Robotics has its own vocabulary—from actuator to waypoint. This robot glossary is your reference for every term you’ll encounter on this site and beyond. Whether you’re reading about robotics terminology in a product review or studying robot terms for a project, we’ve organized the definitions alphabetically with clear, concise explanations and practical “used in” context. How to use: browse by letter below or use Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac) to search for a term. Where a term has a dedicated deep-dive article on our site, we link to it—for example, our guides to how robots work, types of robots, and our foundational pillar on robot sensors. This robotics glossary and robotics dictionary are updated as new terms become common in the field.
Terms A–Z
ABB — Major manufacturer of industrial robots and automation systems. Used in: automotive, process industry, logistics.
Accelerometer — A sensor that measures linear acceleration. Combined with a gyroscope in an IMU for full orientation and motion estimation. Used in: drones, phones, mobile robots.
Actuator — A device that converts energy (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic) into physical motion. Motors, linear actuators, and pneumatic cylinders are actuators. The choice of actuator affects speed, force, precision, and cost. Used in: every robot that moves—arms, wheels, grippers.
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) — A robot or vehicle that follows a fixed path (wires, magnetic tape, or painted lines) to move materials. Contrast with AMR, which navigates freely. Used in: factories, warehouses.
Algorithm — A step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a problem or performing a task. In robotics, algorithms handle path planning, control, and perception. Used in: all robot software and autonomy.
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) — A robot that navigates without fixed paths, using sensors and maps to move through an environment. Used in: warehouses, hospitals, and factories.
Arduino — Open-source microcontroller platform and IDE; very popular for hobby and education robotics. Used in: first robot projects, sensors, motor control.
Articulated Robot — A robot arm with multiple rotary joints (typically 4–7 axes), resembling a human arm. The most versatile type for welding, assembly, and material handling. Six-axis articulated robots can position the end effector in any orientation within their workspace. Used in: industrial automation.
Automation — Using technology (including robots) to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. Used in: manufacturing, logistics, and home.
Autonomous — Operating without continuous human control. An autonomous robot senses, decides, and acts on its own within defined limits. Used in: self-driving vehicles, Mars rovers, warehouse robots.
Axis (robot axis) — One independent direction of motion or rotation. A 6-axis robot has six joints; each axis is often called a degree of freedom (DOF). Used in: robot specifications and kinematics.
Backlash — Play or slack in a mechanical transmission (e.g., gears) when direction is reversed. Reduces precision. Used in: gearboxes, robot joints.
Battery Management System (BMS) — Electronics that monitor and protect a battery pack (voltage, current, temperature) and balance cells. Used in: mobile robots, drones, electric vehicles.
Behavior Tree — A hierarchical model for robot or game AI that selects actions based on conditions and priorities. Used in: game AI, some robot decision-making.
BLDC (Brushless DC Motor) — A DC motor without brushes; electronics commutate the windings. Higher efficiency and longevity than brushed DC. Used in: drones, electric vehicles, and precision motion. See robot motors and actuators.
Breadboard — A reusable board for prototyping circuits without soldering. Used in: education, rapid prototyping, testing sensor and motor connections. Tutorials at SparkFun and similar sites.
Bump Sensor — A simple sensor (e.g., whisker or switch) that detects physical contact. Used in: obstacle detection, low-cost robots.
Canadarm — The Canadian-built robotic arm used on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (Canadarm2). Used in: space missions, capturing spacecraft, and moving payloads.
Cartesian Robot — A robot whose axes are all linear (X, Y, Z), like a gantry or 3D printer. Simple and stiff. Used in: pick-and-place, CNC, 3D printing.
CircuitPython — A Python implementation for microcontrollers (Adafruit boards, etc.). Used in: education, maker projects, and simple robot control.
Closed-Loop Control — Control that uses feedback (e.g., from an encoder) to correct errors and reach a target. Contrast with open-loop. Used in: precise positioning, servo systems.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) — Automated control of machine tools (mills, lathes) by programmed commands. Used in: manufacturing, machining.
