Glossary
Robotics terms, explained plainly
Straight, answer-first definitions for the technology, commercial and compliance terms that come up when UK operators evaluate autonomous cleaning and service robots.
Commercial models
Robotics as a Service (RaaS)RaaS is a subscription model where you pay a monthly fee for a robot, its software, support and maintenance, rather than buying the hardware outright.Robot Service LifeService life is the expected number of years a commercial robot can operate reliably before major components need replacing or the unit is retired.Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)TCO is the full cost of running a robot over its working life, including purchase or subscription fees, maintenance, consumables, energy and any staff time involved.Return on Investment (ROI)ROI measures the financial return a robot delivers relative to its cost, typically expressed as savings or added value as a percentage of what was spent.Payback PeriodThe payback period is the length of time it takes for the savings a robot generates to equal what it cost to deploy, after which the robot is running at net gain.Service Level Agreement (SLA)An SLA is a contractual commitment defining the standard of service a supplier guarantees, such as robot uptime, response times and coverage levels.
Core technology
Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)An AMR is a robot that navigates and moves around a space independently, using onboard sensors and mapping software rather than fixed tracks or wires.Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)An AGV is a robot that follows a fixed, pre-defined path — usually marked by tape, wire or magnets — rather than navigating freely around obstacles.LiDAR (LiDAR)LiDAR is a sensor that measures distance by firing laser pulses and timing their reflection, giving a robot a precise 3D picture of its surroundings.Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM)SLAM is the technique that lets a robot build a map of an unfamiliar space while simultaneously working out its own position within that map.Robot MappingMapping is the process of recording a building's layout so a robot can plan routes, avoid obstacles and return to known locations such as its dock.Obstacle AvoidanceObstacle avoidance is a robot's ability to detect people, objects or hazards in its path and stop or re-route around them without human intervention.
Robot types
Autonomous Floor ScrubberAn autonomous floor scrubber is a self-driving cleaning robot that washes, scrubs and dries hard floors without an operator walking or riding it.Commercial Robot VacuumA commercial robot vacuum is a larger, more durable version of a domestic robot vacuum, built to clean carpeted commercial spaces such as offices, hotels and care homes on a repeatable schedule.Autonomous Service RobotAn autonomous service robot is a robot designed to perform a task that directly benefits people or an operation — cleaning, delivery, reception — rather than industrial manufacturing.
Operations
Docking StationA docking station is the fixed point where a robot returns automatically to recharge, and often to refill or empty water and waste tanks.Fleet ManagementFleet management is the software and process for scheduling, monitoring and reporting on multiple robots across one or more sites from a single dashboard.Agency LabourAgency labour refers to temporary staff supplied by a recruitment agency to cover cleaning, portering or other roles, typically at a premium to directly employed staff.Elevator IntegrationElevator integration allows a robot to call, board and exit lifts independently, so it can operate across multiple floors of a building without human help.TeleoperationTeleoperation is the ability for a remote human operator to take manual control of a robot, typically to resolve a situation the robot's automation can't handle alone.Duty CycleDuty cycle is the proportion of time a robot spends actively working versus charging, refilling or idle, and it directly determines how much floor area it can cover per day.GeofencingGeofencing is setting virtual boundaries within a robot's map to keep it inside approved areas or out of restricted zones, without any physical barrier.
Compliance
UKCA Marking (UKCA)UKCA marking is the conformity mark showing that a product meets UK safety, health and environmental regulations for sale in Great Britain.CE Marking (CE)CE marking indicates a product meets EU health, safety and environmental protection standards, and is still relevant to UK buyers importing or comparing robots sold across Europe.Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)A DPIA is a structured assessment of privacy risk carried out before deploying technology, such as a camera-equipped robot, that processes personal data in a way likely to affect individuals.