allowable variation in the dimensions of a machined part, critical for meeting design specifications and quality standards.
Mechanisms or features that allow for the automatic swapping of end effectors to perform various operations without manual intervention.
The hardware and software protocols that enable data exchange between the EOAT and the robot’s control system, essential for coordinating actions and ensuring task accuracy.
A measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis.
The ability to precisely control the torque in the robot’s joints, enabling delicate manipulation of objects, important in assembly operations requiring nuanced force application.
The resistance of the robot’s joints and structure to twisting forces, essential for operations involving torque or rotational movement.
Educational services provided to ensure that personnel can effectively operate and maintain new robotic systems.
The process of determining the most efficient path for movement, considering factors like speed, energy use, and operational constraints.
The maximum distance a carriage or component can move within the system, defining the operational range.
Complete, ready-to-use robotic systems that include hardware, software, and integration services designed for specific applications.

 

 

U

The process of verifying the identity of a user accessing the HMI, often involving passwords, biometrics, or other security measures.
The ability to customize or adapt the control interface to suit different operator skill levels or to accommodate specific task requirements.
The capability to easily program or reprogram the robot’s paths, movements, and tasks, typically through a user interface or software.
Devices used by mobile robots to detect obstacles by emitting ultrasonic waves and measuring the echo received back.
The precision with which a system can return to a position from the same direction, highlighting consistency in linear movements.
A leading manufacturer of cobots.

 

 

V

EOATs that utilize negative pressure to adhere to and lift objects, widely used in applications involving smooth, non-porous items.
A type of gripper that uses a vacuum to pick up and hold objects, ideal for smooth, non-porous items.
Flexibility in handling different weights, maintaining operational efficiency across a spectrum of tasks with varying object sizes and weights.
A method of controlling the speed and direction of a mobile robot to ensure it moves according to the planned path and velocity profile.
The axis of movement or rotation that is oriented vertically, typically perpendicular to the ground or horizontal plane.
The movement capability along the Z-axis, enabling the robot to adjust the height of the end effector relative to the work surface.
Specialized lighting designed to enhance the performance of vision systems used in robotic applications, improving image quality and processing speed.
A device that uses a camera and a light source to capture images to be processed and analyzed for making decisions within an automated system.
Cameras and software that allow robots to understand their environment.
A technique for capturing three-dimensional data from the real world, often used in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications to create immersive environments.

 

 

W

A navigation method where a mobile robot travels autonomously by moving from one predefined point (waypoint) to another.
The ability of components within the linear motion system to resist degradation over time, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
The process of joining metals together using heat and/or pressure, often automated with robotic welding systems to improve accuracy, speed, and consistency.
Specialized EOATs designed for performing automated welding operations, including spot and arc welding, integral to manufacturing processes.
The part of a robotic arm that connects the gripper to the rest of the arm, allowing for rotational and tilting movements.
The total spatial area within which a robot arm can operate or manipulate objects, determined by its reach and configuration.
aximizing the usable operational space of automation equipment to enhance productivity and accommodate a diverse range of tasks.
Fixtures and clamps used to securely position and hold the workpiece during machining, ensuring stability and accuracy.
The physical area in which a robot operates.

 

Z

A computer graphics technique used in rendering 3D images to manage image depth coordinates in 3D applications, ensuring that objects are displayed in the correct order.
A feature that allows the robot to move freely and with little force, as if weightless, often used in direct teaching.
The process of establishing a reference position for the robot’s movements, ensuring accuracy and consistency in operations.
The ability of a robot to pivot in place without needing additional space for turning, beneficial in tight spaces and precise maneuvering.

 

 

#

A system that uses cameras to capture images of the environment or objects, which are then processed to guide robot actions, such as object recognition or quality inspection.
A machine that creates three-dimensional objects by layering material according to digital models, used for prototyping and manufacturing.
Systems that use sensors to make a 3D model of the surroundings or objects, helping robots do tasks like picking up odd-shaped objects.

 

Last Note: 

This glossary unlocks industrial automation for you, simplifying the journey to enhance your production line. From explaining PLCs to showcasing how robotic arms can benefit you, we ensure you find technology that matches your needs and budget. It’s all about choosing the right automation tools to make your operations faster, better, and smarter.

 

If we have missed any or very important keywords, let us know in the comments down below!

 

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