These are some of the words we'll hear most frequently if we're immersed in the world of robotics. They're common in conversations surrounding robot repair, maintenance, or upgrades. If this is the first time you've seen or heard them, you'll soon find them very familiar if you're still interested in robotics.
Basic Glossary of Robotics Terms
AI (Artificial Intelligence) - The simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn like humans.
Actuator - A component that converts energy into physical motion, serving as the "muscles" of a robot.
Algorithm - A set of rules or instructions given to a robot to help it complete tasks.
Anthropomorphic - Having human-like characteristics or form, typically used to describe humanoid robots.
Autonomy - A robot's ability to perform tasks with little or no human intervention.
Biped - A robot that walks on two legs, similar to humans.
Degrees of Freedom (DoF) - The number of independent movements a robot can make, typically referring to joints or axes of rotation.
End Effector - The device at the end of a robotic arm designed to interact with the environment (e.g., a gripper, tool, or sensor).
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) - Technology that allows robots to create maps of their environment while simultaneously tracking their location within it.
Feedback Loop - A process where output data is used as input for future actions, allowing robots to adjust their behavior based on results.
Gait - The pattern of movement of limbs during locomotion in humanoid robots.
HRI (Human-Robot Interaction) - The study of interactions between humans and robots, including communication and physical collaboration.
IK (Inverse Kinematics) - Mathematical process determining the joint angles needed to place an end effector at a desired position.
Microcontroller - A small computer on a single integrated circuit that serves as the "brain" in simpler robots.
ML (Machine Learning) - A subset of AI where robots improve performance through experience without being explicitly programmed.
NLP (Natural Language Processing) - Technology allowing robots to understand, interpret, and respond to human language.
Proprioception - A robot's awareness of its own body position and movement in space.
ROS (Robot Operating System) - An open-source framework and set of software tools for robot software development.
Servo - A motor with built-in position feedback for precise control of movement.
Sensor - A device that detects changes in the environment and sends information to the robot's control system.
Swarm Robotics - The study of controlling multiple simple robots as a coordinated system.
Teleoperation - Controlling a robot from a distance, typically using remote control devices.
Torque - Rotational force applied by motors in a robot's joints.
Uncanny Valley - The hypothesis that human replicas that appear almost but not quite human cause unease or revulsion.
Vision System - Cameras and software that allow robots to visually perceive and analyze their surroundings.
Without going into the technicalities, these are some of the most used basic terms when talking about the parts or mechanisms of robots. The list can be much longer and more technical, but these are undoubtedly the most used.
