Which of the following is an example of an end effector used in robotic applications?

An end effector is a device at the end of a robotic arm that interacts with the environment to perform a specific task. This can include picking up, holding, or manipulating objects. Grippers, suction cups, and welding torches are common examples of end effectors used in various robotic applications, such as assembly lines or material handling.

Grippers allow robots to grasp objects, suction cups create a vacuum to lift smooth surfaces, and welding torches provide a means of joining materials together. Each of these implements is designed to perform a direct action that is essential to the robot's intended function in a particular task or process.

The other options—motor controllers, motion sensors, and feedback systems—play significant roles in the overall functioning of robots, but they are not end effectors. Motor controllers manage the robot's movements, motion sensors provide data about the robot's position or surroundings, and feedback systems help refine the actions of the robot based on performance. None of these directly engage with tasks like picking up or manipulating objects, which solidifies the idea that the second choice is indeed representative of an end effector.