Grinding gears: Components and sensors that make robots work

There’s beauty on the inside and outside of robots. While the outer shell of shiny, sleek metal might draw in the eyes, it’s the inner technological workings that really make these incredibly complex automation tools work.

Every robot comprises a great deal of components. From batteries and power systems, to sensors and cameras, controllers and processors and everything in between, each piece of a robot performs a critical function. 

Let’s dive into the “guts” of these machines by popping the theoretical hood and taking a look at what makes robots work from the inside out. 

We’ve seen countless innovations in these technologies in 2025. As developers, designers and engineers continue to refine, revamp and overhaul the robotic components landscape, the next level of physical automation will undoubtedly follow suit. 

In this Special Focus Issue, we’ll explore the different components that make up a robot and their functions. Readers will learn about how charging systems, motors and drives, grippers and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), vision systems and more all work together to create operational robots that deploy in a multitude of settings.

In this Special Focus Issue: 

• Texas Instruments isolated modulators improve feedback loop sensing
• Blue laser technology enhances scanning power of Photoneo MotionCam-3D Color cameras
• CaPow debuts Genesis Antenna XL for robot fleet in-motion power delivery at ProMat 2025
• ...And more