Glossary · Robotics
Manipulator
Also known as: Robot manipulator
German: Manipulator
In ISO 8373, a manipulator is a machine whose mechanism usually consists of a series of segments, jointed or sliding relative to one another, for gripping or moving objects, usually in several degrees of freedom. It can be controlled by an operator, a programmable controller or a logic system.
- Robotics
- Standards
In one sentence
A manipulator is a mechanism of jointed or sliding segments for gripping or moving objects, controlled by an operator or a controller.
Example
The manipulator of the robot was delivered on a pallet; the controller, cables and teach pendant came in a separate crate.
How it applies
- Engineering: In robot documentation, manipulator means the mechanical unit (arm and wrist, motors and gearboxes) as distinct from the robot controller. An Industrial robot is manipulator plus controller.
- Installation: Manipulators are transported in a defined transport pose with fixtures; lifting uses marked points. Mounting surfaces must take the dynamic forces stated by the manufacturer.
- Documentation: The documentation team should keep manipulator (mechanics) and robot (complete system) apart in manuals and spare parts lists, and describe transport pose, Lifting point positions and foundation loads.
Manipulator vs. robot arm
Manipulator is the standard term and includes non-robot manipulators such as balancers or remote handling devices. Robot arm is the everyday name for the manipulator of a robot.