Glossary

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• Accuracy : A measure of deviation between wanted and attained points.
• Actuator : A pneumatic device that converts air pressure into motion.
• Angular Gripper : A gripper with jaws that swing an arc.
• Assembly Robot : A electro pneumatic mechanism that uses automation to add parts to a product in a sequence to make a finished part or assembly.
  
• Automation : A process that is performed using programmable machine.
• Automated Assembly Equipment : A machine or system designed to automate production.
• Axis : The plane in which a rotation body turns.
• Base : A platform that supports other equipment.
• Cartesian : A robot’s arm that has three axes that are coincident with a Cartesian coordinate.
• Controller : A piece of hardware that provides human control of a mechanical system.
• Collision Sensor : A device that detects a crash situation and shuts down the machine before major damage can occur. a.k.a. Load limitor, Crash protection, Overload protection, Safety joint, Robotic clutch and many more names.
• Cycle : A single set of complete moves within an automation system.
• Degree of Freedom : The number of independent joints, each joint represents a degree of freedom.
• End Effector : The last mechanical piece or device to perform the intended task. Common end –effectors are Pneumatic grippers, Vacuum cups and Weld guns.
• End of Arm Tooling : The last mechanical piece or device placed on the end of a robotic arm. See End-effector.
• Factory Automation : Industrial machinery or processes that use control systems primarily to increase production.
• Fixed or Hard Automation : Automated systems that are mainly used for large production runs where little flexibility is needed.
• Flexible Automation : Custom assembly systems that have the ability to switch quickly from product to product in short times.
• Grippers : Pneumatically activated device to manipulate, hold or move parts in an automated system.
• Industrial Automation Equipment: Programmable automatic machines and processes that replace human operators.
• Industrial Manipulators : A mechanism used to move or position parts. Commonly known as Grippers, Magnets, Suction cups, and hooks.
• Integrator : A company that combines software and hardware automation components into a unified assembly system.
• Linear Actuator : A pneumatic linear actuator provides linear motion via an air cylinder, shafting and a moving carriage along a linear axis.
• Load Limiters : See Collision sensors.
• Manipulator : A mechanical device used to move objects. See gripper.
• O-Ring Assembly : O rings or seals are manipulated using a pneumatic device that stretches the o-rings in an hexagonal shape and places it on a part being assembled.
• Parallel Gripper : A gripper with jaws that travel in a parallel axes.
• Parts Feeders : A device that distributes and orients parts so that automated assembly equipment can pick and place components. This devise works in conjunction with a feed escapement.
• Pick and Place : A simple machine used to move and place parts in a specific location.
• Powered Slide: An assembly of internal double acting air cylinder mated to shafts and a carriage to perform a linear motion.
• Pneumatic Gripper : A gripper that uses pressurized air to move mechanical jaws. See gripper.
• Robot : A programmable machine with one or more degrees of freedom that accomplishes a curtain task.
• Robotic End Effector : A manipulator used to move objects specifically used on robots. See grippers.
• Rodless Linear Actuator : A linear motion device that provides long travel with a short carriage via a magnetically coupled air cylinder.
• Rotary Actuator : A pneumatically driven device that provides repeatable rotary motion about an axis with zero backlash.
• SCARA : Acronym for Selective Compliance Robotic Arm. A robotic arm that has two parallel axis in a plane.
• Sensor : A device that detects part present, magnetism or motion and transmits a signal back to a controller.
• Tool Changer : A system used to change out tooling or work pieces in a rapid manor to increase productivity in an automation system. Two mating parts called the Robot half and Tool half lock together to form a seamless bond between the robot and the end effector.
• X Y Z :The plane in which an automation system or robots works forming a Cartesian coordinate.

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