Abstract: The positional error of a robotic manipulator (20,22) within its workspace (38) can be reduced by advantageously mapping the manipulator positional error at each of a plurality of grid points (44) within the workspace. Such mapping is carried out by placing a grid (40) containing uniformly spaced grid points (44) in the workspace and then measuring the manipulator error at each grid point. From the map of manipulator positional error values, the manipulator positional error at any point in the workspace can easily be obtained by interpolation.

Abstract: A test probe for the testing of electrical circuits and circuit boards comprises a probe head (52) breakably coupled to an elongated probe arm (51). The breakable coupling is achieved by securing a first ring (63) to the probe arm and a second ring (60) to the probe head. The first and second rings may be respectively made of magnetic material and magnetizable material (or vice versa) thereby achieving a magnetic breakable coupling between the head and the arm. The probe head may comprise one or a plurality of probing pins (54,55) depending upon the type of circuit under test. The break-away feature of the test probe prevents any shearing of a solder connection as well as any damaging of the circuit boards, and/or of the probing pin or pins (FIG. 5).