Cobot (Collaborative Robot) — A robot designed to work safely alongside humans without safety caging; typically force-limited per ISO/TS 15066. Used in: assembly, machine tending, small-batch manufacturing.
Computer Vision — The use of algorithms to interpret images or video—e.g., object detection, tracking, 3D reconstruction. Used in: navigation, quality inspection, and manipulation. See AI in robotics.
Control Loop — The cycle of reading sensors, computing an error, and sending commands to actuators. Runs at a fixed rate (e.g., 1 kHz) in real-time control. Used in: all closed-loop robot systems.
Costmap — In navigation, a 2D grid where each cell has a cost (e.g., obstacle, proximity); used for path planning. Used in: ROS Nav2, mobile robots.
Cylindrical Robot — A robot with one rotary and two linear axes, forming a cylindrical work envelope. Used in: some assembly and handling tasks.
Da Vinci Surgical System — A teleoperated robotic system for minimally invasive surgery, made by Intuitive Surgical. The surgeon controls the arms that hold the instruments and the camera. Used in: hospitals, surgery.
DC Motor — A motor that runs on direct current. Brushed DC motors use brushes and a commutator; brushless (BLDC) use electronic commutation. Used in: wheels, fans, and many hobby robots.
Deadband — A range of input over which the output does not change; used to avoid jitter or unnecessary response to small errors. Used in: controllers, joysticks.
Deep Learning — Machine learning using neural networks with many layers. Used in robotics for vision, language, and control. Used in: object detection, autonomous driving, and robot grasping.
Degrees of Freedom (DOF) — The number of independent ways a body can move (e.g., 6 DOF = 3 translation + 3 rotation). For a robot, the number of joints is often. Used in: robot specs, kinematics.
Delta Robot — A parallel robot with three arms connected to a platform; very fast and precise in a small workspace. Used in: pick-and-place, packaging, electronics.
Depth Camera — A camera that outputs per-pixel depth (distance), e.g., Intel RealSense or structured light. Used in: 3D perception, grasping, navigation.
Dextre — A two-armed dexterous manipulator on the International Space Station, mounted on Canadarm2. Used in: satellite maintenance, delicate tasks in space.
Digital Twin — A virtual model of a physical system (e.g., a robot or factory) used for simulation, monitoring, or prediction. Used in: Industry 4.0, maintenance, and design.
DOF — See Degrees of Freedom. Often used in specs (e.g., “6-DOF arm”).
E-stop (Emergency Stop) — A safety button or circuit that immediately halts robot motion. Required for industrial and many collaborative systems. Used in: safety, compliance.
Edge AI — Running AI models on the device (robot, phone) rather than in the cloud. Reduces latency and keeps data local. Used in: real-time vision, autonomous robots.
Encoder — A sensor that measures the position or speed of a shaft (rotary) or linear motion. Optical encoders are common. Used in: closed-loop motor control, joint position.
End Effector — The tool or device at the end of a robot arm—gripper, welder, suction cup, camera, etc. Used in: every robot arm application.
Exoskeleton — A wearable robotic structure that augments or supports human movement. Can be powered or passive. Used in: rehabilitation, industrial lifting, and military.
Exteroceptive Sensor — A sensor that perceives the external environment (cameras, LiDAR, distance sensors). Contrast proprioception. Used in: navigation, mapping, object detection.
FANUC — Major manufacturer of industrial robots and CNCs. Used in: automotive, manufacturing worldwide.
Feedback Loop — A control structure where the output is measured and compared to a setpoint; the error drives corrections. Used in: PID control, servos, closed-loop systems.
Firmware — Software embedded in a device (e.g., motor controller, robot joint). Used in: updates, low-level control.
Force Sensor — A sensor that measures force or torque, often at the wrist of a robot arm. Used in: assembly, grinding, and collaborative robots.
Forward Kinematics — Computing the pose (position and orientation) of the end effector from joint angles. Used in: robot control, simulation.
FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) — Programmable hardware that can run logic in parallel at very high speed. Used in: high-speed control, custom interfaces, and some vision systems.
