| Algorithm |
A mathematical process designed to systematically solve a problem. |
| AML |
A Manufacturing Language. A robot programming language developed by IBM |
| Axes |
The plural of axis. An axis is an imaginary straight line or circle used to describe the location or movement of an object in the Cartesian coordinate system. |
| BASIC |
The Beginners’ All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. An early computer programming language that is sometimes used with robots. |
| C |
A general purpose programming language that is used on robots. |
| CAD/CAM |
Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing. A computer graphics program that is used to design products. |
| Cartesian Coordinate System |
A numerical system that describes the location of an object by numerically expressing its distance from a fixed position along three linear axes. |
| Cartesian Coordinates |
A numerical system that describes the location of an object by numerically expressing its distance from a fixed position along three linear axes. |
| Continuous Path Control |
A type of robot programming that has the manipulator move smoothly without stopping along its path. |
| Control System |
A method of directing the type of path a robot takes. |
| Controller |
The main device that processes information and carries out instructions in a robot. Also known as the processor. |
| Degrees of Freedom |
The ability to move in a specific direction. Robots can have up to 6 degrees of freedom. |
| End-Effector |
The end component of a robotic arm that is shaped like a hand or like a specialized tool. Also known as End-Of-Arm Tool (EOAT). |
| E-stop |
A switch that brings a robot to safe, rapid stop. Also called an emergency stop. |
| FORTRAN |
FORmula TRANslation. A high-level programming language for robots that is also used for scientific, engineering, and mathematical applications. |
| Forward Kinematics |
The calculating of the position or motion of each robotic link as a function of joint displacements. |
| Frame |
A self-contained group of coordinates that describes both a robot’s position and its orientation. |
| 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. |
| Inverse Kinematics |
The calculating of joint displacements needed to move the end-effector to a desired position and orientation. |
| Joint |
The location at which two or more parts of a robotic arm make contact. Joints allow parts to move in different directions. |
| Karel |
A proprietary robot programming language developed by FANUC Robotics. |
| Kinematics |
The science of motion without regard for the forces that cause that motion. In robotics, kinematics involves studying the mapping of coordinates in motion. |
| Lead-Through Programming |
A programming method in which a robot is placed in “teach mode” while the trainer uses a remote teach pendant to manipulate the robot through the different steps of the job. Also known as teach pendant programming. |
| Offline Programming |
A programming method in which the trainer writes a program and uploads it to the robot. |
| Online Programming |
A programming method that requires the robot to remain ON in order to learn. Also known as teach programming. |
| Orientation |
The alignment of the robot in relation to its position, i.e., up, down, left, right. |
| Path |
The route taken by a robot to travel from one location to another. |
| Pick And Place |
The process of picking up an object or part in one location and placing it in another location. Pick and place robots are popular in production lines. |
| Point |
A precise location in two or three-dimensional space. |
| Point to Point Control |
A type of robot programming that has the manipulator reach a set point, stop, complete its task, and then move to the next set point. |
| Position |
A robot’s location in three-dimensional space. |
| Processor |
The main device that processes information and carries out instructions in a robot. Also known as the controller. |
| Programming Arm |
A tool used by programmers to physically move the robot through different steps of the job process. |
| Proprietary Language |
A programming language that has been developed privately by a manufacturer for its own brand of robots. |
| ROBOGUIDE |
A robot simulator program developed by FANUC Robotics. |
| Robot Engineer |
A person whose job is to design robots, develop new applications for robots, and conduct research into robot capabilities. Robot engineers typically have four years of college education and a graduate degree. |
| Robot Programming |
The process of entering information such as velocity and travel time into the robot’s processor. |
| Sensor |
A device that detects the presence or absence of an object, or certain properties of that object, and provides feedback. Sensors allow robots to interact with their environment. |
| Simulator |
A software application that creates a virtual world in which robots can be tested. |
| Teach Pendant |
A hand-held device that can be used to program a robot and control its movements. |
| Teach Pendant Programming |
A programming method in which a robot is placed in “teach mode” while the trainer uses a remote teach pendant to manipulate the robot through the different steps of the job. Also known as lead-through programming. |
| Teach Programming |
A programming method that requires the robot to remain ON in order to learn. Also known as online programming. |
| Tool Coordinates |
A coordinate system that uses the tool at the end of the robot’s arm as the point of origin. |
| VAL |
A robot programming language developed by Unimate. |
| Walk-Through Programming |
A programming method in which the trainer physically moves the robot through different steps of the job process. |
| World Coordinates |
A coordinate system that uses the robot’s mounting base as a point of origin. |
| X-Axis |
The linear axis representing side-to-side movement in a robot. |
| Y-Axis |
The linear axis representing back and forth movement in a robot. |
| Z-Axis |
The linear axis that represents up and down movement in a robot. |
