Glossary · Robotics
Payload
Also known as: Rated load, Handling capacity
German: Traglast
In robotics, payload is the load a robot can carry at its mechanical interface under specified speed and acceleration, including the end effector and the workpiece. Manufacturers state a rated payload together with limits on center of gravity offset and moments of inertia.
- Robotics
In one sentence
Payload is the load a robot can carry at its flange, including tool and workpiece, within stated center-of-gravity and inertia limits.
Example
With a 12 kg gripper and a 6 kg part, the 20 kg robot is near its payload limit, so the part's center of gravity was checked against the load diagram.
How it applies
- Engineering: Rated payload depends on distance of the load's Center of gravity from the flange; the manufacturer's load diagram shows the permitted combinations. Exceeding them shortens gearbox life and degrades accuracy.
- Commissioning: Load data (mass, center of gravity, inertia) is entered in the controller for each tool and part state. Wrong data affects dynamics, path accuracy and Collision detection.
- Documentation: The documentation team should state payload with its conditions, not as a bare number, and explain where load data is set and when it must be updated, for example after a gripper modification.
Payload vs. robot mass
Payload is what the robot carries at the flange; robot mass is what the mounting surface carries. Additional loads on the arm (for example valves on the upper arm) are specified separately.