Input devices are used to get data into a system. The ideal input Input devices are used to get data into a system. The ideal input devices would be able to get data into a system as accurately as devices would be able to get data into a system as accurately as possible, in the least amount of time ands preferably without possible, in the least amount of time ands preferably without human intervention. The device would also be relatively cheap. human intervention. The device would also be relatively cheap. Unfortunately, no perfect input device is available and the choice Unfortunately, no perfect input device is available and the choice is always a compromise. The fastest input devices are suitable is always a compromise. The fastest input devices are suitable only for a narrow range of applications. Here are some of the main only for a narrow range of applications. Here are some of the main input devices in use todayinput devices in use today..

1. KEYBOARD

2. MOUSE

3. JOYSTICK

4. LIGHTPEN

5. TOUCH SCREEN

6. GRAPHICS TABLETS (DIGITISERS)

7. MAGNETIC STRIPE READER

8. BARCODE READERS

9. OPTICAL CHARACTER READER (OCR)

10. MAGNETIC INK CHARACTER READER (MICR)

11. OPTICAL MARK READER (OMR)

12. MICROPHONE

13. ELECTRONIC POINT OF SALE (EPOS)

14. ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER AT POINT OF SALE (EFTPOS)

15. SCANNER

16. DIGITAL CAMERA

17. WEBCAM

The keyboard is the oldest and most familiar of all input devices. Keyboards are The keyboard is the oldest and most familiar of all input devices. Keyboards are intelligent devices and contain their own chips. Basically each key acts as a switch which intelligent devices and contain their own chips. Basically each key acts as a switch which closes when the key is pressed. The microprocessor scans the keyboard hundreds of closes when the key is pressed. The microprocessor scans the keyboard hundreds of times a second to see if a key has been pressed; if it has, a code that depends on which times a second to see if a key has been pressed; if it has, a code that depends on which key has been pressed is sent to the processing unit. The CPU translates this code into key has been pressed is sent to the processing unit. The CPU translates this code into an ASCII code (the code that computers use to represent characters on the computer an ASCII code (the code that computers use to represent characters on the computer keyboard), which is then used by the computer program. A standard keyboard is called a keyboard), which is then used by the computer program. A standard keyboard is called a QWERTY keyboard because of the arrangement of the letters of the top row of the QWERTY keyboard because of the arrangement of the letters of the top row of the alphabet key.alphabet key.

Enhanced / Extended Keyboard

Ergonomic Keyboard

Enhanced or Extended keyboard – Typically 101 keys laid out in the QWERTY fashion; connected to the computer by a cable

Cordless keyboard – Uses infrared or radio wave signals

Ergonomic keyboard – Designed to help prevent cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) or damage to nerve tissues in the wrist and hand due to repeated motion

Enhanced / Extended Keyboard

Ergonomic Keyboard

A mouse is an input device that translates its movements on the A mouse is an input device that translates its movements on the desktop into digital information; this is feed to the computer which desktop into digital information; this is feed to the computer which in turn causes the cursor to move on the screen. Underneath the in turn causes the cursor to move on the screen. Underneath the mouse is a ball which rotates as the mouse is moved on the desk, mouse is a ball which rotates as the mouse is moved on the desk, and sensors pick up this movement. Mice usually have one, two or and sensors pick up this movement. Mice usually have one, two or three buttons, used which are to make selection on the screen three buttons, used which are to make selection on the screen

To see types of mouse's click here

Types of Mice

Wheel Mouse

Cordless Mouse

Wheel mouse – Contains a rotating wheel used to scroll vertically within a text document; connects to PS/2 port or USB port

Cordless mouse – Uses infrared signals to connect to the computer’s IrDA port; it must be within sight of the receiving port

Mouse buttons enable the user to initiate actions.Mouse buttons enable the user to initiate actions.

ClickingClicking (left-, right-, or double-clicking) allows the user (left-, right-, or double-clicking) allows the user

to select an item on the screen or open a program or dialog boxto select an item on the screen or open a program or dialog box

Click and dragClick and drag – Holding down the left mouse button and moving – Holding down the left mouse button and moving

the mouse enables the user to move objects on the screenthe mouse enables the user to move objects on the screen

1.1. TRACKER BALLTRACKER BALL

2.2. TOUCH BADTOUCH BAD

3.3. 2 button mouse2 button mouse

4.4. scrolling 2 button mousescrolling 2 button mouse

5.5. 3 button mouse3 button mouse

6.6. numeric keypad and mousenumeric keypad and mouse

•A joystick or control stick Is a personal computer peripheral or general control

device consisting of a handheld stick that pivots about one end and

transmits its angle in two or three dimensions to a computer.

