Robots might look sleek and complex, but learning key terms makes the technology more accessible.
Whether you're getting started in programming or want to buy one, these terms will get you started.
Read on to learn:
- Key robot terms explained (simply)
- How robots move, think, and sense their world
- Popular robot types and their uses
- Why knowing these terms matters
Let’s jump into the basics.
Defining those key robot terms
- Actuator: This is a robot’s muscle. Actuators are the devices responsible for movement, converting energy (like electricity or hydraulics) into physical motion. Think of it as what makes the robot lift, lower, or even dance if it’s feeling fancy.
- AI (Artificial Intelligence): When a robot’s “smarts” are backed by AI, it can make decisions based on programming and data it collects. For example, a cleaning robot with AI might decide whether to vacuum or mop based on floor type. Or a six-axis robotic arm like RO1 by Standard Bots has a natural language processing agent to help non-technical users control it.
- Autonomous: This term means the robot operates without needing you to control its every move. Autonomous robots can roam, clean, sort, or even explore Mars without constant oversight. (You can check in from time to time, though.)
- Cobot: Short for “collaborative robots,” cobots can work side-by-side with humans, maintaining a mostly safe environment where protective barriers may not be necessary. Basically, it’s in the “other terms for robot” category.
- End effector: This is the tool at the end of a robot’s arm — kind of like its “hand.” End effectors can be anything from a gripper for picking items to a welder for joining metal parts.
- Kinematics: This sounds complicated, but it’s just the study of a robot’s movement. In simple terms, kinematics describes how a robot’s joints and links move.
- Machine learning: Robots that use machine learning can improve their performance over time by analyzing data. A robot sorting parcels might use machine learning to get faster and more accurate with each batch.
- Manipulator: Also known as a “robot arm,” a manipulator is meant to move objects. Picture it as a strong, tireless helper arm in factories or warehouses.
- Path planning: Robots need to know where to go without bumping into things. Path planning helps a robot chart its course, like a GPS for robotic movement.
- RO1 by Standard Bots: Our flagship bot, RO1 is a versatile model that brings robot-adaptability and integration. It’s perfect for everything from assembly to quality inspection, making robot setup a breeze (or at least easier than doing it all manually).
Understanding robot functions
This is how robots “sense” their surroundings and control their movements.
- Sensors: Think of sensors as a robot’s eyes, ears, and touch. They flag changes in the environment, like obstacles, heat, or even whether an object is metal or plastic. Without sensors, robots would be as clueless as a cat in a bathtub.
- Degrees of freedom: This is a fancy way of saying how many ways a robot can move. Each joint on a robot adds a degree of freedom so that a six-axis robot arm can move in six different ways.
- Servo motor: The servo motor enables precise movement. This motor type lets a robot control its position, speed, and acceleration, which is super important for jobs like painting cars or putting electronics together.
Popular robot types
- Industrial robots: These heavy-duty robots are A+ for repetitive manufacturing jobs. They handle jobs like welding and assembly with mind-boggling accuracy, which keeps the quality consistent and keeps the humans safe.
- Service robots: You’ll find service robots in places like hotels, where they help guests, deliver room service, or just add a bit of futuristic flair. Some are even used in healthcare to assist patients with routine tasks.
- Mini robots: Mini robots have a lot of power in a small package, and mini robots are used for jobs that need high precision in tiny spaces. From medical procedures to inspecting tight pipelines, mini robots can go where bigger robots can’t.
Why these robotic terms matter
Knowing the right terms can make a big difference when choosing or working with robots.
Here’s why it matters:
- Build foundational knowledge: When you understand the basics, it’s easier to make informed decisions about which robot best suits your needs.
- Better integration: Knowing the terminology helps when setting up robots like RO1 for specialized jobs, as it’s meant to be versatile across different functions.
- You know what you’re actually saying: It’s way cooler to know what your robot is doing and how — whether it’s picking, placing, welding, or moving around.
Summing up
Robotics might be packed with terms, but the basics are all you need to get started.
With just a bit of jargon — a few robot terms — under your belt, you’ll be chatting about cobots, end effectors, and AI like you were born on a shop floor under a full moon.
And if you need a versatile solution, remember that RO1 by Standard Bots is here to help, making complex robot setups easier, more adaptable, and future-proofed.
Next steps
Are you looking to level up with a programmable robot arm? Meet RO1 by Standard Bots — a versatile six-axis cobot that’s ready for serious industrial work.
- Cost-effective power: With top-level performance at half of the usual purchase cost, RO1 is also available for as low as $5/hour on lease.
- Best-in-class precision: RO1 handles an 18 kg payload and maintains a repeatability of +/- 0.025 mm, delivering accuracy you can count on.
- Easy integration: No-code setup means RO1 fits right into your operation, and its advanced AI on par with GPT-4 brings flexible functionality without the extra hassle.
- Safety you can trust: Designed with machine vision and collision detection, RO1 enables safe human-robot interaction without the need for barriers.
Ready to experience it firsthand? Book a risk-free, 30-day trial and see how RO1 can optimize operations and amplify your shop floor.
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