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Interpret measurements and demonstrations

Checked 2026-11-01

Use this page to interpret an experiment. Videos show individual recordings, not an accuracy specification for every arm or a result automatically reproduced by installing a supplied profile.

Distinguish the measurements

Measurement Question it answers
Repeatability How close are positions when the same operation is repeated?
Absolute accuracy How close is the physical position to the commanded physical target?
Tracking error How far is measured position from the current planned reference?
Destination error How far is the motor from the command’s final destination, including during travel?
Mechanical deflection/backlash How do load and mechanics change link and endpoint positions?

Matching encoder counts does not directly measure tool position in space. One successful return does not characterize the complete workspace.

Repeatability and accuracy

Repeated returns measured with an indicator:

Play video: Repeatability: Repeated Returns

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This recording illustrates repeatability in one experiment. Record payload, mounting, approach direction, repeat count and measurement method when comparing results.

A conceptual explanation of spread and offset from the target:

Play video: Repeatability vs Absolute Positioning Accuracy

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This animation explains concepts; it is not a measured hardware dataset.

Oscillation and before/after recordings

An example of oscillation during stock-firmware PID tuning:

Play video: Stock Firmware: PID Tuning and Oscillation

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In some recorded tests, lower position error was accompanied by oscillation. This motivates checking overshoot, longer holds, load and saturation as well as static error; it does not establish universal factory-firmware behavior.

Combined comparison recording:

Play video: SO-101 and SO-102: Before and After

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SO-101: original behavior followed by the changed setup:

Play video: SO-101: Before and After

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SO-102: original behavior followed by the changed setup:

Play video: SO-102: Before and After

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Approximate displayed values describe those demonstrations. Current profiles do not necessarily reproduce historical recordings: the current SO-102 profile differs from an earlier replay in M1 D, M6 P and ramp time. Reproducible comparison requires the profile, calibration, model, payload and recording versions.

Coordinated movement and mechanics

A recording of coordinated movement:

Play video: SO-101: Complete Coordinated Movement

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Each servo plans its own profile. Group targets and distance-scaled speeds assist coordination but do not guarantee a common arrival time.

Gearbox backlash and frame flex:

Play video: Mechanical Limits: Backlash and Frame Flex

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Control tuning does not eliminate mechanical backlash or structural compliance. Record experimental conditions and distinguish motor error from endpoint position. Use tuning validation to accept settings and the viewer to inspect counts and references.


Documentation home · Source revision: a995f77. Extension 9.0.