Robotics Technical Glossary

Robotics involves machines that can perceive, reason, and act physically in the world, often with some level of autonomy. Automation refers to technology that performs predetermined tasks with minimal human intervention. All robots are automated systems, but not all automated systems are robots.

Humanoid robots use sophisticated balance control algorithms like Zero Moment Point (ZMP) theory, which ensures the robot's center of mass stays within its support polygon. They combine inertial measurement units (IMUs), force sensors in the feet, and real-time control systems to make constant adjustments to joint angles and step placement.

The most common programming languages in robotics are C++ for performance-critical components, Python for high-level control and AI applications, and MATLAB for research and prototyping. ROS (Robot Operating System) provides a framework that supports multiple languages for different components of a robotic system.

Sensor fusion combines data from multiple sensors (cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, etc.) to create a more accurate and reliable perception of the environment. It compensates for individual sensor limitations - for example, combining camera data (rich visual information but affected by lighting) with LiDAR (precise distance measurements but limited detail) to create a comprehensive environmental model.

Key safety standards include ISO 10218 (industrial robot safety), ISO/TS 15066 (collaborative robot safety), and ANSI/RIA R15.06. These standards cover risk assessment, safety-rated hardware, emergency stops, and requirements for collaborative workspaces where humans and robots interact directly.

AI enhances robotics through machine learning for object recognition, reinforcement learning for skill acquisition, computer vision for environmental understanding, natural language processing for human-robot interaction, and predictive maintenance algorithms. Deep learning enables robots to handle unstructured environments and learn from experience rather than relying solely on pre-programmed behaviors.