Glossary - P

P

Parallel manipulator

An articulated robot or manipulator based on a number of kinematic chains, actuators and joints, in parallel. c.f. serial manipulator.

Pendant

Any portable control device that permits an operator to control the robot from within the restricted envelope (space) of the robot.

Phototransistor

A semiconductor device that converts light into electrical current. The amount of current is proportional to the intensity of the light.

Pneumatics

The control of mechanical force and movement, generated by the application of compressed gas. c.f. hydraulics.

Programming

The process of creating a set of instructions that tell a robot how to perform a task.

Prosthetic

Programmable manipulators or devices for missing human limbs.

Pythagorean Theorem

A mathematical formula that relates the lengths of the sides of a right triangle. It states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. The formula is expressed as: a² + b² = c², where 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse, and 'a' and 'b' are the lengths of the other two sides.