•Joysticks are often used to control video games, and usually have one or

more push-buttons whose state can also be read by the computer. The

term joystick has become a synonym for game controllers that can be

connected to the computer since the computer defines the input as a

"joystick input."•Apart from controlling games,

joysticks are also used for controlling machines such as aircraft, cranes,

trucks, powered wheelchairs and some zero turning radius lawn

mowers. More recently miniature joysticks have been adopted as navigational devices for smaller

electronic equipment such as mobile phones.

Joystick elements: 1. Stick 2. Base 3. Joystick elements: 1. Stick 2. Base 3. Trigger 4. Extra buttons 5. Autofire switch 6. Trigger 4. Extra buttons 5. Autofire switch 6. Throttle 7. Hat SwitchThrottle 7. Hat Switch ( (POV Hat) 8. Suction POV Hat) 8. Suction CupCup

A light Pen is a computer input device in the form of a light-sensitive wand used in conjunction with the computer's CRT

monitor .

It allows the user to point to displayed objects, or draw on the screen, in a similar way to a touch screen but with greater

positional accuracy.

A light pen can work with any CRT-based screens, but not with LCD monitor, projectors and other display device.

A light pen is fairly simple to implement

The light pen works by sensing the sudden small change in brightness of a point on the screen when the electron gun

refreshes that spot. By noting exactly where the scanning has reached at that moment.

A type of display screen that has a touch sensitive transparent panel covering the screen. Instead of using a

pointing device such as a light pen or mouse, you can use your finger to point directly to object on the screen.Although touch screen provide a natural interface with for

computers novices, they are unsatisfactory for most application because the finger is such a relatively large

object. It is impossible to point accurately to small areas of the screen. In addition, most users find touch screens

tiring to the arms after long use.

A graphics tablet (or digitizing tablet, graphics pad, drawing tablet is a computer input device that allows one to hand-draw images and graphics, similar to the way one draws images with a pencil and paper.

A graphics tablet consists of a flat surface upon which the user may "draw" an image using an attached stylus, a pen-like drawing apparatus. The image generally does not appear on the tablet itself but, rather, is displayed on the computer monitor

A A magnetic stripe cardmagnetic stripe card is a type is a type of card capable of storing data by of card capable of storing data by modifying the magnetism of tiny modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based magnetic particles on a iron-based magnetic particles on a band of magnetic material on the band of magnetic material on the card. The magnetic stripe, card. The magnetic stripe, sometimes called a sometimes called a magstripemagstripe, is , is read by physical contact and read by physical contact and swiping past a reading head. swiping past a reading head. Magnetic stripe cards are Magnetic stripe cards are commonly used in credit cards, commonly used in credit cards, identity cards, and transportation identity cards, and transportation tickets. They may also contain an tickets. They may also contain an RFID tag, a transponder device RFID tag, a transponder device and/or a microchip mostly used for and/or a microchip mostly used for business premises access control business premises access control

or electronic paymentor electronic payment . .

A A barcode readerbarcode reader (or (or barcode scannerbarcode scanner) is an ) is an electronic device for reading electronic device for reading printed barcodes. Like a printed barcodes. Like a flatbed scanner, it consists of flatbed scanner, it consists of a light source, a lens and a a light source, a lens and a photo conductor translating photo conductor translating optical impulses into electrical optical impulses into electrical ones. Additionally, nearly all ones. Additionally, nearly all barcode readers contain barcode readers contain decoder circuitry analyzing decoder circuitry analyzing the barcode's image data the barcode's image data provided by the photo provided by the photo conductor and sending the conductor and sending the barcode's content to the barcode's content to the

scanner's output portscanner's output port . .