Frame Rate — The number of images processed per second (e.g., 30 fps). Affects the latency and responsiveness of vision-based control. Used in: cameras, vision pipelines.
G-code — Standard language for commanding CNC machines (mills, lathes, 3D printers). Used in: manufacturing, additive manufacturing.
Gait — The pattern of leg movement for walking or running. Used in: legged robots, quadrupeds, humanoids.
Gazebo — An open-source 3D robot simulator often used with ROS. Used in: testing, training, and development without hardware. See robot programming.
GPS / GNSS — Global positioning system (or global navigation satellite system). Provides location outdoors. Used in: outdoor mobile robots, drones, and agriculture.
Gripper — An end effector that grasps objects—finger, parallel-jaw, suction, or soft. Choice depends on object shape, weight, and fragility. Used in: pick-and-place, assembly, manipulation.
Gyroscope — A sensor that measures angular rate (rotation speed). Combined with an accelerometer in an IMU. Used in: orientation estimation, balancing, and drones.
H-Bridge — A circuit that allows DC motor control in both directions and with variable speed (often via PWM). Used in: motor drivers, wheel control.
Haptic Feedback — Touch feedback to the user—e.g., force or vibration in a joystick or glove. What does haptic feedback mean for robots? The operator feels forces or resistance from the remote environment. Used in: teleoperation, surgical robots, VR.
Harmonic Drive — A compact, high-ratio gearbox with low backlash. Used in: robot joints, precision positioning.
Hexapod — A robot with six legs. Used in: research, rough-terrain locomotion.
Hocoma — Company known for rehabilitation robots (e.g., Lokomat gait training). Used in: medical robotics, rehab.
Humanoid Robot — A robot with a body shape similar to a human (two arms, two legs, a head). Used in: research, service, and entertainment.
Hydraulic Actuator — An actuator powered by pressurized fluid. High force is used in heavy machinery. Used in: excavators, large robot arms, and aerospace.
IFR (International Federation of Robotics) — Industry association that publishes global robotics statistics and standards. Used in: market data, definitions. See ifr.org.
IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) — A sensor package (accelerometer + gyroscope, often magnetometer) that measures motion and orientation. Used in: drones, mobile robots, and balance.
Industrial Robot — A robot designed for manufacturing—typically caged, fast, and precise. Used in: welding, assembly, painting, and palletizing.
Infrared Sensor (IR) — A sensor that uses infrared light for distance or presence detection. Used in: obstacle detection, line following, and proximity.
Integrator — In control, the I in PID—accumulates error over time to eliminate steady-state error. In the industry, a company that installs and configures robots. Used in: control theory, system integration.
Inverse Kinematics — Computing joint angles needed to achieve a desired end-effector pose. Harder than forward kinematics; often solved numerically because multiple joint configurations can yield the same pose. Used in: motion planning, reaching.
Isaac Sim — NVIDIA’s physics-based simulator for robotics and AI, with strong GPU support. Used in: simulation, synthetic data, reinforcement learning.
ISO 10218 — International standard for industrial robot safety. Covers design, installation, and use. Used in: manufacturing, integration.
ISO/TS 15066 — Technical specification for collaborative robot safety—force and speed limits for human-robot contact. Used in: cobots.
Jerk — The rate of change of acceleration; important in motion planning for smooth, low-vibration motion. Used in: trajectory planning.
Joint (robot joint) — The connection between two links of a robot; typically revolute (rotary) or prismatic (linear). Used in: robot arms, legs.
Kinematic Chain — A series of links and joints that form a robot arm or leg. Used in: robot design, forward/inverse kinematics.
Kinematics — The study of motion without regard to forces. Forward and inverse kinematics describe the relationship between joint angles and end-effector pose. Kinematics is fundamental to robot control and motion planning. Used in: robot control, planning.
KUKA — Major manufacturer of industrial robots. Used in: automotive, general industry.
Ladder Logic — A graphical programming language used for PLCs, based on relay logic. Used in: industrial automation, factory control.
