What are degrees of freedom in the context of robotics?

In the context of robotics, degrees of freedom refer to the number of independent movements that a robot can make. Each degree of freedom corresponds to a specific way that a robot can move or control its end effectors. Typically, in robotics, these movements include translations and rotations around various axes.

For example, a robotic arm that can move up and down, extend and retract, and rotate at the joints has multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to reach various positions and orientations. This capability is essential for tasks such as assembly, manipulation, or navigation in varied environments.

Robots with a higher number of degrees of freedom can perform more complex tasks, as they can navigate obstacles and interact with their surroundings in a more versatile way. The concept of degrees of freedom is central to understanding a robot's kinematics, the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it.