COBOTS & AUTOMATION INDUSTRY DICTIONARY - PART 1: TERMS A–C

🔤 A

Actuator

A device responsible for moving or controlling a mechanism in a robotic system. Actuators convert energy (electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic) into motion.

• Types:

  • Electric actuators (most common in cobots)

  • Pneumatic actuators (fast, low precision)

  • Hydraulic actuators (high force)

• Example: A servo motor rotating a robotic joint.

• Industry Insight: Electric actuators dominate cobots due to precision and safety control.

Adaptive Control

A control strategy that allows robots to adjust behavior in real time based on environmental feedback.

• Used in:

  • Variable assembly processes

  • Unstructured environments

• Example: A cobot adjusting grip force when handling fragile objects.

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle)

A mobile robot that follows predefined paths using markers, wires, or sensors.

• Applications:

  • Warehouse transport

  • Manufacturing logistics

• Limitation: Less flexible than AMRs.

AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot)

A robot capable of navigating environments without fixed paths.

• Uses:

  • SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)

  • Sensors (LIDAR, cameras)

• Example: Warehouse robots dynamically rerouting around obstacles.

• Stat: AMR adoption is growing at >25% CAGR globally.

Analog Signal

A continuous signal used in control systems.

• Opposite of digital signals

• Common in legacy industrial systems

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of protocols allowing software systems to communicate.

• Used for:

  • Integrating robots with MES/ERP systems

  • Custom automation workflows

Assembly Automation

Use of robotics to assemble components.

• Common in:

  • Electronics

  • Automotive

• Example: A cobot inserting screws into a device housing.

Axis (Robot Axis)

A direction of motion in a robot.

• Robots typically have:

  • 6-axis arms (standard industrial robots)

  • 4-axis SCARA robots

🔤 B

Backlash

Mechanical play between components (e.g., gears), causing positioning inaccuracies.

• Impact: Reduces precision

• Solution: Harmonic drives or precision gear systems

Batch Production

Manufacturing process where products are made in groups.

• Cobots excel in batch production due to flexibility.

Bin Picking

A robotic application where robots pick items randomly placed in a container.

• Requires:

  • Vision systems

  • AI algorithms

• Example: Picking mixed parts from a bin in logistics.

Brake System (Robot)

Safety mechanism that stops motion when power is lost.

Bus System (Fieldbus)

Communication network connecting industrial devices.

• Examples:

  • CAN bus

  • EtherCAT

  • PROFINET

Buffer Zone

Area used to temporarily store items between processes.

• Helps balance production flow

🔤 C

Calibration

The process of adjusting a robot to ensure accuracy.

• Types:

  • Tool calibration

  • Sensor calibration

Cartesian Robot

A robot that moves along linear axes (X, Y, Z).

• High precision

• Used in CNC and 3D printing

Cell (Work Cell)

A designated area where a robot performs tasks.

• May include:

  • Robot

  • Conveyor

  • Safety systems

Closed-Loop Control

Control system using feedback to adjust performance.

• Opposite: Open-loop control

• Example: A robot correcting its position using encoder feedback.

Cloud Robotics

Robots connected to cloud systems for data processing and learning.

• Benefits:

  • Scalability

  • Remote monitoring

Collaborative Workspace

Area where humans and robots work together safely.

Collision Detection

System that detects unexpected contact and stops the robot.

• Essential for cobots

Compliance (Mechanical)

Ability of a robot to yield under force.

• Important for:

  • Assembly tasks

  • Safety

Control Algorithm

Mathematical logic governing robot behavior.

• Examples:

  • PID control

  • Model predictive control

Conveyor System

Mechanism for transporting materials.

• Integrated with robots for automation lines

Coordinate System

Reference frame used to define positions.

• Types:

  • Cartesian

  • Joint

  • Tool coordinate system

Cycle Time

Time required to complete one operation.

• Key performance metric

Cyber-Physical System

Integration of physical processes with digital control.

• Core of Industry 4.0

Cobot Payload

Maximum weight a cobot can handle safely.

• Typical range: 3–20 kg

Cobot Programming

Methods used to teach cobots tasks.

• Includes:

  • Hand guiding

  • Graphical interfaces

Cobot Safety Rating

Classification based on compliance with standards like:

• ISO/TS 15066