Robotics is a multidisciplinary area of engineering and science that focuses on creating, constructing, and using robots. This guide will help you get a solid understanding of robotics. It will also explain the different types of robots available and used across industries.
What is Robotics?
Robotics is the combination of engineering, science, and technology. It produces robots that can replace or replicate human actions.
What is a ROBOT?
Robots are the result of robotics, which is the field where computer-programmable machines can be programmed to mimic human movements or assist humans. Although robots were initially designed to do monotonous tasks, such as building cars on an assembly line, they have evolved to assist with complex surgeries and fight fires. In addition, there are a variety of autonomy levels available to each robot—these range from fully-autonomous robots that can perform tasks with no external inputs to human-controlled bots.
Technology advances, and so does the definition of robotics. In 2005, 90% were assembling cars at automotive factories. These robots are mainly composed of mechanical arms that can be used to attach or fix certain parts of vehicles. We are now seeing an expanded definition of robotics. This includes the creation, use, and enhancement of robots to explore the harshest conditions on Earth, bots that assist law enforcement, and robots which help in nearly every aspect of healthcare.
Robotics is growing, but a robot still has specific characteristics.
- All robots are made up of some mechanical construction. A robot's mechanical component helps it complete its tasks in its designed environment. For example, the Mars 2020 Rover's wheels, made from titanium tubing and individually motorized, help it grip the rough terrain.
- The electrical components required to control and power robots are called "electrical components." In addition, many robots require an electric current (a battery).
- Robots require at least some level of computer programming. A robot is nothing without a set code that tells it what to do. A program is a set of instructions that a robot can use to determine when and how to complete a task.
Thanks to artificial intelligence and technology, the promise of robotics is sure to be realized sooner than expected. These technologies will allow robots to become more intelligent, flexible, and efficient. They will continue to be the main point of smart factories, where their efforts will help secure global supply chains and take on more complex challenges.
Although robotics is still a relatively young industry, it holds the promise of a revolution that science fiction couldn't even imagine. Robots will perform tasks humans can't imagine completing alone, from the depths of our oceans and thousands of miles out in space.
Different types of robots
There are many sizes and shapes of automated bots that can efficiently perform their designed task. Robots come in various designs, functions, and levels of autonomy. Robots can perform tasks that humans cannot, from the robot-sized "RoboBee," which measures 0.2 millimeters in length, to the 200-meter-long robotic shipping vessel called "Vindskip," which measures 200 meters. There are generally five types of robots.
1) Pre-Programmed Robots
Pre-programmed robotics work in a controlled environment and perform monotonous tasks. A mechanical arm used on an automobile assembly line is one example of a pre-programmed robotic. The component has one purpose: to attach a door to the vehicle or insert a part into it. Its job is to do that task faster, more efficiently, and better than a human.
2) Humanoid Robots
Robots with humanoid features are those that mimic or look like humans. These robots can perform human-like tasks, such as running, jumping, and carrying objects. Sometimes, they even have human expressions and faces. The Hanson Robotics Sophia and Boston Dynamics' Atlas are two of the most well-known examples of humanoid robotics.
3) Autonomous Robots
Autonomous robots work independently from human operators. These robots can be used to perform tasks in an open environment that does not require supervision. These robots are unique because they use sensors to see the world around them and then use decision-making structures (usually computers) to determine the best next step based on their mission and data.
EXAMPLES OF AUTONOMOUS ROBOTS
- Cleaning bots (for instance, Roomba).
- Lawn Trimming Bots
- Hospitality Bots
- Autonomous Drones
- Bots for Medical Assistants
4) Teleoperated Robots
Teleoperated robots, semi-autonomous bots, use a wireless network to allow human control from a safe distance. These robots can work in harsh environments, such as extreme weather and difficult circumstances. Teleoperated robots include the human-controlled submarines used to repair underwater pipe leaks in the BP oil spillage or the drones used to detect landmines while on the battlefield.
5) Augmenting Robots
Augmenting robots can either increase human capabilities or replace lost abilities. Robotics for human enhancement is an area where science fiction may soon become a reality. Robotic prosthetic limbs and exoskeletons that can lift heavy weights are two examples of current augmenting robotics.
How do robots work?
Independent robots
Autonomous robots can function without human intervention and operate completely independently of humans. These robots require more complex programming, but they can take over dangerous or impossible tasks such as bomb diffusion, deep-sea travel, and factory automation. As a result, these robots are the most disruptive to society and eliminate low-wage jobs while offering new growth opportunities.
