Robotics Terms Glossary: Robotics Terms in 2024
A
Active Perception
Active perception refers to the process by which a robot selectively perceives and collects information from its environment.
Actuator
An actuator is a component of a robot that is responsible for controlling the robot's movement or behavior.
Actuators
Actuators are devices or motors that enable a robot to physically interact with the environment.
Aerial Robotics
Aerial robotics involves the design and development of robotic systems capable of flying in the air.
Aerial Robots
Aerial Robots, also known as drones, are robots that are capable of flying in the air.
Articulated Robots
Articulated Robots are robots that have multiple rotary joints, enabling them to perform high-dexterity tasks.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence in machines.
Automated Guided Vehicles
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are mobile robots that are used for material handling and transport in factories and warehouses.
Automation
Automation is the use of technology and programming to control and operate systems, processes, or machinery without human intervention.
Autonomous Navigation
Autonomous navigation is the ability of a robot to navigate and move in an environment without human intervention.
Autonomous Robot
An autonomous robot is a robot that can perform tasks or act independently without external control or human intervention.
Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous Vehicles are vehicles that are capable of driving themselves without human intervention.
B
Bio-Inspired Robotics
Bio-inspired robotics involves taking inspiration from nature and biology to design robots that mimic or replicate natural systems or behaviors.
C
Cad
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer software to create, modify, analyze, or optimize designs for a wide range of disciplines.
Cobot
A cobot, short for collaborative robot, is a robot designed to work safely and effectively alongside humans in a shared workspace.
Collaborative Robots
Collaborative Robots, also known as cobots, are robots designed to work safely alongside humans.
Collision Avoidance
Collision avoidance is the capability of a robot to sense and take action to avoid colliding with obstacles in its path.
Collision Detection
Collision detection is the process of detecting when a robot or its components come into contact with obstacles or other objects.
Computer Science
Computer science is the study of computers, computational systems, and the theory and practice of computation.
Computer Vision
Computer Vision is a field of study that focuses on enabling computers to interpret and understand visual information.
Computer-Aided Design
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, and optimization of designs.
Control Engineering
Control engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and implementation of control systems for machines and processes.
Control System
A control system is a set of algorithms and hardware that regulates and influences the behavior of a robot.
Control Systems
Control systems are used to regulate and control the behavior of robots or robotic systems.
Control Theory
Control theory is a branch of engineering and mathematics that deals with the behavior of dynamical systems and the design of control systems.
Cyber-Physical Systems
Cyber-Physical Systems are systems that integrate computational algorithms and physical components, such as robots, to perform tasks.
D
Deep Learning
Deep Learning is a subfield of machine learning that uses neural networks to learn and make decisions.
Dynamics
Dynamics is the study of motion taking into account the forces or torques that cause that motion.
E
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a field of engineering that involves the design and application of electrical systems, components, and devices.
Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are computer systems designed to perform specific tasks with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system.
End Effector
The end effector is the tool or device attached to the end of a robot manipulator to perform a specific task.
End-Effector
The end-effector is the tool or device attached to the end of a robotic arm that interacts with the environment.
Exoskeleton
An exoskeleton is a wearable robotic device that is worn by a human to enhance their strength, endurance, or mobility.
Exoskeletons
Exoskeletons are wearable robotic devices that enhance human mobility and strength.
F
Field Robotics
Field robotics is the branch of robotics that focuses on the development of robots for outdoor or rugged environments.
Future Of Robotics
The future of robotics involves advancements in technology, AI, and automation that will continue to revolutionize various industries and aspects of our lives.
G
Gripper
A gripper is an end effector used to grasp or hold objects.
H
Haptic Feedback
Haptic feedback is the use of touch or force feedback to provide users with a tactile sensation or interaction in a robotic system.
Human Factors
Human factors is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the interaction between humans and the systems, tools, or environments they work with.
Human-Centered Design
Human-centered design is an approach to design that focuses on understanding and addressing the needs and preferences of end-users.