OCR Short for Optical Character Recognition or Optical Character Reader, OCR Short for Optical Character Recognition or Optical Character Reader, OCR is the process where images of letters can be entered into the computer OCR is the process where images of letters can be entered into the computer as data using a scanner or other hardware device. OCR is far from perfect, as data using a scanner or other hardware device. OCR is far from perfect, but is currently the best method of digitizing typed pages of text. Some but is currently the best method of digitizing typed pages of text. Some computer fax applications also use OCR to transform incoming faxes from computer fax applications also use OCR to transform incoming faxes from

graphics files into word processing documentsgraphics files into word processing documents . .

Some examples of how an OCR may be used would be a company that has Some examples of how an OCR may be used would be a company that has hard copies of manuals or other company information and wanting to convert hard copies of manuals or other company information and wanting to convert them into data that can be easily accessed and stored. Another example is them into data that can be easily accessed and stored. Another example is companies and libraries taking copies of books, magazines, or other old companies and libraries taking copies of books, magazines, or other old printed material and using an OCR to scan it into computersprinted material and using an OCR to scan it into computers..

What is MICRWhat is MICR??Why Magnetic InkWhy Magnetic Ink??

What is MICR? It’s those mysterious, funny characters at the bottom of a check, sometimes referredWhat is MICR? It’s those mysterious, funny characters at the bottom of a check, sometimes referredto as the MICR line. These characters are the key by which all checks are automatically processedto as the MICR line. These characters are the key by which all checks are automatically processedin the United States today. This automated process is based on a technology called Magnetic Inkin the United States today. This automated process is based on a technology called Magnetic InkCharacter Recognition or MICR. As the name indicates, this technology uses magnetic reading toCharacter Recognition or MICR. As the name indicates, this technology uses magnetic reading toidentify these unique numbers and characters. Currently, the United States processes over 65 billionidentify these unique numbers and characters. Currently, the United States processes over 65 billionchecks and other financial documents per year based on the details of this MICR linechecks and other financial documents per year based on the details of this MICR line..

MICR technology was developed in the mid-1950s to address the volume of checks that were beingMICR technology was developed in the mid-1950s to address the volume of checks that were beingprocessed manually. The goal was to accelerate the check routing process to route the check backprocessed manually. The goal was to accelerate the check routing process to route the check backto the location where the funds exist and to settle the transfer of funds as soon as possibleto the location where the funds exist and to settle the transfer of funds as soon as possible..

To address this problem, a group of individuals from the American Bankers Association andTo address this problem, a group of individuals from the American Bankers Association andStanford University developed a set of 14 unique characters called E13B MICR fonts. These fontsStanford University developed a set of 14 unique characters called E13B MICR fonts. These fontsare printed with magnetic ink or toner that when magnetized, will emit a magnetic signal thatare printed with magnetic ink or toner that when magnetized, will emit a magnetic signal thatidentifies each unique character. What do the characters mean? The digits 0-9 are self-explanatoryidentifies each unique character. What do the characters mean? The digits 0-9 are self-explanatory..However, the E138 fonts have four special symbols with the following meaningsHowever, the E138 fonts have four special symbols with the following meanings::

Optical Mark Reader/Recognition is a reader that detects marks in a certain Optical Mark Reader/Recognition is a reader that detects marks in a certain position on a piece of paper. In this method, special printed forms are position on a piece of paper. In this method, special printed forms are designed with boxes which can be marked with a dark pencil or ink. Each box designed with boxes which can be marked with a dark pencil or ink. Each box is annotated distinctly so that the user clearly understands what response is annotated distinctly so that the user clearly understands what response he/she markinghe/she marking..

Such a document is read by a document reader which transcribes the marks Such a document is read by a document reader which transcribes the marks into electrical pulses. These pulses are then transmitted to the computerinto electrical pulses. These pulses are then transmitted to the computer . .

These types of documents are applicable in areas where responses are one These types of documents are applicable in areas where responses are one out of a small number of alternativesout of a small number of alternatives..

The OMR is a powerful tool that has many features. If you are using casstat The OMR is a powerful tool that has many features. If you are using casstat (grading tests), the OMR will print the number of correct answers and the (grading tests), the OMR will print the number of correct answers and the percentage of correct answers at the bottom of each test. It will also record percentage of correct answers at the bottom of each test. It will also record statistical data about each question. This data is recorded in the output file statistical data about each question. This data is recorded in the output file

created when the forms are scannedcreated when the forms are scanned . .