Dependent robots
Non-autonomous robots interact with humans to augment and complement their existing actions. This technology is relatively new and is constantly being developed into new applications. However, advanced prosthetics controlled by the human brain are one example of dependent robots.
What are the MAIN COMPONENTS of a ROBOT?
- Control system
- Sensors
- Actuators
- Power Supply
- End effectors
The main components of a robot
Robots are designed to solve many problems and serve many different purposes. This is why they require a variety of specialized components. However, a few components are essential to the construction of every robot, such as a power source and a central processing unit. These five categories generally describe robotics components:
Control system
The components that make up a robot's central processing unit are called computation. The robot's control system is programmed to instruct it on how to use its parts. This is similar to how the brain sends signals to the body to accomplish a task. These robotic tasks can include anything from minimally invasive surgery to assembly line packing.
Sensors
Sensors are used to provide stimuli for robots in the form of electrical signals, which are processed by controllers and allow them to interact with the external world. Common sensors in robots include photoresistors, which react to light, and video cameras, that act as eyes. In addition, some microphones function like ears. These sensors enable the robot to detect its surroundings and determine the best conclusion based on the moment. The controller can also relay commands to additional components.
Actuators
As stated previously, a robot is a device that has a moving frame or body. These components are called actuators. These components consist of motors connected to the control system to perform the task. You can make actuators from metal, elastic, or other materials. They are usually operated with compressed air (pneumatic actuators) or oil (hydraulic actuators). However, they come in many formats to fulfill their specific roles.
Power Supply
Robots, like the human body, require power to function. Stationary robots such as those in factories may use AC power from a wall outlet, but most robots work with an internal battery. For their safety and long shelf life, most robots use lead-acid batteries. Others may choose to use the smaller but more expensive silver-cadmium type. When designing a robot's power supply, safety, weight, replaceability, and life cycle should be considered.
Future robotic development could also be powered by compressed gasses, solar energy, hydropower, flywheel power storage, anaerobic digestion, and nuclear power.
End effectors
End effectors, usually external components, allow robots to finish their tasks. Many robots used in factories have interchangeable tools, such as drills and paint sprayers. Some surgical robots are equipped with scalpels. Other types of robots can also be made with gripping claws and hands, which can be helpful for tasks such as deliveries, packing, and bomb diffusion.
ROBOTICS APPLICATIONS
Robots can be used in many different ways, making them an ideal technology for the future. Robots will soon be everywhere. They will be in our hospitals, hotels, and even roads.
- Helping fight forest fires
- Co-bots are people who work alongside humans to make plants.
- Robots that provide companionship for elderly people
- Surgical assistants
- Last-mile delivery of food orders and packages
- Robotic household robots that automate tasks such as vacuuming and mowing grass
- Please assist with the finding of items and transporting them around warehouses.
- Useful for search-and-rescue missions following natural disasters
- Landmine detectors in war zones
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the most prominent and oldest user of robots. These robots and co-bots (bots who work alongside humans) are used to test and assemble industrial equipment and cars efficiently. There are currently more than 3 million industrial robots.
Logistics
Most retailers and logistics companies now require shipping, handling, and quality control robots. Logistic companies use robots in warehouses and roads to ensure that packages arrive quickly to maximize efficiency and speed. Robots are currently able to take your items from the shelves and transport them across the warehouse floor. They also pack them. A rise in last-mile robotics, which will autonomously deliver your parcel to your home, means you will have a face-to-face meeting with a logistics robot shortly.
Home
It's not science fiction anymore. Robots are everywhere, from helping us with chores to reminding us about our schedules and entertaining our children. The most popular example of home robots is probably the Roomba, an autonomous vacuum cleaner. Robots can now do everything, from mowing the grass to cleaning out pools.
Travel
Autonomous vehicles are science fiction at their best. However, these self-driving cars have become more than just an imagination. Self-driving cars are a combination of data science, robotics, and engineering. Automotive companies like Ford, Waymo, Volkswagen, and BMW are working together to create the next generation of travel. This will allow us to relax, enjoy, and even take a break from driving. Uber and Lyft, rideshare companies, are developing autonomous rideshare cars that don't need humans to operate.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry has seen tremendous progress thanks to robots. These mechanical marvels are used in almost every aspect of healthcare. They can assist with surgeries or help people recover from injuries in physical therapy. Toyota's healthcare assistants help people regain their ability to walk. "TUG," a robot that can autonomously navigate through a hospital, delivers everything from medicine to clean linens.
Pharmaceutical companies have recently used robots to speed up the fight against CoVID-19. These robots are being used to seal COVID-19 testing strips, and some manufacturers are using them to make respirators and PPE.