What does inverse kinematics calculate in robotic movement?

Inverse kinematics is a fundamental concept in robotics that involves calculating the required joint angles or positions needed for a robotic limb or end effector to achieve a desired location in space. This is crucial for tasks where the end goal is to move a part of the robot (like a robotic arm) to a specific coordinate without directly controlling each joint's movement.

In essence, inverse kinematics takes into account the robot's kinematic structure, which includes the lengths of its limbs and the range of motion of its joints, to derive the angles each joint must take to orient the end effector correctly. This allows for precise control and maneuverability in performing complex tasks, such as grasping objects or performing operations in restricted environments.

The other options focus on different aspects of robotic operation: power needed for movement relates to energy requirements, speed pertains to how fast joints move, and weight distribution concerns the stability and load management of the robot, none of which are directly related to positioning through joint angles.