Human-Centered Robotics
Human-centered robotics focuses on creating robots that are designed to interact with humans and assist them in various tasks.
Human-In-The-Loop
Human-in-the-Loop systems involve human operators working in coordination with robotic systems.
Human-Robot Collaboration
Human-robot collaboration refers to the cooperative interaction and teamwork between humans and robots in shared workspaces.
Human-Robot Interaction
Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) is the study of interactions between humans and robots.
Humanoid Robot
A humanoid robot is a robot that is designed to resemble or mimic human appearance and behavior.
Humanoid Robots
Humanoid Robots are robots that are designed to resemble and interact with humans.
I
Industrial Automation
Industrial automation refers to the use of technology and control systems to automate industrial processes and operations.
Industrial Robot
An industrial robot is a robot specifically designed to perform tasks in industrial settings, such as manufacturing and assembly.
Industrial Robotics
Industrial robotics is the use of robots in industrial manufacturing processes and applications.
Industrial Robots
Industrial Robots are robots that are designed for use in manufacturing and industrial settings.
Intelligent Control
Intelligent control refers to the use of AI or advanced algorithms to control the behavior of a robot or system.
Internet Of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to enable data exchange and communication.
Inverse Kinematics
Inverse kinematics is the process of determining the joint configurations of a robot to achieve a desired end-effector position.
K
Kalman Filter
A Kalman filter is an algorithm used for state estimation in systems that are subject to uncertainty and noise.
Kinematics
Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces or torques that cause that motion.
L
Localization
Localization is the process of determining the position and orientation of a robot in its environment.
Localization Error
Localization error refers to the discrepancy between the estimated and true position of a robot.
M
Machine Ethics
Machine ethics is the study of how machines or AI systems can be programmed to act ethically or make ethical decisions.
Machine Learning
Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI that focuses on getting machines to learn from data.
Machine Perception
Machine perception is the ability of a machine to interpret data from sensors and perceive the world.
Machine Vision
Machine vision is the technology and methods used to provide images-based automatic inspection, evaluation, and analysis for applications such as robot guidance, process control, and quality control.
Manipulator
A manipulator is a robotic arm that is used to manipulate objects or perform tasks.
Mapping
Mapping is the process of creating a representation or map of the environment that a robot operates in.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is a field of engineering that involves the design, analysis, and manufacture of mechanical systems and devices.
Medical Robotics
Medical Robotics is a field that focuses on developing robotic systems for medical applications, such as surgery and rehabilitation.
Microbotics
Microbotics is the field of robotics that deals with the design and construction of very small robots, typically at the microscopic or nanoscopic scale.
Mobile Robot
A mobile robot is a robot that is capable of moving within its environment.
Mobile Robots
Mobile Robots are robots that are capable of moving around in their environment.
Motion Planning
Motion planning is the process of generating trajectories or motion plans to move a robot from one configuration to another.
Multi-Robot Systems
Multi-robot systems involve the coordination and collaboration of multiple robots to perform tasks collectively or cooperatively.
N
Navigation
Navigation refers to the capability of a robot to autonomously determine and follow a desired path or trajectory.
O
Obstacle Avoidance
Obstacle avoidance is the capability of a robot to detect and maneuver around obstacles in its path.
P
Path Planning
Path planning is the process of finding an optimal path from start to goal for a robot.
Perception
Perception refers to a robot's ability to sense and understand the world around it using sensors.
R
Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping is the process of quickly fabricating physical prototypes of a design using additive manufacturing techniques.
Robot
A robot is a machine that is designed to carry out tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously.
Robot Calibration
Robot Calibration is the process of fine-tuning and adjusting the parameters of a robot to improve its accuracy and performance.
Robot Ethics
Robot ethics is the study and consideration of ethical issues related to the design, use, and impact of robots and AI systems.
Robot Middleware
Robot Middleware is a software layer that provides communication and integration capabilities for robotic systems.
