In robotics, what is the primary use of a teach pendant?

The primary use of a teach pendant in robotics is to program robot movements. A teach pendant is a handheld device that allows an operator or programmer to directly interact with the robotic system. By utilizing the pendant, users can manually control the robot to demonstrate specific tasks or movements, which the robot can then replicate during automated operations.

This programming capability is fundamental because it enables precise control over the robot's behavior in tasks ranging from simple pick-and-place operations to complex assembly processes. The teach pendant allows for immediate adjustments and fine-tuning of the robot's paths and actions, ensuring that the programming fits the specific needs of the application. Furthermore, it often includes features such as jog functions that let users guide the robot through movements step-by-step, facilitating efficient programming.

While monitoring system performance, troubleshooting errors, and measuring voltage are important tasks in maintaining and optimizing robotic systems, they do not represent the primary purpose of a teach pendant. Instead, those actions are typically performed using other tools or systems specifically designed for diagnostics and performance analysis.