Robotics Technology And Applications
Expert-defined terms from the Executive Certificate in Robotics for Business Excellence course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Actuarial Science #
The application of mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance, finance, and other industries, which is relevant to robotics as it involves the use of data and statistical models to predict and manage risks associated with robotic systems. Related terms include machine learning, data analysis, and predictive modeling. In the context of robotics, actuarial science can be used to assess the risks associated with robotic systems, such as the risk of accidents or the risk of equipment failure.
Actuator #
A component that converts energy into motion or force, used in robotic systems to perform tasks such as movement, grasping, or manipulation. Related terms include motor, servo, and hydraulic. Examples of actuators include electric motors, pneumatic cylinders, and hydraulic pumps. Actuators are used in a variety of robotic applications, including industrial robotics, service robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
Adaptive Control #
A control strategy that adjusts to changing conditions or parameters, used in robotic systems to improve performance, stability, or accuracy. Related terms include feedback control, learning control, and model predictive control. Adaptive control is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, and robotic grippers.
AI #
Artificial Intelligence, a field of study focused on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving, or learning. Related terms include machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. AI is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic vision, robotic grasping, and autonomous vehicles.
Algorithm #
A set of instructions or rules used to solve a problem or perform a task, used in robotics to control robotic systems, make decisions, or process data. Related terms include programming language, software, and data structure. Examples of algorithms used in robotics include motion planning algorithms, computer vision algorithms, and machine learning algorithms.
Anthropomorphic Robot #
A type of robot designed to resemble a human being, with a humanoid body, limbs, and face, used in applications such as service robotics, human-robot interaction, or entertainment. Related terms include android, humanoid, and social robot. Anthropomorphic robots are used in a variety of applications, including service robotics, healthcare, and education.
Application Programming Interface (API) #
A set of rules, protocols, or tools used to build software applications, interact with hardware components, or access data sources, used in robotics to develop robotic systems, integrate components, or communicate with other systems. Related terms include software development kit, library, and framework. APIs are used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, and robotic vision.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) #
A field of study focused on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving, or learning, used in robotics to enable autonomous systems, decision-making, or perception.
Assembly Robot #
A type of robot designed to perform assembly tasks, such as welding, fastening, or inspecting objects, used in manufacturing industries, such as automotive, aerospace, or electronics. Related terms include industrial robot, manufacturing robot, and production robot. Assembly robots are used in a variety of applications, including manufacturing, logistics, and quality control.
Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV) #
A type of vehicle that can operate without human intervention, using sensors, GPS, and control systems to navigate and perform tasks, used in applications such as logistics, warehousing, or agriculture. Related terms include self-driving car, unmanned ground vehicle, and autonomous mobile robot. AGVs are used in a variety of applications, including logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) #
A type of vehicle that can operate without human intervention, using sensors, sonar, and control systems to navigate and perform tasks, used in applications such as oceanography, offshore oil and gas, or environmental monitoring. Related terms include unmanned underwater vehicle, remotely operated vehicle, and autonomous submarine. AUVs are used in a variety of applications, including oceanography, offshore oil and gas, and environmental monitoring.
Autonomy #
The ability of a robotic system to operate without human intervention, making decisions, and taking actions based on its own perception, reasoning, and learning capabilities, used in applications such as self-driving cars, autonomous drones, or service robots. Related terms include autonomous system, self-driving, and independent operation. Autonomy is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Battery Management System (BMS) #
A system that monitors and controls the battery performance, state of charge, and safety of a robotic system, used in applications such as electric vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, or portable robots. Related terms include battery monitoring system, battery protection system, and energy management system. BMS is used in a variety of robotic applications, including electric vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and portable robots.
Camera #
A sensor that captures images or video data, used in robotic systems for vision, perception, or inspection tasks, such as object recognition, tracking, or mapping. Related terms include vision system, imaging sensor, and optical sensor. Cameras are used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic vision, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Cloud Robotics #
A paradigm that combines robotics and cloud computing to enable robot!Ic systems to access remote resources, data, and services, used in applications such as robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, or service robots. Related terms include cloud-based robotics, robotic cloud, and distributed robotics. Cloud robotics is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Collision Avoidance #
A system or algorithm that detects and prevents collisions between a robotic system and its environment, used in applications such as autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, or service robots. Related terms include obstacle avoidance, collision detection, and safety system. Collision avoidance is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and service robots.
Computer Vision #
A field of study that focuses on enabling robots to interpret and understand visual data from the environment, used in applications such as object recognition, tracking, or mapping. Related terms include machine vision, image processing, and pattern recognition. Computer vision is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic vision, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Control System #
A system that regulates and commands the behavior of a robotic system, using sensors, actuators, and algorithms to achieve desired performance, stability, or accuracy. Related terms include control theory, control engineering, and system dynamics. Control systems are used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Data Analytics #
The process of examining and interpreting data to extract insights, patterns, or meaning, used in robotics to improve performance, efficiency, or decision-making. Related terms include data science, machine learning, and business intelligence. Data analytics is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Deep Learning #
A subset of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to analyze and interpret data, used in robotics for tasks such as object recognition, speech recognition, or natural language processing. Related terms include neural network, convolutional neural network, and recurrent neural network. Deep learning is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic vision, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Disaster Response Robot #
A type of robot designed to respond to and mitigate the effects of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, used in applications such as search and rescue, damage assessment, or debris removal. Related terms include rescue robot, emergency response robot, and crisis management robot. Disaster response robots are used in a variety of applications, including search and rescue, damage assessment, and debris removal.
