Introduction to Robotics This or that

4 robotics pairs students always mix up

Revolute or prismatic? Do you know the difference, or just guess?

Lesson notes

Key points

Revolute / Prismatic: A revolute joint rotates about an axis, while a prismatic joint slides along one.
Open loop / Closed loop: Closed loop measures the output and corrects it; open loop just sends commands blindly.
Stepper / Servo motor: A stepper moves in fixed steps without feedback; a servo uses feedback to hold position.
End effector / Manipulator: The manipulator is the arm of links and joints; the end effector is the tool on its tip.

Takeaway: Rotate is revolute, slide is prismatic, feedback means closed loop.

Quick check: A joint that lets a link slide in a straight line is called what?

Revolute joint
Prismatic joint
Spherical joint

Prismatic joints give linear, sliding motion; revolute joints rotate.

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