Technical specification in Robotics

Technical specification in Robotics

Accuracy:

The robot's program instruct the robot to move to a specified point, it does not actually perform as per specified.

The accuracy measures such variance. That is, the distance between the specified position that a robot is trying to achieve (programming point), and the actual X, Y and Z resultant position of the robot end effector.

Repeatability:

The ability of a robot returns repeatedly to a given position. It is the ability of a robotic system or mechanism to repeat the same motion or achieve the same position. Repeatability is is a measure of the error or variability when repeatedly reaching for a single position. Repeatability is often smaller than accuracy.

Degree of Freedom (DOF):

Each joint or axis on the robot introduces a degree of freedom. Each DOF can be a slider, rotary, or other type of actuator. The number of DOF that a manipulator possesses thus is the number of independent ways in which a robot arm can move. Industrial robots typically have 5 or 6 degrees of freedom.

Three of the degrees of freedom allow positioning in 3D space (X, Y, Z), while the other 2 or 3 are used for orientation of the end effector (yaw, pitch and roll). 6 degrees of freedom are enough to allow the robot to reach all positions and orientations in 3D space. 5 DOF requires a restriction to 2D space, or else it limits orientations. 5 DOF robots are commonly used for handling tools such as arc welders.

Resolution:

The smallest increment of motion can be detected or controlled by the robotic control system. It is a function of encoder pulses per revolution and drive (e.g. reduction gear) ratio. And it is dependent on the distance between the tool center point and the joint axis.

Envelope:

A three-dimensional shape, that defines the boundaries that the robot manipulator can reach; also known as reach envelope.

Reach:

The maximum horizontal distance between the center of the robot base to the end of its wrist.

Maximum Speed:

A robot simultaneously moving with all joints in complimentary directions at full speed with full extension. The maximum speed is the theoretical values which does not consider under loading condition.

Payload:

The maximum payload is the amount of weight carried by the robot manipulator at reduced speed while maintaining rated precision. Nominal payload is measured at maximum speed while maintaining rated precision. These ratings are highly dependent on the size and shape of the payload due to variation in inertia.