Robotics Flashcards
what is robotics?
robotics is the combination of a range of disciplines, including computer science and mechanical and electronic engineering to support the design, production operation and application of robots
it also incorporates the use of computer control systems in their processing of information and their application of feedback from sensors used as input elements.
what is a robots uses?
its to imitate a human
robots can perform repetitive tasks, can work in hazardous conditions. robots are reliable, consistent and accurate
what are the characteristics of a robot?
sensing
movement
energy
intelligence
what is sensing needed in a robot?
A robot should be able to sense its surroundings in ways not dissimilar to the ways that humans sense their surroundings
e.g. light sensors- eyes
chemical sensors- nose
taste sensors- tongue
what is movement needed in a robot?
A robot needs to be able to move around its environment. Whether rolling on wheels
what is energy needed in a robot?
A robot needs to be able to power itself whether solar powered, electrically powered, battery powered.
what is intelligence needed in a robot?
A robot needs to be ‘smart’. It requires programming so that it ‘knows’ what it is required to do
what are the main parts of an industial robot?
controller
arm
end effector
drive
sensors
what does the controller do?
it is controlled using a specially written computer program to connect to external systems
the program used to control the robot is often input using teach pendent which is specially designed hand held devices used to instruct the robot
what does the arm do?
its part of the robot that will position a device called the end effector. it can move and rotate the end effector into place using a range of joints
what is the end effector?
its an item of hardware which connects to the robot arm and performs specific functions e.g. grippers, vacuum pumps, magnets and welding torches
what is the drive?
its the engine used to move the various robots parts into appropriate position when completing a programmed task
e.g. drives may be hydraulic, electrical and pneumatic
what is the sensors?
it provides feedback to the controller about the environment the robotic arm is interacting with
the sensors will collect data regarding the environment, to help determine if any action is required to help complete task
what happens when a robot is programmed?
a robot can perform tasks repeatedly and consistently in exactly the same way
what is online programming?
its for basic tasks e.g. spray painting, pick and place operations
the robot moves in unison with commands used by programmer
it incorporates record play-back where the robot performs a sequence of moves
what are the two types of online teaching?
lead through
drive through
what is lead through?
its used to teach robots to carry out tasks e.g. spray painting or applying adhesives to an irregular surface
what is drive through?
used on industrial tasks e.g. spot welding, machine loading and uploading
the robot movements are controlled by inputs from a keypad - the programmer can specify the movement and speed of each robot limb
what is off line programming?
Using off line programming the robot can make decisions such as counting a number of operations or perform one task until another is ready to be started
This method needs a large amount of computing power and incorporates the use of sensors on the robot or within its environment to provide system status information
off-line robots are more useful in a production situation since they can be reprogrammed with a minimum of interference to the production process
what way are robots used in commercial situations?
welding- high speed
spray painting- high quality, lower cost, no fumes exposed
product assembly- high speed, able to work continually
product packaging- ability to transport large quantities, high speed
aerospace robots- acquire samples without putting in danger
healthcare provision- support in surgery- high levels of precision
robots vs humans
Robots could only operate in predictable environments but newer robots can use improved sensors to react to the unexpected.
Robots can be reprogrammed far faster and more efficiently than humans can be retrained when products are updated or replaced
A human operator could respond
immediately to an instruction to change to a new task or way of operating, provided no additional training was required.
disadvantages industrial robots
capital costs- Return on Investment
(ROI) , fairly high capital cost
expertise- they require more training and expertise to initially set up
limitations- in terms of the type of tasks they can perform
advantages industrial robots
increased efficiency- are able to complete certain tasks faster and better than people, as they are designed to perform these tasks with a higher accuracy level
higher quality- used to produce higher quality products which adhere to certain standards of quality
improved working environment- you can improve the working conditions and safety in your factory or production plant. Robots don’t get tired and make dangerous mistakes
increased profitability- reducing the resource and time needed to complete it, and also achieving higher quality products
productivity- keeps running at
100%
what is robotics used in terms of new car?
industrial robots can be reprogrammed for a new version of a car. humans will require re-training, skills updating. re-programming can take time as the are programmed require testing. humans can be more flexible, can use judgement and intuition
