6.2 Robotics

(a) Robot and Robotics:

A Robot is an automated machine that can execute specific tasks with little or no human intervention and with speed and precision.

A Robot is capable of sensing its environment, thinking and taking decisions based on preset algorithm, and performing its tasks by moving around its environment.

Robotics is a branch of computer science that brings together the design, construction, and operation of intelligent mechanical devices to perform tasks done traditionally by human beings.

(b) Typical areas where robots are used:

1. Industrial manufacturing / Factories — cutting metal parts with high precision; welding parts together; fitting windscreens to cars; spray-painting; pick and place items in warehouse; bottling and labelling beverages.
2. Transport — autonomous cars capable of moving without driver; build vehicles; automated system to load and unload trucks.
3. Agriculture — planting seed; crop harvesting; weed removal; spraying insecticides/pesticides.
4. Health care — telepresence (guide therapy from remote location); surgical assistant (remote-controlled robots assist surgeons with performing operations); sanitation and disinfection robots.
5. Domestic use (household chores) — autonomous floor sweepers; autonomous lawn mower; ironing robots; pool cleaning; automatic window cleaners.
6. Drones — unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) take aerial photographs; make parcel deliveries.
7. Entertainment — camera control and the creation of special effects in film making; humanoid robots can perform arts, including dance, music and opera; artificial intelligence can allow robots to compose as well as play music.

(a) Three elements of a robot:

1. Mechanical structure.
2. Electrical components.
3. Software which is programmable.

(b) Basic components of an industrial robot:

1. Sensor — an automatic input device that reads the physical quantities of its surroundings and sends signals to the microprocessor or micro-controller of the robot.
2. Controller — a set of Processing unit, RAM, ROM and I/O ports all integrated into a single chip, that serves as the brain of the robot.
3. Robot arm — similar to a human arm; contains a chain of links that are moved over joints which are actuated by motors.
4. End-effector (robot hand) — a mechanical device attached to the end of the robot arm to perform its task, depending on its application, like gripper, drill, welding head, paint spray gun, etc.
5. Program — a software that takes logical decisions based on the data from sensors and controls the activities of the robot.
6. Power supply — needs electricity as energy to function.

(a) How sensors, actuators and microprocessor automate the bottling plant:

• The bottling plant makes use of sensors like Infra-red light sensor, pressure sensor, level sensor which continuously read and send data to the computer (microprocessor).
• The computer compares the data from the Infra-red sensor with the stored values to make sure that a bottle is in place.
• If the bottle is in place, the computer sends a signal to the actuator to turn ON the fluid control valve.
• The data from a fluid level sensor is checked to see if the bottle is full. When it is full, the computer sends a signal to the actuator to turn OFF the fluid control valve and paste the label on the bottle.
• These steps are then repeated for the next bottle.

(b) Advantages of using robots in manufacturing industry:

1. Robots are more consistent in performing repetitive tasks than humans. (Consistent — means always behaves in the same way)
2. Robots produce more accurate and high-quality products.
3. They can work at a constant high speed, 24/7 without any break.
4. They are capable of working in conditions that may be hazardous to humans.
5. Robots are cost-effective in the long run, since they don't need salaries.

(c) Disadvantages of using robots in manufacturing industry:

1. High initial investment cost.
2. Lead humans to lose their jobs.
3. Perform only a few tasks, based on its program.
4. Need frequent maintenance.
5. Need constant power supply.
6. Require expertise to set them up.

(a) Benefits of autonomous self-driving cars:

1. Easier access for elderly and disabled people with reduced mobility.
2. Reduce accidents — caused by human errors.
3. Improved fuel or cost efficiency — finds the shortest route with less traffic to the destination.
4. Decrease traffic flow — calculates appropriate speed and distances between vehicles during rush hours.
5. Stress-free parking — the car will find an appropriate parking place on its own and then self-park.

(b) Security issues with self-driving cars:

1. Hacking risks — hackers could locate the security flaws and take control over the vehicle.
2. Incorrect judgement of its surroundings could lead to a crash.
3. Unexpected malfunctions with software could lead to accidents.
4. Need to be well maintained all the time — cameras need to be kept clean; sensors could fail in heavy rain or snowfall.
5. Danger of fire — Lithium-Ion batteries are well-known to be highly combustible; create a metal fire with temperatures that reach up to 2,000 °C. Attempting to douse the fire with water could lead to a hydrogen gas explosion.