Reference guide
Robotics industry glossary.
Spectrum Robotics keeps this glossary so operators can read the rest of the site without a robotics background. Each term is explained in plain English, including Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), which is the company that designs and builds the robot. About Spectrum Robotics.
Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)
A robotic platform that navigates independently through a facility using onboard sensors, cameras, and AI powered mapping rather than fixed tracks or wires. AMRs adapt dynamically to changing environments, making them suitable for warehouses, hospitals, and large commercial spaces.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
The company that designs and builds the robot itself. Spectrum Robotics is an authorized integration partner for several OEM partners. The OEM partner builds the hardware. Spectrum Robotics handles the sale, the deployment, the training and the ongoing support.
Service Level Agreement (SLA)
A formal contract between a service provider and client that defines specific performance standards, response times, and uptime commitments. Spectrum Robotics offers SLA options that set out response windows and escalation steps. Support is provided under the terms of the applicable agreement.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
A field of computer science that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, decision making, and obstacle avoidance. Service robots use AI to navigate facilities, detect obstacles, recognize faces, and optimize cleaning paths.
Machine Learning
A subset of artificial intelligence in which systems learn and improve from data without being explicitly programmed for each scenario. Cleaning robots use machine learning to optimize coverage routes over time based on traffic patterns and floor conditions.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
A sensor technology that measures distances by emitting laser pulses and analyzing their reflection. LiDAR is used in autonomous robots to build precise 3D maps of their environment and detect obstacles in real time. Spectrum Robotics supplies robots with 2D and 3D LiDAR from our OEM partners.
Payload Capacity
The maximum weight a robot can carry or handle safely. For delivery robots this refers to the total weight of items the robot can transport per trip. For industrial AMRs, published OEM partner specifications list payload capacities above 1,300 pounds.
Fleet Management
The monitoring, coordination, and optimization of multiple robots operating across one or more locations. Spectrum Robotics provides a fleet management platform that gives enterprise clients real-time visibility into robot status, task completion, uptime, and alerts across all sites.
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
A computational technique robots use to build a map of an unknown environment while simultaneously tracking their own location within it. SLAM enables robots to operate in dynamic spaces without pre-installed infrastructure.
Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS)
A subscription based model where businesses pay a recurring monthly fee for robot access rather than purchasing hardware outright. It lowers the upfront cost and includes maintenance and support. Spectrum Robotics offers Robot as a Service from $799 per month, pending credit approval.
Deployment
The full process of bringing a robot from purchase to active operation in a client facility. A Spectrum Robotics deployment covers the site review, facility mapping, robot setup, connectivity, staff training and go live support. Most deployments take one to two business days, depending on site access. That is an estimate, not a guaranteed date.
Vendor Neutral
A service model where the provider recommends what suits the client rather than what it is tied to selling. Spectrum Robotics carries robots from several OEM partners and recommends the fit for your building, your workflow and your budget.
Site Assessment
A facility walkthrough conducted by a Spectrum Robotics solutions specialist before any robot recommendation is made. The review looks at the floor plan, traffic patterns, connectivity and what you want the robot to do. Book a discovery call to arrange one.
Go-Live
The moment a deployed robot begins active operational service in a client facility. Spectrum Robotics coordinates go-live support including final system checks, staff briefings, and initial performance monitoring to ensure a smooth transition.
NSF Certification
A food safety certification from NSF International that verifies a product meets public health and safety standards. Select OEM partner robots carry NSF certification, making them suitable for deployment in food service and healthcare environments.
ERP / WMS Integration
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Warehouse Management System (WMS) software integration allows robots to communicate with existing business systems, receive task assignments, and report completion data automatically. Spectrum Robotics supports integration planning for enterprise clients.
Autonomous Floor Scrubber
A robotic machine designed to wet scrub and dry hard floor surfaces without human operation. Commercial autonomous floor scrubbers use onboard AI and LiDAR to navigate facility layouts, avoid obstacles, and optimize cleaning coverage. Based on OEM documentation, select models achieve up to 2,200 square meters per hour.
Humanoid Robot
A robot designed with a body structure that resembles the human form, typically featuring two arms and bipedal locomotion. Spectrum Robotics offers humanoid robots from our OEM partners for warehouse and industrial work, including the Dex platform.
Uptime
The percentage of time a robot is operational and available for assigned tasks. Spectrum Robotics enterprise SLA options specify targeted uptime commitments. Uptime is tracked through the Spectrum fleet management platform.
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Book a discovery call with Spectrum Robotics.
Book a discovery call, or browse the catalog. Spectrum Robotics will tell you whether a robot fits, which one, and the starting price, pending credit approval.