Robot Operating System
The Robot Operating System (ROS) is a framework for writing robot software that provides libraries and tools for creating robot applications.
Robot Perception
Robot perception refers to the ability of a robot to sense, interpret, and understand information about its environment.
Robot Programming
Robot programming involves the creation and implementation of software programs or algorithms to control the behavior and actions of a robot.
Robot Safety
Robot Safety involves the design, implementation, and monitoring of safety measures to ensure the well-being of humans working with or near robots.
Robot Swarming
Robot swarming is a collective behavior exhibited by a group of robots that work together to achieve a common goal.
Robot Swarms
Robot Swarms is a field of study focused on coordinating large groups of robots to perform tasks collectively.
Robot Vision
Robot vision refers to the ability of a robot to see and interpret visual information from its environment using cameras or other sensors.
Robotic Arm
A robotic arm is a type of manipulator that mimics the structure and function of a human arm, used for various applications in robotics.
Robotic Path Following
Robotic Path Following is the task of making a robot follow a predefined path or trajectory.
Robotic Process Automation
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) involves the use of software robots or bots to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks.
Robotic Prosthetics
Robotic Prosthetics are artificial limbs or body parts that are controlled by robotic systems.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that is performed using robotically controlled surgical instruments.
Robotic Vision
Robotic vision refers to the use of computer vision techniques in robotics to enable robots to perceive and understand visual information.
Robotics
Robotics is the field of study that involves the design, development, and operation of robots.
Ros
ROS (Robot Operating System) is an open-source framework for writing software for robots.
S
Safety In Robotics
Safety in robotics refers to the design, implementation, and operation of robots in a way that minimizes risks and ensures the well-being of humans and the environment.
Semantic Mapping
Semantic mapping involves creating maps of environments that contain high-level semantic information about objects and their relationships.
Semi-Autonomous Robot
A semi-autonomous robot is a robot that can perform some tasks autonomously but still requires human intervention or control.
Semi-Autonomous Robots
Semi-Autonomous Robots are robots that can operate autonomously but still require human intervention or supervision.
Sensor
A sensor is a device that detects and measures physical input from the environment and converts it into data or signals.
Sensor Fusion
Sensor fusion is the process of combining sensory inputs from multiple sensors to obtain a more accurate and robust perception of the environment.
Sensors
Sensors are devices that detect and measure physical quantities to provide information to a robot.
Sensors Fusion
Sensor fusion is the process of combining sensory inputs from multiple sensors to obtain a more accurate and robust perception of the environment.
Simulation
Simulation is the process of creating a computer model or virtual representation of a real-world system or phenomenon.
Simulator
A simulator is a software or hardware tool used to simulate the behavior and performance of robots or robotic systems.
Slam
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is the process of creating a map of an unknown environment while simultaneously navigating within it.
Social Robotics
Social robotics is a field of robotics that focuses on the design, development, and interaction of robots in social and interactive settings.
Soft Robotics
Soft robotics involves the design and development of robots made from highly compliant and flexible materials.
Surgical Robotics
Surgical robotics involves the use of robot-assisted systems to perform surgical procedures with precision and control.
Surgical Robots
Surgical Robots are robots that are designed to assist surgeons during surgical procedures.
Swarm Robotics
Swarm robotics is the study of how large groups of relatively simple robots can work together to accomplish complex tasks or behaviors.
Symbiotic Robotics
Symbiotic robotics refers to the collaboration and interaction between robots and living organisms, such as animals or humans.
T
Teleoperated Robots
Teleoperated robots are robots that are controlled remotely by human operators.
Teleoperation
Teleoperation is the control of a robot or system from a distance using wireless communication or network connectivity.
U
Underwater Robotics
Underwater robotics involves the design and development of robotic systems capable of operating underwater.
Underwater Robots
Underwater Robots are robots that are designed to operate underwater, often used for exploration or maintenance tasks.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard.
V
Vision System
A vision system is a combination of hardware and software that enables robots to perceive and interpret visual information.