# Control unit > The computer inside or beside every PhotoRobot that drives its motors, triggers cameras and connects it to the network. Also known as: robot controller, Robot Control Unit, controller. Category: Hardware. A control unit is the embedded computer that controls a robot's mechanical movements and its inputs and outputs. In a photography robot it positions the axes, fires the camera at the right moment and communicates with the controlling software over the network. ## How PhotoRobot uses it PhotoRobot designs its control units in-house. They are built into compact machines such as the CASE 850, or supplied as external units in a 19" rack (2U). Since generation 6 they run the Linux-based real-time PhotoRobot OS on an ARM processor; the active versions are G7, the M series and the CASE unit. Each unit has a built-in web server for updates, service and monitoring, connects only over LAN, and provides digital inputs and outputs, laser and DMX control, a safety stop and an API. ## See on photorobot.com - [PhotoRobot control units technical documentation](https://www.photorobot.com/controller) - [Control system overview](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/control-system-overview) ## Related terms - [PhotoRobot Locator](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-locator): App that finds PhotoRobot control units on the local network and opens their web interface. - [Rotary encoder](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/rotary-encoder): A sensor that reports the exact angular position of a rotating part, such as a turntable plate. - [Motor driver](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/motor-driver): Electronics that supply power to a robot's motors; it determines how fast and precisely each axis can move. - [DMX](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/dmx): A standard control protocol for lighting, used to set the intensity and colour of lights remotely. - [Laser positioning](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/laser-positioning): Lasers projected onto the turntable that show where to place a product so it sits at the centre of rotation. - [API (application programming interface)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/api): A defined interface through which one piece of software can use the functions or data of another. ## Where this term appears on photorobot.com Mentioned on 50 pages. Most relevant: - [PhotoRobot Control Units - Technical Documentation](https://www.photorobot.com/controller): The cloud system has an API for easy integration with the customer’s other systems, and the robot’s control unit also features an API for integration with third-party systems. - [PhotoRobot Networking Prerequisites & Configuration](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/photorobot-networking-prerequisites): Note that each PhotoRobot consists of both a mechanical part and a Control Unit. - [PhotoRobot Cube V5 / V6 / Compact User Manual](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/cube-v5-v6-compact): a) 360 Photo / Rotary Platform Setup: b) 360 / Rotary Suspension Mode: c) Rotating Mannequin Torso Holder: Note: The Control Unit of the Cube V5 and Cube V6 are a separate but integral component to… - [PhotoRobot Control System - Overview for System Offers](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/control-system-overview): Find the different generations of the PhotoRobot Control Unit, basic features of the device, and technical resources for IT teams. - [PhotoRobot Robotic Turntable and Robotic Arm V8 User Guide](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/robotic-turntable-arm-user-guide): One of the main components of the Robotic Turntable with Robotic Arm V8 expansion is the Control Unit. - [PhotoRobot C850 & C1300 Turntable User Guide](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/c850-c1300-user-guide): Key components of the C-Class photo turntable systems include: The system Control Unit (an integral built-in device for control over C-Class modules) The robot body (strong steel frame with an open… - [PhotoRobot SynchroBox - Functionality & Setup User Guide](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/synchrobox-setup): c) The Control Unit fires the camera shutter via shutter cable in advance. - [PhotoRobot Virtual Catwalk First Use Guide](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/virtual-catwalk-user-guide): Note that the location of the Control Unit is not inside of the Catwalk. - [PhotoRobot Centerless Table CL1300 & CL850 User Guide](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/centerless-table-user-guide): The Control Unit of the Centerless Table is physically installed inside of the dedicated PhotoRobot HD rack in the front bottom-left shelf of the machine frame. - [First Use & Basic Testing of PhotoRobot Systems](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/first-use-basic-testing): Note: If the setup of the Control Unit is not in compliance, set it up first by locating the manual voltage selector on the back of the Control Unit.