Robotics

Question 1

what is robotics?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

what is a robots uses?

Answer 2

its to imitate a human

robots can perform repetitive tasks, can work in hazardous conditions. robots are reliable, consistent and accurate

Question 3

what are the characteristics of a robot?

Answer 3

sensing

movement

energy

intelligence

Question 4

what is sensing needed in a robot?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

what is movement needed in a robot?

Answer 5

A robot needs to be able to move around its environment. Whether rolling on wheels

Question 6

what is energy needed in a robot?

Answer 6

A robot needs to be able to power itself whether solar powered, electrically powered, battery powered.

Question 7

what is intelligence needed in a robot?

Answer 7

A robot needs to be ‘smart’. It requires programming so that it ‘knows’ what it is required to do

Question 8

what are the main parts of an industial robot?

Answer 8

controller

arm

end effector

drive

sensors

Question 9

what does the controller do?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

what does the arm do?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

what is the end effector?

Answer 11

its an item of hardware which connects to the robot arm and performs specific functions e.g. grippers, vacuum pumps, magnets and welding torches

Question 12

what is the drive?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

what is the sensors?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

what happens when a robot is programmed?

Answer 14

a robot can perform tasks repeatedly and consistently in exactly the same way

Question 15

what is online programming?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

what are the two types of online teaching?

Answer 16

lead through

drive through

Question 17

what is lead through?

Answer 17

its used to teach robots to carry out tasks e.g. spray painting or applying adhesives to an irregular surface

Question 18

what is drive through?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

what is off line programming?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

what way are robots used in commercial situations?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

robots vs humans

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

disadvantages industrial robots

Answer 22

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

Question 23

advantages industrial robots

Answer 23

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%

Question 24

what is robotics used in terms of new car?

Answer 24

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