In the context of robotic arms, what does the term 'articulation' refer to?

The term 'articulation' in the context of robotic arms specifically refers to the range of motion of joints. This illustrates how far each joint in the robotic arm can move and how it contributes to the overall flexibility and capabilities of the robot. A highly articulated robotic arm can reach a wider variety of positions and orientations, making it more versatile for tasks that require precision or complex movements.

This is essential in applications like assembly or delicate handling, where the ability to maneuver in multiple directions is crucial. Articulation is fundamentally about the joints’ configuration and motion rather than the speed of operation, material composition, or power source used in the robot's design. Understanding articulation allows engineers and programmers to design robotic systems that better perform specific tasks based on their movement capabilities.