What does "degrees of freedom" refer to in robotics?

Degrees of freedom in robotics refers to the number of independent movements a robot can make, which is primarily determined by the motion variables associated with its joints. Each joint contributes to the robot's ability to move in different ways, such as rotating or translating. For instance, a robot arm with multiple joints can bend, extend, and pivot, offering a wide range of motion.

This concept is crucial in robotics as it describes how well a robot can interact with its environment and perform complex tasks. The more degrees of freedom a robot has, the more versatile and capable it typically is in performing intricate movements or tasks. Hence, the correct answer accurately captures the essence of what degrees of freedom means in the context of robotic motion and functionality.