What is the function of the wrist assembly in robotics?

• A. To orient the end effector attached to it.
• B. To supply power to the gripper.
• C. To measure distance to objects.
• D. To regulate joint temperature.

Answer: (A)

The wrist assembly is what gives the end effector its orientation. After the arm has moved to the general position, the wrist provides the rotational degrees of freedom (pitch, yaw, and sometimes roll) to angle the tool or gripper precisely toward the target. This separation lets you control where the tool is pointing independently from where the arm is located, which is essential for tasks like grasping irregularly oriented parts, welding at specific angles, or inserting a pin.

Powering the gripper, sensing distance to objects, and regulating joint temperature are handled by other subsystems or sensors, not by the wrist’s main function.