Precision vs accuracy: What’s the difference?

Basically, it comes down to the difference between being consistent and being correct.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Now, let’s cover precision in more detail with examples. 

What is robot precision?

Robot precision refers to consistently repeating the same movement, ensuring reliability in tasks that require repetitive action. Precision is about consistency in performance over multiple attempts, even if there’s a slight variation in the final position.

For example, let’s say a robot arm was throwing darts at a board. They would be precise if they all landed in the same spot, even if they didn’t hit the bullseye. 

What affects precision?

• How sturdy are the joints? The more rigid the robot’s joints, the more precise it can be. Any wobble or flexibility throws off the precision.
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• Can it repeat itself? If a robot can’t perform the same movement twice, precision goes out the window. Repeatability is crucial to how precise a robot is.
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• Is it properly calibrated? Poor calibration can cause the robot to drift off course, killing precision even if the rest of the robot is in good shape.

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What is robot accuracy?

Accuracy is all about hitting the target. In robotics, it refers to how close the robot can get to where it's supposed to be.

Imagine a robot assembling a circuit board. Accuracy ensures that each component is placed exactly where it needs to go, like aiming for the center of a bullseye. The closer the robot gets to the desired spot, the more accurate it is. 

For example, if a robot arm was throwing darts at a board, it would be accurate if the darts landed close to the bullseye, even if they didn’t all hit the same spot.

What affects accuracy?

• Top-tier sensors make the difference: High-quality sensors let the robot know exactly where it is and where it needs to be.
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• A sharp control system: The robot’s control system turns programming into action — it processes data and tells the robot what to do. This helps you keep the bot on target. 
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• Environmental factors: Temperature changes, vibrations, and even dust can mess with accuracy. Robots working in sensitive environments need to account for these factors.

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How precision and accuracy impact robotic applications

Precision and accuracy don’t always go hand-in-hand. Different jobs require different combinations of both. 

Here’s how they matter for specific jobs:

• High precision, low accuracy: If repetition matters more than exact placement, like in material handling or packaging, you want a bot that focuses on precision. It’ll keep doing the same thing over and over, even if it’s not perfectly accurate.
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• High accuracy, low precision: Sometimes, you need a super accurate robot, even if it’s not always consistent. For jobs like surgery or CNC machining, hitting the right spot is critical, even if it’s not perfect every time.
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• Balanced precision and accuracy: When both consistency and hitting the target matter, you need balance. We’re talking about things like electronics manufacturing or precision assembly, which require both traits to get the job done right.

Precision and accuracy in different robot types

Different robots prioritize either precision, accuracy, or both, depending on their roles. 

Here’s how different robot types measure up:

• Industrial robots: These robots are precision masters, which makes them perfect for tasks like welding, painting, or palletizing, where repeating the same movement is tantamount to success. You’ll definitely need a precision robot for these cases. 
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• Collaborative robots (cobots): Cobots often need to be both precise and accurate, especially in jobs like small assembly or pick-and-place operations, where they work side-by-side with people. 
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• Mobile robots: Accuracy is a big must-have for mobile robots, especially in navigation. However, they also need a level of precision for tasks like docking or following a path.

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How to improve robot precision and accuracy

You can’t just hope for good precision and accuracy — you’ve got to work on it. 

Here’s how to improve both:

• Regular calibration: Keep your robot tuned by regularly calibrating its movements. This helps improve both accuracy and precision.
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• Upgrade your sensors: Better sensors give the robot a clearer view of its environment, helping it stay on target.
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• Invest in mechanical improvements: Rigid joints, quality actuators, and minimizing backlash all do their part to achieve higher precision.
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• Use software and AI: Advanced software and AI algorithms can help your robot correct errors and make real-time adjustments to stay precise and accurate.

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How to choose the right robot based on precision and accuracy needs

Here’s how to decide when precision, accuracy, or both matters most:

• When precision takes the lead: For repetitive jobs like packaging, palletizing, or painting, precision is what you need most. 
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• When accuracy is a must-have: High-stakes tasks like welding, cutting, or medical procedures pretty much demand robots with high accuracy.
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• When you have to have both: Applications like electronics assembly or surgical robotics need a mix of both precision and accuracy.

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Summing up

In robotics, precision and accuracy both play incredibly vital roles, 

Depending on the task at hand, you’ll need to focus on one or the other — or strike a balance between the two. 

The lowdown? Understand your application like the back of your hand, and you’ll have a firm grasp on whether you need one or both. 

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Next steps: RO1, a high-precision robot with high accuracy

Are you looking for a robot that nails both precision and accuracy? RO1 by Standard Bots is your best bet. Whether you need consistent, repetitive movements or pinpoint accuracy, RO1 delivers — starting from just $5/hour if you choose the lease model.

• Budget-friendly: RO1 costs half the price of comparable robots when purchased, giving you incredible value for high-performance precision and accuracy.
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• Speed and strength: With an 18kg payload capacity, RO1 works fast and efficiently, letting you tackle more tasks in less time while staying precise.
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• AI precision: RO1 blends precision and accuracy using advanced AI, making it ideal for everything from repetitive jobs to detailed operations.
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• Easy setup: RO1’s no-code interface means you don’t need to be an engineer to get it going. It’s quick to integrate and get started.
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• Focused on safety: Equipped with sensors, machine vision, and collision detection, RO1 guarantees everything runs smoothly and safely.

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Get in touch to try RO1 risk-free for 30 days, whether you lease or purchase, and we’ll help you get set up.