Lead Screw — A threaded rod used with a nut to convert rotation to linear motion. Used in: linear actuators, 3D printers.
LiDAR — Light Detection and Ranging—sensors that use laser pulses to measure distance and build 3D point clouds. Can be spinning (traditional) or solid-state. Used in: autonomous vehicles, mapping, navigation.
Linear Actuator — An actuator that produces linear (straight-line) motion. Examples: lead screw, ball screw, pneumatic cylinder. Used in: slides, lifts, robot axes.
Localization — Determining a robot’s position and orientation in an environment. Used in: navigation, SLAM.
Locomotion — The method by which a robot moves (wheeled, legged, flying, etc.). Used in: mobile robots, design.
Machine Learning — Methods that let systems learn from data rather than explicit programming. Includes supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning. In robotics, ML is used for perception, control policies, and prediction. Used in: vision, control, prediction.
Magnetometer — A sensor that measures the magnetic field; used with an accelerometer and a gyro in an IMU for full orientation (including heading). Used in: drones, mobile robots.
Manipulator — A robot arm—typically an articulated chain of links and joints. Used in: industrial robots, research arms.
Mechatronics — The integration of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Used in: robot design, education, and job titles.
Microcontroller — A small computer on a chip for embedded control (e.g., Arduino, ESP32). Used in: hobby robots, sensors, motor control.
MicroPython — A Python implementation for microcontrollers. Used in: education, rapid prototyping on embedded hardware.
Mobile Robot — A robot that can move through its environment (wheeled, legged, or otherwise). Used in: warehouses, homes, outdoors.
Motion Planning — Computing a path or trajectory for a robot from start to goal while avoiding obstacles. Algorithms include RRT, A*, and optimization-based methods. Used in: arms, mobile robots, and manipulation.
Motor Driver — Circuit or module that controls a motor (direction, speed) from a low-power signal. Used in: connecting microcontrollers to motors.
MoveIt — Popular ROS framework for motion planning and manipulation. Used in: robot arms, research, and industry.
Nav2 — ROS 2 stack for autonomous navigation (costmaps, path planning, recovery). Used in: mobile robots, warehouses.
Neural Network — A computing model inspired by neurons; used in deep learning for perception and control. Layers of weighted connections learn patterns from data. Used in: vision, language, policy learning.
NVIDIA Jetson — Family of embedded computing modules for AI at the edge. Used in: drones, robots, vision systems.
Obstacle Avoidance — A behavior or algorithm that keeps a robot from colliding with obstacles. Used in: navigation, safety.
Odometry — Estimating position by integrating wheel or leg motion. Prone to drift without external correction. Used in: wheeled robots, dead reckoning.
Open-Loop Control — Control without feedback—output is set without measuring the result. Simpler but less accurate than closed-loop. Used in: simple applications, steppers in some setups.
OpenCV — Open-source library for computer vision (image processing, detection, tracking). Used in: robotics, vision, research, and industry.
Path Planning — Finding a path from start to goal in a configuration or workspace while avoiding obstacles. The result may be a sequence of waypoints or a full trajectory. Used in: navigation, arm motion.
Payload — The maximum weight a robot can carry or manipulate. What does payload mean for a robot arm? The mass the arm can hold at full extension without exceeding joint limits or degrading performance. Used in: robot specifications, sizing.
PID Controller — Proportional-Integral-Derivative control—a widely used feedback controller that corrects error using three terms. P responds to current error, I to accumulated error, D to rate of change. Tuning PID gains is a core skill in control. Used in: motors, temperature, and position control.
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) — Industrial computer for automating machines and processes. Used in: factories, conveyor control, safety interlocks.
Pneumatic Actuator — An actuator powered by compressed air. Fast and simple; used for gripping and pushing. Used in: factory automation, soft robots.
Proprioceptive Sensor — A sensor that measures the robot’s own state (joint angles, motor current). Contrast exteroceptive. Used in: control, balance.