A microphoneA microphone, sometimes referred to as a , sometimes referred to as a mikemike or or micmic (both (both pronounced /ˈmaɪk/), is an acoustic to electric transducer or sensor pronounced /ˈmaɪk/), is an acoustic to electric transducer or sensor

that converts sound into an electrical signal that converts sound into an electrical signal . .

Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones, Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones, tape recorders, hearing aids, motion picture production, live and tape recorders, hearing aids, motion picture production, live and recorded audio engineering, in radio and television broadcasting recorded audio engineering, in radio and television broadcasting and in computers for recording voice, VoIP, and for non-acoustic and in computers for recording voice, VoIP, and for non-acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic checkingpurposes such as ultrasonic checking..

Point of sale or point of service (POS or PoS) can mean a Point of sale or point of service (POS or PoS) can mean a retail shop, a checkout counter in a shop, or the location retail shop, a checkout counter in a shop, or the location where a transaction occurs. More specifically, the point of where a transaction occurs. More specifically, the point of sale often refers to the hardware and software used for sale often refers to the hardware and software used for checkouts -- the equivalent of an electronic cash register. checkouts -- the equivalent of an electronic cash register. Point of sale systems are used in supermarkets, Point of sale systems are used in supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, stadiums, and casinos, as well as restaurants, hotels, stadiums, and casinos, as well as almost any type of retail establishmentalmost any type of retail establishment

EFTPOS is an electronic payment method which involves goods or EFTPOS is an electronic payment method which involves goods or services being paid for at the point of sale. The transaction may be services being paid for at the point of sale. The transaction may be initiated either by the EFTPOS card (Credit/Debit card) being swiped initiated either by the EFTPOS card (Credit/Debit card) being swiped through a card reading device prior to the authorization of the through a card reading device prior to the authorization of the transaction by means of PIN number being inputted via a hand held transaction by means of PIN number being inputted via a hand held pad by the customer or the cards swipe being followed by the pad by the customer or the cards swipe being followed by the

customer signing a paper vouchercustomer signing a paper voucher..

In computing, a In computing, a scannerscanner is a device that analyzes images, printed text, or handwriting, or an object is a device that analyzes images, printed text, or handwriting, or an object (such as an ornament) and converts it to a digital image. Most scanners today are variations of the (such as an ornament) and converts it to a digital image. Most scanners today are variations of the desktop (or flatbed) scanner. The flatbed scanner is the most common in offices. Hand-held desktop (or flatbed) scanner. The flatbed scanner is the most common in offices. Hand-held scanners, where the device is moved by hand, were briefly popular but are now not used due to the scanners, where the device is moved by hand, were briefly popular but are now not used due to the difficulty of obtaining a high-quality image. Both these types of scanners use charge-coupled device difficulty of obtaining a high-quality image. Both these types of scanners use charge-coupled device (CCD) or Contact Image Sensor (CIS) as the image sensor, whereas older drum scanners use a (CCD) or Contact Image Sensor (CIS) as the image sensor, whereas older drum scanners use a photomultiplier tube as the image sensorphotomultiplier tube as the image sensor..

Another category of scanner is a rotary scanner, used for high-speed document scanning. This is Another category of scanner is a rotary scanner, used for high-speed document scanning. This is another kind of drum scanner, but it uses a CCD array instead of a photomultiplieranother kind of drum scanner, but it uses a CCD array instead of a photomultiplier..

Other types of scanners are planetary scanners, which take photographs of books and documents, Other types of scanners are planetary scanners, which take photographs of books and documents, and 3D scanners, for producing three-dimensional models of objects, but these types of scanner and 3D scanners, for producing three-dimensional models of objects, but these types of scanner are considerably more expensive than other types of scannersare considerably more expensive than other types of scanners..

Another category of scanner are digital camera scanners, which are based on the concept of Another category of scanner are digital camera scanners, which are based on the concept of reprographic cameras. Due to increasing resolution and new features such as anti-shake, digital reprographic cameras. Due to increasing resolution and new features such as anti-shake, digital cameras have become an attractive alternative to regular scanners. While still containing cameras have become an attractive alternative to regular scanners. While still containing disadvantages compared to traditional scanners, digital cameras offer unmatched advantages in disadvantages compared to traditional scanners, digital cameras offer unmatched advantages in speed and portabilityspeed and portability

digital camera is a camera that takes video or still photographs, or both, digitally by digital camera is a camera that takes video or still photographs, or both, digitally by recording images on a light-sensitive sensorrecording images on a light-sensitive sensor..

