Introduction to Robotics

• Robotics is more than just science; it is a canvas for art, innovation, and progress (Rodney Brooks).
• Robotics involves electronics, programming, and mechanics.

What is a Robot?

• A robot is a reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move materials, parts, tools, or specialized devices through various programmed motions.
• Robots are virtual or mechanical artificial agents.
• Robots are usually electro-mechanical machines, guided by computer or electronic programming and capable of doing tasks on their own.

Machine vs Robot

• Machines perform specific tasks or functions, while robots can be programmed for various tasks.
• Machines operate with limited autonomy.
• Robots can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously.
• Machines have limited or no environment interaction.
• Robots can sense and interact with the environment.
• Machines are generally simpler in design and function, while robots are more complex, often with multiple sensors and actuators.

What is Robotics?

• Robotics is the science and technology of robots, including their design, manufacture, and application.
• Robotics is related to electronics, mechanics, and software.
• Significance of robotics:
• Reduces human effort.
• Enables precision optimization.
• Provides maximum accuracy.
• Enables repeatability or recurrence.
• Increases productivity of work.
• Mechanics provide the physical structure and mechanics for robotic movement and operation.
• Programming allows for the implementation of algorithms and instructions that dictate the robot's behavior, decision-making, and interaction with its environment.
• Electronics enable the control and coordination of various components within the robot, such as sensors, actuators, and processors.

Laws of Robotics

• First Law: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
• Second Law: A robot must obey orders given by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the first law.
• Third Law: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the first and second laws.

Types of Robotics

• Non-autonomous robots involve the use of basic mechanical concepts for the required application. Pure mechanical robots exist, but electrical and programming combinations are preferred. Examples include sumo bots and all-terrain bots.
• Semi-autonomous robots: Electrical & Electronics involve circuits, often made using ICs. Robotics has matured as a system integration engineering field with the intelligent connection of perception to action.
• Autonomous robots can perform desired tasks in unstructured environments without continuous human guidance. Many kinds of robots have some degree of autonomy and can be autonomous in different ways.

Applications

• Robots can be applied to industry, aerospace, medicine and the military.