3D Printer – a machine that produces physical models from designs manufactured out of raw materials

3P – stands for Production, Preparation, and Process; a form of lean manufacturing that focuses on eliminating waste through process and product

5S – stands for Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain; a form of lean manufacturing that originated in Japan and centers efficiency around necessary versus unnecessary processes

Arm – a mechanical device composed of links and joints that is programmable to complete a set of commands

Axis – the availability of motion in robot joints in linear or rotary actions

Base – the platform to which a robot arm is attached

Cellular Manufacturing – a lean manufacturing approach that focuses on strategic arrangement of equipment and processes to reduce waste

Circuit Breaker – a system used to protect electrical systems from damage caused by short circuits

Contactor/Contact Block – an electrical system used to turn on and/or off an electrical circuit, typically connected to switches

Controller System – a computer used to store data, program commands, and execute commands in a robotic system

Cycle – one complete execution of a set of actions programmed in a robotic system

Downtime – the period in which any machine is not in production due to malfunction or failure

End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) – the equipment attached to the end of the robot arm that interacts with the handled materials

Field Distributer – an interface between the operator and the equipment providing a streamline drive connection to a power supply

Human Machine Interface (HMI) – an electronic dashboard connecting the user to a machine or device to view data and perform operations

Inverter – an electronic device used to change circuitry from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC)

Kaizen – a form of lean manufacturing; Japanese business philosophy meaning “continuous improvement” or “change for the better,” focusing on holistically improving product quality, company culture, and production efficiency

Kanban – a method of lean manufacturing to manage workflow processes in a visual manner

Lean Manufacturing – a methodology that applies practices and principles to reduce waste, minimize downtime, increase cost savings, and produce sustainably

Material Handling – the movement of materials by a robotic arm from one place to another

Module – equipment that enables field devices to log, archive, and convert data

Offline Programming – the ability of a robot or piece of equipment to operate separately from programming

Payload – the capacity of weight that a machine can handle during an operation

Positioner – a rotating platform used to provide access to materials

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) – an industrial computer used as an automation control system with storage for instructions, such as I/O control logic

Quality Assurance (QA) – the methods and procedures used during testing to ensure a product delivers according to design specifications

Repeatability – the ability of a robot to perform the same task precisely multiple times

Robot – a machine programmable by a computer that can perform a variety of tasks

Robot Programming Language – the channel of communication between human and robot using computer-based commands

Rotary Joint – a piece of equipment used to connect two parts to allow rotating motion

Servo Motor – an automatic controller device used to regulate the electric servomechanisms by monitoring the feedback signal

Six Sigma – a lean manufacturing technique that focuses on reducing error in business

Teach Pendant – a handheld programming box to remotely control a robot’s movements

TPM – stands for Total Productive Maintenance; a form of lean manufacturing that strives for production perfection through machine maintenance

Turntable Trunnion – a pivoting circular revolving table commonly used in work cells

Uptime – the time in which a robot or other industrial equipment are in use and manufacturing on a production line

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) – a device used in a drive system to control voltage and match the motor’s actual load

Welding – the process of combining metal pieces or parts at a joint or edge using heat

Work Cell – a complete system composed of one or more robots and a controller; may also include other equipment depending on purpose and production method