Robotics Basics

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Match the following robotics aspects with their descriptions:

Mechanical Construction = Helps robots complete tasks in their environment Electrical Components = Control and power the machinery Software Program = Tells a robot when and how to carry out a task Autonomy Level = Refers to the ability of a robot to operate without human influence

Match the following robotics-related terms with their meanings:

Robotics = The field of study focused on developing robots and automation Robot = A programmable machine that can complete a task Robota = The Czech word that means forced labor R.U.R. = A 1920 play that introduced the term robot

Match the following robotics components with their functions:

Wheels = Help a robot firmly grip a terrain Battery = Powers a robot's machinery Computer Program = Tells a robot what to do Titanium Tubing = Makes up the mechanical construction of a robot

Match the following robotics applications with their industries:

Manufacturing = Industry that uses robots for repetitive tasks Space Exploration = Industry that uses robots like the Mars 2020 Rover Web Development = Industry that uses robots for automation Healthcare = Industry that uses robots for repetitive tasks Signup and view all the answers

Match the following robotics characteristics with their descriptions:

Autonomy = A robot's ability to operate without human influence Programmability = A robot's ability to be controlled by a set of code Repetitiveness = A robot's ability to perform a task repeatedly Creativity = A robot's ability to think creatively like humans Signup and view all the answers

Match the following robot components with their functions:

Control System = Programs a robot to complete a specific task Sensors = Provides movement to a robot Actuators = Processes electrical signals from sensors Power Supply = Allows a robot to interact with its surroundings Signup and view all the answers

Match the following robot components with their characteristics:

Control System = Made up of motors Sensors = Process electrical signals Actuators = Provide stimuli in the form of electrical signals Power Supply = Runs on AC power or internal battery Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with the type of robot that uses it:

AC power = Stationary robots Lead-acid batteries = Robots that require safe and long-lasting power Silver-cadmium batteries = Robots that require compact but expensive power Internal battery = Robots that operate in a factory Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sensors with their functions:

Video cameras = React to light Photoresistors = Capture surroundings Microphones = Operate like ears None of the above = Provide movement to a robot Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with the type of actuator that uses it:

Compressed air = Pneumatic actuators Oil = Hydraulic actuators Metal = Robots that require strong and durable movement Elastic = Robots that require flexible movement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What Is Robotics?

Robotics is the intersection of science, engineering, and technology that produces machines, called robots, that replicate or substitute for human actions.
Robots perform basic and repetitive tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy than humans, making them ideal for industries like manufacturing.

What Is a Robot?

A robot is a programmable machine that can complete a task.
Robotics describes the field of study focused on developing robots and automation.
Each robot has a different level of autonomy, ranging from human-controlled bots to fully-autonomous bots.

Etymology of the Word "Robot"

The word 'robot' is derived from the Czech word robota, which means “forced labor.”
The word first appeared in the 1920 play R.U.R., in reference to the play’s characters who were mass-produced workers incapable of creative thinking.

Robotics Aspects

Mechanical Construction

The mechanical aspect of a robot helps it complete tasks in the environment for which it’s designed.
Example: Mars 2020 Rover’s wheels are individually motorized and made of titanium tubing that help it firmly grip the harsh terrain of the red planet.

Electrical Components

Robots need electrical components that control and power the machinery.
Electric current (e.g., a battery) is needed to power a large majority of robots.

Software Program

Robots contain at least some level of computer programming.
Without a set of code, a robot would just be another piece of simple machinery.

Main Components of a Robot

Control System

Computation includes all of the components that make up a robot’s central processing unit, often referred to as its control system.
Control systems are programmed to tell a robot how to utilize its specific components.

Sensors

Sensors provide a robot with stimuli in the form of electrical signals that are processed by the controller.
Examples of sensors: video cameras (function as eyes), photoresistors (react to light), and microphones (operate like ears).

Actuators

Actuators are the components responsible for a robot's movement.
Examples of actuators: motors that receive signals from the control system and move in tandem to carry out the movement necessary to complete the assigned task.

Power Supply

Robots require power to function, similar to the human body requiring food.
Power sources: AC power (stationary robots), internal battery (most robots), lead-acid batteries (safe, long shelf life), and silver-cadmium batteries (compact, expensive).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about robotics, its intersection with science, engineering, and technology, and how robots can replicate human actions with greater efficiency and accuracy.