COBOTS & AUTOMATION INDUSTRY DICTIONARY PART 3: TERMS G–L

🔤 G

Gain (Control Systems)

A parameter that determines how strongly a system responds to an input.

• Used in:

  • PID controllers

  • Motion control loops

• Example: Increasing proportional gain makes a robot respond faster but may cause instability.

Gantry Robot

A robot that operates on a fixed overhead structure using linear axes.

• Characteristics:

  • High precision

  • Large workspace

  • Heavy payload capacity

• Applications:

  • CNC machining

  • Packaging systems

Global Coordinate System

A fixed reference frame used across the entire robotic system.

• Opposite: Local coordinate system

Gripper

A type of end effector used to grasp and manipulate objects.

• Types:

  • Parallel gripper

  • Angular gripper

  • Vacuum gripper

  • Soft gripper

• Example: A cobot picking up glass bottles using a vacuum gripper.

• Trend: Soft robotics grippers are growing due to handling delicate items.

Guided Motion

Movement constrained by predefined paths or physical guides.

G-Code

A programming language used in CNC machines and some robotic systems.

• Defines:

  • Movement paths

  • Speeds

  • Tool actions

Gyroscope

A sensor that measures orientation and angular velocity.

• Used in:

  • Mobile robots

  • Stabilization systems

🔤 H

Hand Guiding

A feature allowing operators to manually move a robot to teach positions.

• Common in cobots for ease of programming

Harmonic Drive

A precision gear system used in robotic joints.

• Advantages:

  • Zero backlash

  • High torque

  • Compact size

• Widely used in: Collaborative robots

HMI (Human-Machine Interface)

Interface allowing humans to interact with machines.

• Examples:

  • Touchscreens

  • Control panels

  • Software dashboards

Homing

The process of moving a robot to a known reference position.

• Required for:

  • Initialization

  • Calibration

Hybrid Robot

A robot combining multiple types of motion or technologies.

• Example: A robot combining Cartesian and articulated movements

Hydraulic Actuator

Uses fluid pressure to generate motion.

• Pros:

  • High القوة (force)

• Cons:

  • Less precision

  • Maintenance-heavy

🔤 I

Industrial Robot

A programmable machine designed for industrial automation tasks.

• Defined by ISO standards

• Stat: Over 500,000 robots installed annually worldwide (recent IFR estimates).

Industrial Ethernet

High-speed communication networks used in automation.

• Examples:

  • PROFINET

  • EtherNet/IP

  • EtherCAT

Inertia

Resistance to changes in motion.

• Affects:

  • Acceleration

  • Stability

  • Control tuning

Input Signal

Data sent to a control system.

• Examples:

  • Sensor readings

  • User commands

Integration (System Integration)

The process of combining multiple components into a functioning system.

• Includes:

  • Hardware integration

  • Software integration

Inverse Kinematics

Calculation of joint parameters needed to achieve a desired position.

• Critical for:

  • Path planning

  • Robot control

• Challenge: Multiple or no solutions may exist

IoT (Internet of Things)

Network of connected devices sharing data.

• In industry: IIoT (Industrial IoT)

IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

Defines protection against dust and water.

• Example:

  • IP67 = dust-tight + water immersion protection

Iterative Learning Control

A method where robots improve performance through repetition.

🔤 J

Joint

A movable connection between robot links.

• Types:

  • Revolute (rotational)

  • Prismatic (linear)

Joint Limit

The physical range a joint can move.

• Prevents:

  • Mechanical damage

  • Unsafe motion

Jerk (Motion Control)

Rate of change of acceleration.

• Important for:

  • Smooth motion

  • Reducing wear

Jogging

Manual control of robot movement, typically via a teach pendant.

🔤 K

Kinematics

The study of motion without considering forces.

• Includes:

  • Forward kinematics

  • Inverse kinematics

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

Metrics used to evaluate system performance.

• Examples:

  • Cycle time

  • Throughput

  • Downtime

Knowledge-Based System

AI system that uses stored knowledge to make decisions.

🔤 L

Load Capacity

Maximum weight a robot can handle safely.

• Cobot range: 3–25 kg

• Industrial robots: up to 1000+ kg

Local Coordinate System

A reference frame relative to a specific object or tool.

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

Sensor that measures distance using laser light.

• Used in:

  • AMRs

  • Navigation systems

Limit Switch

A device that detects the end of motion.

• Used for:

  • Safety

  • Position detection

Linear Actuator

Produces straight-line motion.

Linear Robot

Robot that moves along linear axes.

• Example: Cartesian robot

Load Cell

Sensor used to measure weight or force.

Loop Time (Control Loop Time)

Time required to complete one control cycle.

• Shorter loop time = faster response

Lubrication System

System used to reduce friction in robot joints.

• Critical for:

  • Longevity

  • Efficiency

Light Curtain

A safety device using infrared beams to detect intrusion.

• Stops robots when beams are broken