Many compact digital still cameras can record sound and moving video as well as still Many compact digital still cameras can record sound and moving video as well as still photographs. In the Western market, digital cameras outsell their 35 mm film counterpartsphotographs. In the Western market, digital cameras outsell their 35 mm film counterparts..

Digital cameras can include features that are not found in film cameras, such as displaying Digital cameras can include features that are not found in film cameras, such as displaying an image on the camera's screen immediately after it is recorded, the capacity to take an image on the camera's screen immediately after it is recorded, the capacity to take thousands of images on a single small memory device, the ability to record video with thousands of images on a single small memory device, the ability to record video with sound, the ability to edit images, and deletion of images allowing re-use of the storage they sound, the ability to edit images, and deletion of images allowing re-use of the storage they occupied. Digital cameras are incorporated into many devices ranging from PDAs and occupied. Digital cameras are incorporated into many devices ranging from PDAs and mobile phones (called camera phones to vehicles. The Hubble Space Telescope and other mobile phones (called camera phones to vehicles. The Hubble Space Telescope and other astronomical devices are essentially specialised digital camerasastronomical devices are essentially specialised digital cameras..

Webcams are small cameras, (usually, though not always, Webcams are small cameras, (usually, though not always, video cameras) whose images can be accessed using the video cameras) whose images can be accessed using the World Wide Web, instant messaging, or a PC video World Wide Web, instant messaging, or a PC video conferencing application. The term webcam is also used to conferencing application. The term webcam is also used to describe the low-resolution digital video cameras designed for describe the low-resolution digital video cameras designed for such purposes, but which can also be used to record in a non-such purposes, but which can also be used to record in a non-real-time fashionreal-time fashion..

Web-accessible cameras involve a digital camera which Web-accessible cameras involve a digital camera which uploads images to a web server, either continuously or at uploads images to a web server, either continuously or at regular intervals. This may be achieved by a camera attached regular intervals. This may be achieved by a camera attached to a PC, or by dedicated hardware. Videoconferencing cameras to a PC, or by dedicated hardware. Videoconferencing cameras typically take the form of a small camera connected directly to a typically take the form of a small camera connected directly to a PC. Analog cameras are also sometimes used (often of the sort PC. Analog cameras are also sometimes used (often of the sort used for closed-circuit television), connected to a video capture used for closed-circuit television), connected to a video capture card and then directly or indirectly to the internetcard and then directly or indirectly to the internet

1. Printer

2. Visual Display Units

3. Graph plotters

4. Speakers

5. Arm robot

Click here to Types of printers

A computer printer, or more commonly a printer, produces a hard copy (permanent human-readable text and/or graphics) of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies. Many printers are primarily used as local computer peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable to a computer which serves as a document source. Some printers, commonly known as network printers, have built-in network interfaces (typically wireless or Ethernet), and can serve as a hardcopy device for any user on the network. Individual printers are often designed to support both local and network connected users at the same time.

1. Laser printer

2. Inkjet printers

3. Dot-matrix printer

A laser printer is a common type of computer printer that rapidly produces high quality text and graphics on plain paper. Like photocopiers, laser printers employ a xerographic printing process but differ from analog photocopiers in that the image is produced by the direct scanning of a laser beam across the printer's photoreceptor

Disadvantages: Non-color laser printers are more expensive than ink-jet printers (but the difference is narrowing). Color laser printers are considerably more expensive. (but their speed and high quality output means they are becoming more popular).

Advantages: They are quiet and fast and produce high quality printouts. Running cost are low because although toner cartridges are expensive to replace, they last a long time.

A laser printer is a common type of computer printer that rapidly produces high quality text and graphics on plain paper. Like photocopiers, laser printers employ a xerographic printing process but differ from analog photocopiers in that the image is produced by the direct scanning of a laser beam across the printer's photoreceptor

Disadvantages: Non-color laser printers are more expensive than ink-jet printers (but the difference is narrowing). Color laser printers are considerably more expensive. (but their speed and high quality output means they are becoming more popular).

Advantages: They are quiet and fast and produce high quality printouts. Running cost are low because although toner cartridges are expensive to replace, they last a long time.

