What is the function of the wrist assembly in a robot manipulator?

• A. The wrist assembly positions objects.
• B. The wrist assembly provides power to the robot.
• C. The wrist assembly is responsible for orientation of objects.
• D. The wrist assembly senses temperature.

Answer: (C)

The wrist assembly is where the end effector’s attitude is controlled, enabling rotation about multiple axes to align the tool or gripper with the object in 3D space. In a robot arm, the shoulder and elbow position the arm to the correct location, but the wrist adds the fine control needed to orient the gripper so that it can grasp, insert, or interact with the object at the right angle. This orientation capability is what makes the wrist the key function for positioning orientation rather than simply moving the arm to a location or supplying power. Temperature sensing and power delivery are not the wrist’s primary roles; those involve separate sensors and drive systems.