Robotics evidence guide · automated editorial preparation, not expert review

Bind robot measurements to calibration context

Attach calibration evidence to the exact sensor configuration and measurement interval it describes. A calibration file with the right name is not enough.

Evidence and interpretation

NIST’s uncertainty discussion concerns the measurement result, not just instrument labels. Maha proposes recording the calibrated quantity, method, configuration, residual observations and applicable conditions together. A camera moved after calibration may no longer share the same geometry. A replacement sensor may expose the same topic while requiring different parameters. Preserve these events and let the analysis mark affected measurements unresolved. Do not silently copy the predecessor’s calibration because software continued running.

Proposed evidence workflow

  1. Bind sensor identity, mounting configuration, parameter artifact and calibration procedure.
  2. Record applicable conditions and known changes between calibration and evaluation.
  3. Require reassessment when relevant configuration changes; retain uncertainty rather than claiming exact correction.

Worked illustration

A hypothetical overhead camera is remounted between two task sessions. Even if its intrinsic parameters are unchanged, the camera-to-table relation needs reassessment. The packet keeps the first session’s reference intact and does not apply it to the second automatically.

Limits

This record design does not perform calibration, prescribe tolerances or issue a calibration certificate.

Sources and review

NIST TN 1297: Components of uncertainty

Locator: §2.1–2.4, including the note distinguishing error and uncertainty

Measurement uncertainty accompanies an estimate; Type A and Type B classify evaluation methods, not simply random versus systematic effects.

Boundary: This section does not supply robot-specific tolerances, a calibration certificate or a complete uncertainty budget.

Inspection and reuse basis

Selected sections inspected 2026-09-15. Original paraphrase and link only; no publication reproduced. This is not independent expert review of this article.

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