Drones #
A type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be remotely controlled or autonomous, used in applications such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, or package delivery. Related terms include unmanned aircraft system, quadcopter, and rotorcraft. Drones are used in a variety of applications, including aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and package delivery.
Electric Motor #
A type of actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, used in robotic systems to provide motion, torque, or force. Related terms include dc motor, ac motor, and stepper motor. Electric motors are used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
End Effector #
A component attached to the end of a robotic arm or manipulator, used to interact with the environment, such as gripping, grasping, or manipulating objects. Related terms include gripper, hand, and tool. End effectors are used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arms, service robots, and industrial robots.
Force Sensor #
A type of sensor that measures the force or torque applied to a robotic system, used in applications such as grasping, manipulation, or assembly. Related terms include torque sensor, load cell, and strain gauge. Force sensors are used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arms, service robots, and industrial robots.
Geographic Information System (GIS) #
A system that captures, stores, and analyzes geographic data, used in robotics to provide mapping, navigation, or localization capabilities. Related terms include geospatial analysis, cartography, and remote sensing. GIS is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Gesture Recognition #
A technology that enables robots to interpret and understand human gestures, such as hand or body movements, used in applications such as human-robot interaction, game development, or virtual reality. Related terms include motion recognition, pose estimation, and activity recognition. Gesture recognition is used in a variety of robotic applications, including human-robot interaction, game development, and virtual reality.
Global Positioning System (GPS) #
A network of sensors that provides location and time information, used in robotics to enable navigation, localization, or tracking capabilities. Related terms include global navigation satellite system, GNSS, and satellite navigation. GPS is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Human #
Machine Interface (HMI): A system that enables humans to interact with machines, such as robots, using interfaces such as touchscreens, voice commands, or gestures. Related terms include user interface, human-computer interaction, and interaction design. HMIs are used in a variety of robotic applications, including service robots, industrial robots, and autonomous vehicles.
Human #
Robot Interaction (HRI): A field of study that focuses on the interaction between humans and robots, including communication, collaboration, or cooperation. Related terms include human-robot collaboration, human-robot teaming, and social robotics. HRI is used in a variety of robotic applications, including service robots, industrial robots, and autonomous vehicles.
Industrial Robot #
A type of robot designed to perform industrial tasks, such as assembly, welding, or inspection, used in manufacturing industries, such as automotive, aerospace, or electronics. Related terms include factory robot, production robot, and manufacturing automation. Industrial robots are used in a variety of applications, including manufacturing, logistics, and quality control.
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) #
A sensor that measures the orientation, position, and velocity of a robotic system, used in applications such as navigation, localization, or stabilization. Related terms include inertial navigation system, accelerometer, and gyroscope. IMUs are used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Internet of Things (IoT) #
A network of devices that are connected to the internet and can collect and exchange data, used in robotics to enable remote monitoring, control, or automation capabilities. Related terms include industrial internet of things, IIoT, and cyber-physical system. IoT is used in a variety of robotic applications, including industrial robots, service robots, and autonomous vehicles.
Laser Sensor #
A type of sensor that uses laser light to measure distance, velocity, or orientation, used in applications such as navigation, localization, or mapping. Related terms include lidar, laser sensor, and optical sensor. Laser sensors are used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Machine Learning #
A subset of artificial intelligence that enables robots to learn from data and improve their performance over time, used in applications such as object recognition, speech recognition, or natural language processing. Related terms include deep learning, neural network, and pattern recognition. Machine learning is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic vision, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Manipulator #
A type of robotic arm or hand that can manipulate or interact with objects, used in applications such as assembly, grasping, or inspection. Related terms include robotic arm, gripper, and end effector. Manipulators are used in a variety of robotic applications, including industrial robots, service robots, and autonomous vehicles.
Mapping #
The process of creating a map or representation of the environment, used in robotics to enable navigation, localization, or exploration capabilities. Related terms include cartography, geographic information system, and spatial reasoning. Mapping is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Microcontroller #
A type of computer that is used to control and interact with hardware components, such as sensors, actuators, or motors, used in robotics to enable real-time control, data processing, or communication capabilities. Related terms include embedded system, microprocessor, and system-on-chip. Microcontrollers are used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Mobile Robot #
A type of robot that can move independently, using wheels, legs, or tracks, used in applications such as navigation, exploration, or transportation. Related terms include autonomous vehicle, unmanned ground vehicle, and self-driving car. Mobile robots are used in a variety of applications, including logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Motion Planning #
The process of planning and executing a motion or trajectory for a robotic system, used in applications such as navigation, localization, or manipulation. Related terms include path planning, motion control, and trajectory planning. Motion planning is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) #
A field of study that focuses on enabling robots to understand and generate human language, used in applications such as speech recognition, text analysis, or chatbots. Related terms include language understanding, language generation, and human-computer interaction. NLP is used in a variety of robotic applications, including service robots, autonomous vehicles, and industrial robots.
