COBOTS & AUTOMATION INDUSTRY DICTIONARY PART 4: TERMS M–R

🔤 M

Machine Learning (ML)

A subset of artificial intelligence that enables systems to learn from data and improve performance over time without explicit programming.

• Applications in robotics:

  • Vision-based object recognition

  • Predictive maintenance

  • Adaptive motion control

• Example: A cobot improving pick accuracy by learning object patterns over time.

Machine Vision

Technology that enables robots to interpret visual data using cameras and algorithms.

• Components:

  • Camera

  • Lighting

  • Image processing software

• Applications:

  • Inspection

  • Bin picking

  • Alignment

• Stat: Machine vision market expected to exceed $20B globally by 2030.

Manipulator

The mechanical arm of a robot responsible for movement and interaction.

Mass (Robotics Context)

The physical property of an object that influences inertia and force requirements.

Mechatronics

An interdisciplinary field combining mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.

• Foundation of modern robotics systems

MES (Manufacturing Execution System)

Software system that monitors and controls production processes.

• Connects:

  • Shop floor

  • ERP systems

Mobile Robot

A robot capable of movement within an environment.

• Types:

  • AGVs

  • AMRs

Modbus

A communication protocol widely used in industrial systems.

Modularity

The design principle of building systems with interchangeable components.

• Key advantage in cobots:

  • Easy upgrades

  • Flexible deployment

Motion Control

The precise control of robot movement.

• Includes:

  • Position

  • Velocity

  • Acceleration

Motion Planning

The process of determining a path from one point to another.

• Considers:

  • Obstacles

  • Efficiency

  • Safety

Motor (Servo Motor)

An actuator used for precise motion control.

• Core component of robotic joints

Multi-Robot System

A system where multiple robots operate together.

• Used in:

  • Warehouses

  • Swarm robotics

🔤 N

Network Topology

The structure of communication networks.

• Types:

  • Star

  • Ring

  • Bus

Node (Network)

A connection point in a communication system.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Inspection methods that do not damage the object.

• Robots often used for:

  • Ultrasonic testing

  • Visual inspection

Noise (Signal Noise)

Unwanted disturbance in signals.

• Affects:

  • Sensor accuracy

  • Communication reliability

Numerical Control (NC)

Automated control of machines using coded instructions.

• Predecessor to CNC systems

🔤 O

Object Detection

Identifying objects in an environment using sensors or vision systems.

Offline Programming (OLP)

Programming robots using simulation software instead of physical teaching.

• Benefits:

  • Reduces downtime

  • Improves efficiency

Open-Loop Control

Control system without feedback.

• Less accurate than closed-loop systems

Operational Space

The working environment of a robot.

Optimization

Improving system performance based on defined criteria.

• Examples:

  • Minimizing cycle time

  • Reducing energy consumption

Overload Protection

System that prevents damage from excessive load.

🔤 P

Payload

Maximum weight a robot can carry, including tooling.

• Important for:

  • Robot selection

  • Safety

Path Planning

The calculation of a route for robot movement.

• Includes:

  • Collision avoidance

  • Efficiency optimization

Palletizing

Stacking goods onto pallets.

• One of the most common robotic applications

Parallel Robot

A robot with multiple arms connected to a single platform.

• High speed and precision

PID Controller (Proportional–Integral–Derivative)

A control loop mechanism used to regulate systems.

• Components:

  • Proportional (P)

  • Integral (I)

  • Derivative (D)

• Widely used in motion control

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

Industrial computer used to control automation processes.

• Core of most industrial systems

Point-to-Point Motion

Movement between two positions without concern for the path.

Predictive Maintenance

Using data to predict equipment failures before they occur.

• Reduces downtime and costs

Process Automation

Automation of continuous processes (e.g., chemical production).

Production Line

A sequence of operations in manufacturing.

PROFINET

Industrial Ethernet protocol used for communication.

🔤 Q

Quality Control (QC)

Processes ensuring products meet specifications.

• Robots improve:

  • Consistency

  • Accuracy

Queue (Automation Context)

A line of tasks or items waiting to be processed.

Quick Change Tooling

Systems allowing rapid swapping of end effectors.

• Improves flexibility

🔤 R

Reach (Robot Reach)

Maximum distance a robot arm can extend.

Redundancy (Robotics)

Having extra degrees of freedom beyond what is required.

• Allows:

  • Greater flexibility

  • Obstacle avoidance

Repeatability

The ability of a robot to return to the same position.

• Typical: ±0.02–0.1 mm

Resolution

The smallest movement a robot can detect or perform.

Robot Cell

A complete robotic work area including all components.

Robot Controller

The central unit that controls robot operation.

Robot Operating System (ROS)

An open-source framework for robotics development.

• Provides:

  • Libraries

  • Tools

  • Communication systems

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Software automation (not physical robots).

• Used in:

  • Business processes

Robotics Integration

Combining robots into existing systems.

Rotational Axis

Axis that enables circular motion.

Runtime

The period during which a system is operational.

Risk Assessment

The process of identifying hazards and evaluating risks.

• Required for:

  • Safety compliance

  • Deployment