Robotics Study Notes
1. Introduction to Robotics
What is Robotics?
Robotics is a branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of
robots. A robot is a machine that can perform tasks automatically, often programmed to respond
to commands or external inputs. Robotics combines fields like engineering, computer science,
and artificial intelligence (AI) to create machines that can assist humans in a variety of tasks.
Why are Robots Important?
Robots are important because they can:
• Perform repetitive tasks more efficiently and with fewer errors than humans.
• Handle tasks that are too dangerous or physically challenging for humans.
• Be used in environments that are inhospitable for humans, such as outer space,
underwater, or areas affected by disasters (e.g., a nuclear reactor leak).
2. Key Components of a Robot
Robots are made up of several components that allow them to perform tasks. These include:
1. Sensors
Sensors allow a robot to gather information about its environment. Sensors mimic the
human senses (e.g., sight, touch, hearing). Common types of sensors used in robots
include:
o Cameras (for vision)
o Ultrasonic sensors (for measuring distance)
o Touch sensors (for detecting physical contact)
2. Actuators
Actuators are the parts of the robot that move and interact with the environment. They are
responsible for moving the robot's limbs, turning wheels, or even grabbing objects.
Actuators are controlled by the robot’s internal system and respond to the input received
from sensors.
3. Control System/Processor
The control system (also known as the processor) is the brain of the robot. It processes
the data from the sensors, makes decisions based on that data, and sends commands to the
actuators. This is often a microcontroller or a small computer embedded in the robot.
4. Power Source
Robots need energy to function, which typically comes from batteries or a direct power
supply. The choice of power source depends on the robot’s size, function, and how long it
needs to operate.
3. Types of Robots
Robots come in many shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks. Some common types
include:
1. Industrial Robots
These are commonly found in factories and are used for repetitive tasks like assembling
products, welding, painting, and packing. Industrial robots are known for their speed,
accuracy, and ability to work long hours without getting tired.
2. Service Robots
These robots are designed to interact directly with people. They can be used in homes,
hospitals, and restaurants. For example:
o Cleaning robots (e.g., robot vacuum cleaners)
o Medical robots (for assisting in surgeries or providing rehabilitation services)
o Customer service robots (e.g., receptionists or food service)
3. Medical Robots
Medical robots assist in healthcare by performing surgeries with high precision,
delivering medications, or even assisting in rehabilitation therapies. These robots help
doctors perform tasks that require accuracy beyond human ability.
4. How Robots Work: Input, Processing, and Output
Input:
Robots use sensors to receive information from their surroundings. For example, a robot
vacuum might use an ultrasonic sensor to detect nearby obstacles or edges of a room.
Processing:
Once the robot receives input, its control system processes the information. The robot’s
processor analyzes the data from the sensors and decides how to respond. This decision-making
is based on the programming or algorithm installed in the robot.
Output:
Finally, the robot takes action based on the processed information. In our robot vacuum
example, if the robot detects an obstacle, it may stop moving forward and turn to avoid the
obstacle. This action is controlled by the actuators.
5. Programming Robots
Robots are controlled by programs or algorithms that tell them what to do in different
situations. Programming is how we instruct a robot to perform specific tasks, such as moving,
stopping, or picking up an object. Here’s how robots use programming:
• Algorithm: An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions that tells the robot what
actions to take. For example, the algorithm could tell a robot to move forward, turn left if
it detects an obstacle, and stop when it reaches a specific point.
• Control Structures: Robots rely on control structures in programming, such as:
o Loops: Repeating an action until a condition is met (e.g., keep moving forward
until you detect a wall).
o Conditional Statements: Making decisions based on conditions (e.g., if there’s
an obstacle, turn left).
6. Simple Robot Task: Movement and Obstacle Detection
One of the simplest tasks a robot can perform is moving forward and avoiding obstacles. Here’s
an example of how this works:
• Input: The robot uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect objects in front of it.
• Processing: The robot’s processor analyzes the distance between itself and the object. If
the distance is less than a certain value, it means the robot is too close to the object.
• Output: The robot’s actuators stop it from moving forward, turn it in another direction,
and continue moving.
Here’s a simple pseudocode for such a task:
Start
Move forward
If (object detected)
Stop
Turn left
Move forward
End if
Repeat
7. Robotics in Everyday Life
Robots are becoming increasingly common in everyday life. Some examples include:
• Automated vacuum cleaners that clean floors without human intervention.
• Robotic surgery tools that assist doctors in performing precise operations.
• Drones that deliver packages or survey areas.
• Manufacturing robots that assemble products like cars or electronics.
8. Challenges and Future of Robotics
While robotics has come a long way, there are still challenges to overcome, including:
• Artificial Intelligence: Improving how robots think and make decisions.
• Human-Robot Interaction: Ensuring robots can work safely alongside humans.
• Energy Efficiency: Finding better power sources for long-term use.
In the future, robots may become even more integrated into society, helping with everything
from personal assistants in the home to autonomous vehicles that drive us from place to place.
Conclusion
Robotics is an exciting field that combines technology and engineering to create machines that
help humans in many ways. By understanding how robots work—through sensors, processing,
and actuators—and how to program them, students can explore the endless possibilities that
robotics offers in modern life.
Key Terms Recap
• Robot: A machine capable of carrying out complex tasks automatically.
• Sensors: Devices that gather information from the environment.
• Actuators: Components that move or control a mechanism.
• Processor: The "brain" of the robot that processes information.
• Input, Processing, Output: The system that allows robots to function.
• Algorithm: A set of step-by-step instructions for solving a problem.
