Robotics Glossary

• Academic and Technical Communication in English (Level C1) glossary.

Actuator

• A actuator is a component responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system.

Algorithm

• An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or performing a task.

Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence in machines.

Automation

• Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.

Autonomous Robot

• An autonomous robot operates independently without human control.

Bipedal Robot

• A bipedal robot is designed to walk on two legs.

Battery Life

• Battery life is the duration a robot can function without recharging.

Chassis

• The chassis is the base frame of a robot.

Computer Vision

• Computer Vision is a field of AI that enables machines to interpret images.

Controller

• A controller is a system that manages robot movements.

Degrees of Freedom

• Degrees of freedom represent the number of independent movements a robot has.

End Effector

• An end effector is a device at the end of a robotic arm, such as a gripper or tool.

Embedded System

• An embedded system is a computing system dedicated to specific functions within a larger system.

Exoskeleton

• An exoskeleton is a wearable robotic device that enhances human movement.

Feedback Loop

• A feedback loop is a system that adjusts actions based on received data.

Fulcrum Effect

• The fulcrum effect is the phenomenon where the position of the fulcrum changes the force needed to move an object.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

• GPS determines location for navigation.

Humanoid Robot

• A humanoid robot is designed to resemble and mimic human actions.

Industrial Robot

• An industrial robot is used in manufacturing and industrial applications.

Joint

• A joint is a movable connection in a robot.

Kinematics

• Kinematics is the study of motion without considering forces.

Laser Sensor

• A laser sensor measures distance using laser beams.

Locomotion

• Locomotion is the movement capability of a robot.

Machine Learning

• Machine Learning is an AI approach where computers learn from data without explicit programming.

Manipulator

• A manipulator is a robotic arm that interacts with objects.

Microcontroller

• A microcontroller is a small computer on a single circuit board.

Mobile Robot

• A mobile robot is a robot that moves around in its environment.

Motion Planning

• Motion Planning is the process of determining movements for a robot.

Neural Network

• A neural network is a system modeled after the human brain to recognize patterns.

Obstacle Avoidance

• Obstacle Avoidance is a robot's ability to detect and bypass objects.

Path Planning

• Path Planning is the process of computing an optimal route for a robot.

Payload

• Payload is the maximum weight a robot can carry.

Perception

• Perception is the ability of a robot to interpret sensory data.

Power Supply

• Power Supply is the energy source of a robot.

Programming Language

• Programming Language is used to code robots.

Proximity Sensor

• A proximity sensor detects nearby objects.

Reinforcement Learning

• Reinforcement Learning is an AI training method based on rewards and penalties.

Robotics

• Robotics is the science and technology of designing, building, and using robots.

Self-Driving Car

• A self-driving car is an autonomous vehicle using AI.

Sensor

• A sensor is a device that detects and measures physical properties.

Servomotor

• A servomotor is a motor used for precise control.

Simulation

• Simulation is a virtual representation of a real-world process for testing.

SLAM

• SLAM stands for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, used for navigation.

Software

• Software comprises programs enabling robots to operate.

Sonar Sensor

• A sonar sensor uses sound waves to detect objects.

Speed Control

• Speed Control regulates a robot’s movement.

Swarm Robotics

• Swarm Robotics is the study of multiple robots working together to complete tasks.

Teleoperation

• Teleoperation involves controlling a robot remotely.

Torque

• Torque is the rotational force in motors.

Trajectory

• Trajectory is the path a robot follows.

Underactuated Robot

• An underactuated robot has fewer controls than movements.

User Interface

• A user interface is how humans interact with robots.

Vision System

• A vision system enables robots to process visual information.

Warehouse Robot

• A warehouse robot is used in logistics automation.

Waypoint Navigation

• Waypoint Navigation involves moving between predefined points.

Wireless Communication

• Wireless Communication is remote data transmission.

AI Ethics

• AI Ethics encompasses moral considerations in robotics.

Cobots

• Cobots are collaborative robots working with humans.

Dexterity

• Dexterity is a robot’s ability to perform precise movements quickly.

Edge Computing

• Edge Computing is processing data closer to the source rather than the cloud.

Hard Robotics

• Hard Robotics refers to traditional rigid robots.

Haptic Feedback

• Haptic Feedback is simulated touch sensations in robots.

IoT (Internet of Things)

• IoT refers to devices interconnected via the internet.

Multi-Agent System

• A multi-agent system involves multiple robots collaborating.

Soft Robotics

• Soft Robotics involves robots made of flexible materials.

Cybernetics

• Cybernetics is the study of communication and control in living organisms and machines.

Force Feedback

• Force Feedback is the sensation of resistance provided by a robotic system.

Kinematic Chain

• A Kinematic Chain is a series of interconnected joints forming a robotic structure.

Redundancy

• Redundancy refers to extra degrees of freedom in robotic systems for flexibility.

Adaptive Control

• Adaptive Control is a control method that adjusts in response to changes in the environment.