What connects to a robot's arm and acts like its hand?

• A. End effector
• B. Gripper
• C. Controller
• D. Actuator

Answer: (A)

The function at the end of a robotic arm that interacts with objects is the end effector. It’s the tool that acts like the robot’s hand, doing the actual work in the environment. End effectors can take many forms—grippers, suction cups, welders, drills, sensors—depending on the task. A gripper is a common type of end effector, but the broader term is end effector because it covers any tool mounted at the arm’s end. The controller is the computer or electronics that manage movement, and an actuator provides the motion, but neither is the hand-like interface itself.