Proximity Sensor — A sensor that detects the presence or distance of nearby objects without contact. Includes IR, ultrasonic, and capacitive types. Used in: obstacle detection, safety, and positioning.
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) — A method of varying average power by switching on/off rapidly; used for motor speed and LED dimming. Used in: motor control, servos.
Python — A programming language widely used in robotics for scripting, ROS nodes, and AI. Used in: research, hobby, prototyping.
Quadruped — A four-legged robot. Used in: rough terrain, research (e.g., Boston Dynamics Spot).
Raspberry Pi — Single-board computer running Linux; used for higher-level robot control, computer vision, and networking. Used in: mobile robots, vision, ROS.
Reach — The maximum distance from the robot base to the end effector. Used in: robot specifications, cell design.
Reinforcement Learning — Machine learning where an agent learns by trial and error using rewards. The agent takes actions, receives feedback, and improves its policy over time. Used in: robot control, games, and manipulation.
Repeatability — How closely a robot returns to the same position repeatedly when given the same command. Typically specified in mm (e.g. ±0.05 mm). Used in: robot specifications, quality.
Robot — A machine that can sense, process information, and act in the physical world, often with some degree of autonomy. What counts as a robot ranges from industrial arms into vacuum cleaners into Mars rovers. To understand the fundamental definition and status of these machines, see our What Is A Robot? foundational pillar. Used in: general definition across all applications.
ROS (Robot Operating System) — A middleware framework for robot software—nodes, topics, services. ROS 2 is the current standard. Used in: research, many commercial robots. See ROS 2 documentation.
ROS 2 — The current generation of the Robot Operating System; real-time capable, with security improvements. Used in: modern robot software.
ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) — An underwater or other vehicle controlled by a human operator via tether or link. Used in: ocean exploration, inspection.
RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) — Rotational speed of a motor or shaft. Used in: motor specs, motion.
SCARA — Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm—a robot with two parallel rotary joints and one vertical; fast and precise in a horizontal plane. Used in: assembly, pick-and-place.
Sensor Fusion — Combining data from multiple sensors (e.g., IMU + camera + LiDAR) for better estimation. Used in: localization, state estimation. See our deep-dive on robot sensors for implementation details.
Servo Motor — A motor with built-in feedback (encoder) and control for precise position or speed. Used in: hobby robotics, robot joints, RC.
Sim-to-Real Transfer — Using skills or policies learned in simulation on a real robot. A key challenge in robotics. Used in: reinforcement learning, training.
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) — Building a map of the environment while estimating the robot’s position at the same time. Can be vision-based (Visual SLAM) or LiDAR-based. Essential for robots that operate in unknown or changing environments. Used in: autonomous navigation, drones, and mobile robots.
Soft Robot — A robot made from compliant materials (silicone, fabric) rather than rigid links. Used in: grasping, safe interaction, and research.
State Machine — A model of behavior with discrete states and transitions. The robot is in one state at a time; events trigger transitions. Used in: robot logic, task sequencing.
Stepper Motor — A motor that moves in discrete steps without encoder feedback; open-loop position control. Used in: 3D printers, CNC, and low-cost positioning.
Stereo Vision — Using two cameras to compute depth from disparity. Used in: 3D perception, navigation.
Strain Gauge — A sensor that measures deformation (strain) and thus force or load when calibrated. Used in: force sensing, load cells, and research.
Subsumption Architecture — Robot control with layered behaviors; lower layers can override higher ones. Used in: reactive robotics, early mobile robots.
Swarm Robotics — Many simple robots cooperating without central control. Used in: research, agriculture, and search.
Teach Pendant — A handheld device for programming or jogging an industrial robot. What is a teach pendant in industrial robotics? The interface operators use to move the robot to waypoints and record positions. Used in: factory floors, offline programming.
Teleoperation — Operating a robot remotely by a human (e.g., via a joystick or a haptic device). The human is in the loop; the robot may add assistance (e.g., tremor filtering). Used in: surgery, underwater, and hazardous environments.
