TS ISO 8373

TS ISO 8373 is a terminology standard for manipulating industrial robots and the core terms used to describe them. In practice, this kind of standard supports clear technical communication across design, procurement, integration, maintenance, and documentation by making sure the same words are used with the same meaning.

Why the terms are defined separately

In robotics, closely related words such as “robot,” “robotic device,” “manipulator,” and “end-effector” do not mean exactly the same thing. An industrial robot is typically considered in terms of its axes of motion, programmability, and task cycle, while manipulation refers to functions such as gripping, moving, positioning, or orienting an object. A terminology standard does not merely list names; it sets the boundaries of concepts so that engineering communication becomes more precise.

The general technical field covered by this standard

The standard covers definitions of terms related to manipulating industrial robots used in manufacturing. That helps readers understand not only the robot arm itself, but also the wider conceptual framework surrounding a robotic system. In robotics, terminology often overlaps with automation, control systems, and peripheral equipment; this standard focuses on naming and meaning consistency rather than on performance requirements or test methods. It is useful as a common reference point for technical writing, training, and system specification.

This listing is a vocabulary standard, not a method or test standard. Its role is to align technical language so that engineers, manufacturers, and users interpret robot-related concepts consistently across documents and contexts.