Robotics Jargon

Chassis

the frame on which the rest of the mobile robot is constructed 

Direct Drive

a transfer of energy or power straight from the motor shaft to the wheels or axels without gear or pulley 

Motor

a rotating machine that changes electrical energy to mechanical energy; the primary output device for the robot 

R/C (remote control)

a method of robot control using radio frequencies to transmit robot commands from a remote location 

Receiver

a device that is given robot commands from the transmitter 

Robot

any machine that can be programmed to carry out instructions and perform particular duties, especially one that can take over tasks normally done by people 

Transmitter

a device that sends robot commands to the receiver

Pivot

the point at which something rests and rotates 

Range of Motion

the degree of movement possible from a joint 

Servo

an electrical device that provides rotational power to robot parts that pivot

Ballast

something that adds mass in order to improve stability or performance 

Calibrate

to adjust or measure in a precise or exact way

Force

the capacity to do work or cause physical change; energy, strength, or active power 

Lever

a simple machine consisting of a bar that pivots on a point called a fulcrum

Mechanical Advantage

an advantage gained by using simple machines to accomplish work with less effort 

System

an interactive group of items that makes up a whole 

Torque

a turning or twisting force; a measure of rotation around an axis

Effort

the input force of a lever

Resistance

the point of weight on a lever

End effector

a device or tool connected to the end of a robot arm

Gripper

a type of end effector on a robot that is used to grip and manipulate an object

Gear Ratio

the ratio of the number of teeth on one gear to the number of teeth on the second gear

Indirect drive

A transfer of energy or power from the motor shaft to the wheels or axles, typically through gears or pulleys