end effector

noun

variants or end-effector
ˈend-i-ˈfek-tər How to pronounce end effector (audio)
-ˌtȯr
plural end effectors or end-effectors
: any of various tools that can be mounted at the end of a robotic arm and that are used to interact with or manipulate objects
Performance data on robots, Lau says, usually describe a device's ability to place its end effector at a given point and do so repeatedly at very low speeds.—K. M. Reese

Examples of end effector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Previously, another wrist joint was replaced and both of the arm's end effectors were swapped out for spares. — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 30 June 2026 The robot’s end effector is equipped with a blade that cuts the stem and places it into a storage basket, without handling (and damaging) the fruit. — Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 By replacing its feet with hooked end effectors and employing advanced reinforcement learning techniques, the robot can now ascend ladders at various angles with a 90% success rate. — Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 3 Nov. 2024 The compact wheeled humanoid features 23 degrees of freedom excluding end effectors, with a single-arm payload capacity of 11 pounds (5 kilograms). — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for end effector

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of end effector was in 1968

Rhymes for end effector

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Browse Nearby Words

en dedans
end effector
en dehors
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“End effector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/end%20effector. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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