End effector

Tools

The end effector of an assembly-line robot would typically be a welding head, or a paint spray gun. A surgical robot's end effector could be a scalpel or other tool used in surgery. Other possible end effectors might be machine tools such as a drill or milling cutters. The end effector on the Space Shuttle's robotic arm uses a pattern of wires which close like the aperture of a camera around a handle or other grasping point.