Time-of-Flight (ToF) — A distance sensor that measures the time for light to bounce back. Used in: depth sensing, gesture recognition, and mobile robots.
Torque — Rotational force; the tendency to cause rotation. Measured in N·m or lb·ft. Used in: motor specs, joint limits, dynamics.
Trajectory — A path through time—sequence of positions (and often velocities) for the robot to follow. Used in: motion planning, execution.
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) — A drone or aircraft without a pilot on board. May be remotely piloted or autonomous. Used in: delivery, inspection, and agriculture.
Ultrasonic Sensor — A sensor that uses sound waves (above human hearing) to measure distance. Inexpensive and common in hobby robots. Used in: obstacle avoidance, level sensing.
Universal Robots — Leading manufacturer of collaborative robots (cobots). Used in: small and mid-size manufacturing.
Visual SLAM — SLAM using cameras instead of (or with) LiDAR. Used in: indoor robots, AR, mobile.
Voltage — Electrical potential difference; determines motor speed and compatibility with batteries or power supplies. Used in: electronics, power systems.
Voronoi Diagram — A geometric partition of space used in path planning to stay maximally far from obstacles. Used in: navigation algorithms.
Waypoint — A point in space (or configuration) that the robot should pass through. Path planning often connects a sequence of waypoints. Used in: path planning, mission planning.
Webots — Open-source robot simulator supporting multiple robot types and programming languages. Used in: education, research, prototyping.
Workspace (robot workspace) — The volume or area that the end effector can reach. Depends on arm length and joint limits. Used in: robot selection, cell design.
Yaskawa — Major manufacturer of industrial robots (Motoman brand) and motion control. Used in: manufacturing, automation.
YOLO (You Only Look Once) — A family of fast neural networks for object detection. Used in: real-time vision, robotics, and autonomous driving.
Zero-G — Weightless or microgravity environment; affects robot design and control (e.g., space, parabolic flight). Used in: space robotics.
FAQ
What is the most important robotics term to understand?
Degrees of Freedom (DOF)—it describes a robot’s movement capability and appears in every robot specification. Understanding DOF helps you compare arms, understand “6-axis,” and reason about what a robot can do. It’s one of the most important robotics terms everyone should know.
What does “6-axis robot” mean?
A robot with six independent joints, each counted as one axis or degree of freedom. This is the standard configuration for industrial articulated robots and allows the end effector to reach a full range of positions and orientations in space. What does a 6-axis robot mean? In practice: a fully articulated arm that can orient a tool arbitrarily within its reach.
What is the difference between a cobot and a robot?
A cobot is a robot—specifically one designed to work collaboratively with humans without safety caging. What does cobot stand for in manufacturing? Collaborative robot. Cobots are typically force-limited and easier to program; traditional industrial robots are caged and optimized for speed and payload. Both are robots; the difference is in design for shared workspace vs. isolated operation.
What does SLAM stand for?
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping—the algorithm that lets a robot build a map of its environment while tracking its own position. What is SLAM in robotics, and how does it work? The robot uses sensors (cameras, LiDAR) to perceive landmarks and obstacles, then estimates both where it is and what the map looks like in one process. Essential for autonomous navigation in unknown or changing spaces.
What is an end effector?
The tool or device attached to the end of a robot arm—a gripper, welding torch, suction cup, camera, or any task-specific tool. The end effector is what actually does the work; the arm positions it. What does end effector mean on a robot arm? Simply: the “hand” or tool at the tip that interacts with the world.
Conclusion
This robot glossary is maintained and updated as new terms emerge in the field. Robotics terminology and robot terms evolve with technology—bookmark this page and use it alongside our deeper guides. It’s designed to be the complete robotics glossary and robotics terminology guide you need, whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or professional.
Ready to go deeper? Visit the Robot Learning Center for our complete roadmap, or jump straight into our guides on Robot Theory: What is a Robot?, Types of Robotics, and How Robots Work. For a philosophical perspective, see our explainer on Asimov’s laws of robotics. We add new terms as the field evolves—bookmark this page for quick lookups.