Neural Network #
A type of computational model inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, used in robotics for tasks such as object recognition, speech recognition, or natural language processing. Related terms include deep learning, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Neural networks are used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic vision, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Object Recognition #
The process of identifying and classifying objects in the environment, used in robotics for tasks such as grasping, manipulation, or inspection. Related terms include image recognition, pattern recognition, and computer vision. Object recognition is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic vision, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Obstacle Avoidance #
A system or algorithm that detects and prevents collisions between a robotic system and its environment, used in applications such as autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, or service robots. Related terms include collision avoidance, motion planning, and safety system. Obstacle avoidance is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and service robots.
Path Planning #
The process of planning and executing a path or route for a robotic system, used in applications such as navigation, localization, or manipulation. Related terms include motion planning, trajectory planning, and route planning. Path planning is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Pattern Recognition #
The process of identifying and classifying patterns in data, used in robotics for tasks such as object recognition, speech recognition, or natural language processing. Related terms include machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence. Pattern recognition is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic vision, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Predictive Maintenance #
A technique that uses data analytics and machine learning to predict when a robotic system or component is likely to fail or require maintenance, used in applications such as industrial robotics, manufacturing, or logistics. Related terms include condition-based maintenance, preventive maintenance, and reliability engineering. Predictive maintenance is used in a variety of robotic applications, including industrial robots, manufacturing, and logistics.
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) #
A type of computer that is used to control and interact with hardware components, such as sensors, actuators, or motors, used in robotics to enable real-time control, data processing, or communication capabilities. Related terms include embedded system, microcontroller, and system-on-chip. PLCs are used in a variety of robotic applications, including industrial robots, service robots, and autonomous vehicles.
Real #
Time Operating System (RTOS): A type of operating system that is designed to provide real-time responses to events or interrupts, used in robotics to enable fast and reliable control, data processing, or communication capabilities. RTOS is used in a variety of robotic applications, including industrial robots, service robots, and autonomous vehicles.
Remote Sensing #
The process of collecting data or information about the environment using sensors or imaging technologies, used in robotics for tasks such as mapping, navigation, or inspection. Related terms include geographic information system, GIS, and Earth observation. Remote sensing is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Robot Operating System (ROS) #
A software framework that provides a set of tools and libraries for building robotic applications, used in robotics to enable rapid prototyping, testing, and deployment of robotic systems. Related terms include robotics middleware, robotic software framework, and open-source robotics. ROS is used in a variety of robotic applications, including service robots, industrial robots, and autonomous vehicles.
Robotic Arm #
A type of robotic system that is designed to perform tasks such as assembly, grasping, or manipulation, used in applications such as industrial robotics, manufacturing, or logistics. Related terms include manipulator, end effector, and gripper. Robotic arms are used in a variety of applications, including manufacturing, logistics, and quality control.
Robotic Vision #
The ability of a robotic system to interpret and understand visual data from the environment, used in applications such as object recognition, tracking, or mapping. Related terms include computer vision, machine vision, and image processing. Robotic vision is used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Safety System #
A system or algorithm that detects and prevents hazards or risks associated with a robotic system, used in applications such as industrial robotics, autonomous vehicles, or service robots. Related terms include collision avoidance, obstacle avoidance, and fault detection. Safety systems are used in a variety of robotic applications, including industrial robots, autonomous vehicles, and service robots.
Sensor #
A device that detects and measures physical or environmental parameters, such as temperature, pressure, or light, used in robotics to provide feedback, perception, or control capabilities. Related terms include transducer, detector, and measurement device. Sensors are used in a variety of robotic applications, including autonomous vehicles, service robots, and industrial robots.
Service Robot #
A type of robot designed to perform tasks that benefit humans, such as assistance, entertainment, or education, used in applications such as healthcare, hospitality, or retail. Related terms include personal robot, social robot, and humanoid robot. Service robots are used in a variety of applications, including healthcare, hospitality, and retail.
Simulation #
A technique that uses computer models or virtual environments to test, validate, or optimize robotic systems or algorithms, used in applications such as robotic arm design, autonomous vehicle development, or human-robot interaction testing. Related terms include modeling, virtual reality, and animation. Simulation is used in a variety of robotic applications, including robotic arm design, autonomous vehicle development, and human-robot interaction testing.
Social Robot #
A type of robot designed to interact with humans in a social or emotional way, used in applications such as healthcare, education, or entertainment. Related terms include humanoid robot, android, and service robot. Social robots are used in a variety of applications, including healthcare, education, and entertainment.
Speech Recognition #
The process of identifying and interpreting spoken language, used in robotics for tasks such as voice command, dialogue, or spoken language understanding. Related terms include natural language processing, speech synthesis, and human-computer interaction. Speech recognition is used in a variety of robotic applications, including service robots, autonomous vehicles, and industrial robots.