How it works: The print head contains tiny nozzles through which different coloured inks can be sprayed onto the paper to form the characters or the graphic

images .The ink is forced out by heat or by tiny piezoelectric crystals which change shape when an electric current is applied across them.

Disadvantages: The ink cartridges can be expensive so running costs can be high. The printing speed is slow compared to a laser

printer .Advantages: These printers are relatively inexpensive and produce high quality black and

white or colour printing .

How it works :This has a print head that

travels across the paper .The head has a set of pins which are pushed out to form the shape of each character

The pins hit an ink ribbon against the paper as the print

head moves along .An animation showing how head of a 21 pin dot-matrix printer moves across the paper, firing the pins that strike the ink against the paper.

Disadvantages:The printing quality is low - these printers produce low to medium quality black and white printing and can only print

low resolution graphics .Because of the impact of the pins against the paper, these printers can be quite

noisy .Advantages:

The purchase cost is low and the running costs are very low .

They can print fairly quickly, particularly if you remember that multiple copies are

being printed in one print run .They are robust and can operate in harsh

environments .If several sheets of self-carbonating paper are placed into the printer then the impact

will produce multiple copies.

A monitor is a peripheral device which displays computer output on a screen.

Screen output is referred to as soft copy.

Types of monitors:Cathode-ray tube (CRT)

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD or flat-panel)

Resemble televisions Use picture tube technologyLess expensive than a LCD monitorTake up more desk space and use more energy than LCD monitors

Cells sandwiched between two transparent layers form images

Used for notebook computers, PDAs, cellular phones, and personal computers

More expensive than a CRT monitor

Take up less desk space and use less energy than CRT monitors

Types of LCD monitors:

Passive-matrix LCD

Active-matrix LCD

Gas plasma display

Field emission display

Screen size – The diagonal measurement of the screen surface in inches (15, 17, 19, 21)

Resolution – The sharpness of the image determined by the number of horizontal and vertical dots (pixels) that the screen can display (800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 1600 x 1200)

Refresh rate – The speed at which the screen is redrawn (refreshed) and measured in Hertz (Hz) (60Hz, 75Hz)

the flat-bed plotter uses high precision motors  to draw on paper with colored ink pens. The motors move an arm across the paper in the ‘x’ direction and a pen unit up and down the arm in the ‘y’ direction. An electromagnet lifts and drops the pen onto the paper.

Plotters are often used in science and engineering applications for drawing building plans, printed circuit boards and machine parts. They are fast and accurate but relatively expensive compared to printers. They can produce far larger printouts than standard printers, up to the size of a small room.

Braille printer - by converting text into the Braille code, this printer produces patterns of raised dots on paper for use by the blind.

Computer speakersComputer speakers, or , or multimedia speakersmultimedia speakers, are external speakers, commonly , are external speakers, commonly equipped with a low-power internal amplifier. The standard audio connection is a 3.5mm equipped with a low-power internal amplifier. The standard audio connection is a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) stereo jack plug often color-coded lime green (following the PC 99 standard) (1/8 inch) stereo jack plug often color-coded lime green (following the PC 99 standard) for computer sound cards. A few use an RCA connector for input. There are also USB for computer sound cards. A few use an RCA connector for input. There are also USB speakers which are powered from the 5 volts at 200 milliamps provided by the USB port, speakers which are powered from the 5 volts at 200 milliamps provided by the USB port, allowing about 1-watt of output power.allowing about 1-watt of output power.

A A arm robotarm robot is a robot manipulator, usually programmable, with similar functions to a is a robot manipulator, usually programmable, with similar functions to a human arm. The links of such a manipulator are connected by joints allowing either human arm. The links of such a manipulator are connected by joints allowing either rotational motion (such as in an articulated robot) or translational (linear) displacement. rotational motion (such as in an articulated robot) or translational (linear) displacement. [The business end of the kinematic chain of the manipulator is called the end effector [The business end of the kinematic chain of the manipulator is called the end effector and it is analogous to the human hand. The end effector can be designed to perform any and it is analogous to the human hand. The end effector can be designed to perform any desired task such as welding, gripping, spinning etc., depending on the application. For desired task such as welding, gripping, spinning etc., depending on the application. For example robot arms in automotive assembly lines perform a variety of tasks such as example robot arms in automotive assembly lines perform a variety of tasks such as welding and parts rotation and placement during assembly. welding and parts rotation and placement during assembly.