This topic covers the basics of robotics, including the definition of robotics, history of robotics, types of robots, and the fundamental components of a robot system.
Introduction to Robotics – Study Notes
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | A programmable machine that can sense its environment, process information, and act autonomously or semi‑autonomously to achieve a goal. |
| Key Characteristics | • Sensing – perceives surroundings (vision, touch, sound, etc.) • Computation – decides what to do (control algorithms, AI) • Actuation – moves or manipulates objects (motors, servos, hydraulics) • Reprogrammability – behavior can be changed by software |
| Typical Components | Sensors, actuators, controller (CPU/MCU), power source, mechanical structure, communication interface. |
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | Karel Čapek coins “robot” in R.U.R. | Introduces the concept of artificial workers. |
| 1954 | George Devol patents the Unimate | First industrial robot; later deployed at General Motors. |
| 1979 | Stanford Cart achieves autonomous navigation | Early success in mobile robotics. |
| 1997 | Deep Blue defeats world chess champion | Demonstrates AI decision‑making in a physical system. |
| 2000s | Rise of ROS (Robot Operating System) | Standardizes software tools, fostering collaboration. |
| 2010s | Boston Dynamics Spot, Atlas; DARPA challenges | Advances in dynamic locomotion and perception. |
| 2020s | Collaborative robots (cobots), AI‑driven perception, soft robotics | Robots work side‑by‑side with humans in flexible environments. |
| Category | Typical Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial | Assembly, welding, painting, material handling | ABB IRB 6700, FANUC M‑2000 |
| Service | Delivery, cleaning, security, hospitality | iRobot Roomba, Starship Technologies bots |
| Medical | Surgery, rehabilitation, diagnostics | da Vinci Surgical System, exoskeletons |
| Mobile | Exploration, logistics, autonomous vehicles | NASA rovers, Amazon Kiva robots |
| Humanoid | Research, entertainment, assistive tasks | Honda ASIMO, SoftBank Pepper |
| Swarm | Distributed tasks, environmental monitoring | Kilobot swarms, drone fleets |
| Soft | Delicate handling, bio‑inspired movement | Soft grippers, octopus‑like robots |
| Field | What It Contributes to Robotics |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Design of chassis, joints, linkages, kinematics, dynamics. |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering | Power electronics, motor drivers, sensor interfacing. |
| Computer Science & AI | Algorithms for perception, planning, learning, control. |
| Control Theory | Feedback loops, PID, model‑predictive control, adaptive control. |
| Human‑Robot Interaction (HRI) | Safety standards, ergonomics, natural language, gestures. |
| Ethics & Policy | Liability, privacy, job impact, standards (ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066). |