Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms Related to Robotics and Automation

Abstract:

This A-Z guide and glossary related to Robotics and Automation is a step to unlocking the future of making things happen easier in human life. You want to boost your line’s speed, quality, or smarts? Starting with the basics is key in Robotics and Automation.

Here, the essentials glossary of terms are presented to make your understanding more better—from what PLCs do to how robotic arms can help you. 

This A- Z listings is about making sure you pick the right technology that fits your needs and budget perfectly. 

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

Let's explore the essential glossary of terms...

A

• Actuator – A device that converts energy (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic) into motion to control a robot’s movement.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – The simulation of human intelligence in machines to enable learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
• Autonomous Robot – A robot capable of performing tasks without human intervention.

B

• Battery Management System (BMS) – A system that monitors and optimizes the performance of a robot’s battery.
• Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) – A technology that allows direct communication between the brain and a robot or computer.
• Bipedal Robot – A robot that mimics human walking with two legs.

C

• Cobots (Collaborative Robots) – Robots designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace.
• Computer Vision – The ability of robots to interpret visual data using cameras and AI algorithms.
• Controller – The system that directs a robot’s actions based on inputs from sensors and programming.

D

• Digital Twin – A virtual replica of a robot or system used for simulation and optimization.
• Degrees of Freedom (DoF) – The number of independent movements a robot can make.
• Drone – An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for surveillance, delivery, or mapping.

E

• Edge Computing – Processing data close to the source (robot) rather than relying on a centralized cloud server.
• Embedded System – A dedicated computer system within a robot for real-time operations.
• End Effector – The tool or device at the end of a robotic arm used to perform tasks like gripping or welding.

F

• Feedback Loop – A system where sensors provide real-time data to adjust robot actions.
• Force Sensor – A device that measures applied force and enables precise control of robotic movements.
• Fuzzy Logic – A computing approach used in robotics for handling uncertain or imprecise data.

G

• Gait Analysis – The study of movement patterns in robots, especially in humanoids and exoskeletons.
• Gripper – A robotic hand or claw used for grasping and manipulating objects.
• Gyroscope – A sensor used to measure orientation and stability in robots.

H

• Humanoid Robot – A robot designed to resemble and function like a human.
• Haptic Feedback – Tactile feedback technology that simulates the sense of touch in robotic systems.
• Hybrid Robot – A robot that combines features of multiple types of robots, such as wheeled and legged motion.

I

• Industrial Automation – The use of robots and control systems to automate manufacturing and production processes.
• Inverse Kinematics – A method used to calculate joint movements for a robot to reach a desired position.
• Internet of Things (IoT) – A network of interconnected devices, including robots, that communicate and share data.

J

• Joint – A mechanical structure allowing movement between robot parts.
• Jerk Control – A method used to minimize sudden movements in robots to enhance precision.
• Joystick – A manual input device used to control robotic movements.

K

• Kinematics – The study of motion without considering forces acting on the system.
• Kalman Filter – An algorithm used in robotics for sensor fusion and noise reduction in navigation.
• Kinesthetic Teaching – A training method where a human manually moves a robot to teach it new tasks.

L

• Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) – A sensor that uses laser pulses to create 3D maps for robot navigation.
• Localization – The process by which a robot determines its position in an environment.
• Linear Actuator – A device that moves in a straight line rather than rotating.

M

• Machine Learning (ML) – A subset of AI that enables robots to learn from experience and improve performance.
• Manipulator – A robotic arm designed for precise movement and object handling.
• Microcontroller – A compact computer used to control robotic systems.

N

• Navigation System – A system that enables a robot to move through an environment autonomously.
• Neuromorphic Computing – AI-based computing inspired by the human brain for real-time robotic decision-making.
• Non-Holonomic Robot – A robot with movement constraints, such as a wheeled robot that cannot move sideways.

O

• Optical Sensor – A sensor that detects changes in light, color, or patterns for robotic vision.
• Obstacle Avoidance – The ability of a robot to detect and navigate around obstacles.
• Open-Loop Control – A control system where actions are performed without real-time feedback.

P

• Path Planning – The process of determining an optimal route for a robot to follow.
• Perception System – A combination of sensors and AI used for robotic understanding of its surroundings.
• PID Controller – A control mechanism that adjusts robot movements based on proportional, integral, and derivative feedback.

Q

• Quadruped Robot – A four-legged robot designed for stability and mobility in rough terrain.
• Quantum Robotics – The application of quantum computing principles in robotic control and sensing.
• Quasi-Static Motion – Movement where dynamic effects like inertia are minimal.

R

• Reinforcement Learning (RL) – A machine learning technique where a robot learns through trial and error.
• Robot Operating System (ROS) – An open-source framework for developing robotic applications.
• Robotic Arm – A programmable mechanical arm used in industrial and medical applications.

S

• Sensor Fusion – The combination of data from multiple sensors to improve robotic perception.
• Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) – A technique that enables robots to map an environment while tracking their position.
• Soft Robotics – The design of robots using flexible, deformable materials for safer human interaction.

T

• Tactile Sensor – A sensor that detects touch, pressure, or texture in robotic systems.
• Teleoperation – Remote control of a robot by a human operator.
• Trajectory Planning – The process of determining a smooth path for a robot to follow.

U

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) – A flying robot, commonly known as a drone, used for various applications.
• Unsupervised Learning – A machine learning approach where a robot identifies patterns without pre-labeled data.
• Underactuated Robot – A robot with fewer actuators than its degrees of freedom, making movement control challenging.

V

• Vision-Based Control – A robotic control system that relies on visual data from cameras.
• Virtual Reality (VR) in Robotics – The use of VR to simulate robotic environments for training and development.
• Variable Stiffness Actuator (VSA) – A mechanism that adjusts stiffness for adaptive robotic interaction.

W

• Wearable Robotics – Exoskeletons and robotic devices designed to enhance human mobility and strength.
• Waypoint Navigation – A technique where a robot follows predefined points to reach a destination.
• Wireless Communication in Robotics – The use of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 5G for robot connectivity.

X

• X-Y-Z Coordinates – A coordinate system used to define a robot's position in space.
• Xenobot – A biohybrid robot made from living cells and designed for self-repairing applications.
• X-Ray Vision in Robotics – The use of X-ray imaging for industrial and medical robotic applications.

Y

• Yaw – The rotational movement of a robot around its vertical axis.
• Yield Strength – The maximum stress a robotic component can withstand before deformation.
• YOLO (You Only Look Once) – A real-time object detection algorithm used in robotic vision.

Z

• Z-Axis Movement – Vertical movement in a 3D robotic system.
• Zero Moment Point (ZMP) – A concept in bipedal robotics for maintaining balance.
• Zettabyte Robotics – Large-scale data-driven robotics using massive cloud-based datasets.

Conclusions:

This glossary covers essential robotics and automation terminology, helping researchers, engineers, and enthusiasts understand key concepts in the field.