Month: June 2021

While robots do not look all that much like human beings yet, using anatomical names for robotics parts makes it easier to understand how they function. Using a nomenclature with comparable parts of the human body helps make it clear just what the robotic part does. One such example is robot wrists, a part that functions remarkably similar in function if not quite in look to the human wrist.

The Robotic Wrist in Action

Robotic wrists normally connect the robotic arm to an end effector, usually a gripper that holds whatever object or tool the robot is using and manipulating. In some cases, with robots that have a fixed function, the wrist simply connects the arm to the robot’s tool itself.

While the robotic arm’s function is to move those objects and tools from one place to another, the robotic wrist’s function is to properly aim those tools and objects for the work the robot is doing, usually by rotating, twisting, or angling up and down on a hinge, or all of the above. Unlike the larger joints of the arm, the robotic wrist normally has two or three smaller, compact joints, making this robotic part a smaller one in most cases.

Things to Consider About Robot Wrist Functionality

• The weight it will need to bear – to be sure the robotic wrist as well as the rest of the body can properly handle all the jobs it will need to perform.
• How many joints does it need and which types – it is important to consider along what axes the robot wrist will need to move, how precise it will need to position the tools and objects the robot is working with, and if it needs to rotate, move horizontally, move vertically, or all three.
• Compatibility – the robot wrist will need to be compatible with the arm and the grip, if there is one, or the tool serving as the end effector. A company buying all of its manipulator parts from one place or using the same brand and model is a good idea, but regardless, it is important to verify compatibility, and make sure things can be fitted and connected correctly. Finally, it is also important to be sure the robotic wrist and its functionality is compatible with the job at hand.

The last thing any business needs is to be implicated in transactions of questionable ethical and legal standing. In an increasingly global and virtual business world, the importance of integrating PEP and sanction checks when conducting transactions has never been higher. Doing so helps to ensure a business has no legal or political blowback for conducting business with someone whom they prefer not to associate.

PEP and Sanction Checks Explained

Conducting PEP and sanction checks on customers help companies avoid running afoul of local, national, or international laws preventing certain types of transactions by certain people. Among the importance of these laws are the desire to avoid conflicts of interest by public officials, prevent money laundering, or prevent bad or violent actors from participating in business.

The types of lists that may be important to check and cross reference before engaging in business with an individual include:

• Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) – those with a public or government function that may have conflicts of interest
• Government Sanction Lists – includes people who have been sanctioned or prevented from participating in some forms of businesses by one or more governments
• Anti-Terrorism Lists – includes those not allowed to engage in certain activities due to suspected involvement in terrorist activities
• CIA Lists – includes important world leaders and political actors around the world
• Sanction Lists – produced by governments around the world as well as international organizations like the United Nations and include illegal actors ranging form individuals to organizations, businesses, and governments. These may include individuals or entities involved in human rights violations, money laundering, drug trafficking, illegal weapons sales, and international financial crimes such as fraud or contract violations.

Implementing PEP checks and sanctions checks ensure a business does not engage with any of these bad actors. They are also a requirement of Anti-Money Laundering or AML and Customer Due Diligence or CDD regulations. All companies should be sure to run checks for PEP and other sanctions whenever onboarding new customers as well as routinely reviewing them for the presence of any clients. An automated PEP and sanction screening process via software or databases makes this process easier, faster, and automatic, assuring that a business is in compliance with all AML and CDD requirements.