How Robots Work

Based on Information from: How Stuff Works and The Tech Museum of Innovation

What is a Robot?
Everybody has a different idea of what constitutes a robot. Here are some popular ones:

R2D2 and C-3PO.

Sony's AIBO.

What is a Robot?

Honda's ASIMO

Data

What is a Robot?

Mars PathFinder

LEGO's MindStorms

What is a Robot?
In his introduction to "Robot Visions," Issac Assimov proposes this formula: robot = machine + computer. Do you think this is an accurate definition of a robot? Why or why not?

What is a Robot?

A mechanical device for performing a task which might otherwise be done by a human, e.g. spraying paint on cars (hyperdictionary.com).
(A device that has) a reprogrammable brain that moves a body (howstuff works.com). 1. A mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human being and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or by being programmed in advance. 2. A machine or device that operates automatically or by remote control. 3. A person who works mechanically without original thought, especially one who responds automatically to the commands of others (Jeffbots.com).

Robot Composition
Essentially robots are man-made versions that replicate human and animal behavior.
A

Body structure and Muscle System (For example, an Arm, End-Effector) A Sensory System (Sensor) A Power Source (Drive) A Brain System (Controller)

Robot Basics

Movable body (wheels, movable segments made of plastic or metal). Joints connect individual segments. Actuators make wheels spin or pivot jointed segments.(electrical, magnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic) Most robots have a battery or are plugged into the wall. Actuators are wired to an electrical circuit. The robots computer controls everything attached to the circuit. Some robots have sensory systems.

The Robotic Arm

The most common manufacturing robot is the robotic
arm.

A typical robotic arm is made up of seven metal segments joined by six joints. The computer controls the robot by rotating individual step motors. An industrial robot with six joints closely resembles a human arm.

The Robotic Arm

Industrial robots are designed to do exactly the same thing, in a controlled environment, over and over again. Most industrial robots work in auto assembly lines, putting cars together.

The term robot comes from the Czech word robota, generally translated as "forced labor." Most robots in the world are designed for heavy, repetitive manufacturing work. They handle tasks that are difficult, dangerous or boring to human beings.

Mobile Robots
Robotic arms are relatively easy to build and program because they only operate within a confined area. Things get trickier when you send a robot out into the world.

The first obstacle is to give the robot a working locomotion system (wheels, tracks or legs). Built-in balance system. Remote control.

Hospitals may use robots to transport medications, some museaums to patrol galleries at night, monitoring air quality and humidity. Some robots vacuum peoples houses while they sleep.

Autonomous Mobility
These can act on their own, independent of any controller. Roboticsts create programs to make robots smarter and more perceptive.

Simpler robots use infrared or ultrasound sensors. Others use stereo vision. More advanced robots analyze and adapt.

Homebrew Robots
Amateur roboticsts create their own robots by using commercial kits, mail order components and even old VCRs.

They come in varied shapes and sizes. Some are not true robots because they lack a reprogrammable computer brain. A good example: Soccer robots.

What jobs do robots do well?

Repetitive jobs - assembly line Dangerous jobs - detonating bombs, nuclear waste Unpleasant jobs - cleaning toilets Boring jobs without complaining Jobs involving lots of computation - speed, reliability Jobs requiring precision eg medical operation Dont make errors eg due to fatigue Work 24 hours a day, no pay, no sick leave, no holidays, dont need coffee breaks, sick days

What cant they do?

They lack emotions, feelings They are programmed to do a certain task They have limited areas of expertise
The most sophisticated robot cant tie shoelaces or tell the difference between a dog and a cat (Beekman)