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A robot is a machine that performs a task or a variety of tasks automatically following a program.

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Actuator (arm)

Most robots are "robotic arms" which work in production lines.

The actuator has a "manipulator" and a system of articulations.

The system of articulatios moves the manipulator to the correct place.

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Power system

Generates the power necessary to move the arm and the manipulator of a robot. There are three types of power system: electric, pneumatic and hydraulic.

Electric power systems are the most common way to power robots.

There are 3 types of electric motors: AC motor, DC motors and step-by-step.

AC and DC motors require constant control

Step by step motors don't require sensors for position control.

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Sensors

Detect position, temperature, acceleration, etc.

There are different type of sensors:

Position sensors:

Are linear or angular.

We use them to measure the position of an object, its size or its shape.

Inductive sensors detect metallic objects without touching them.

They are a small electromagnet. The proximity of a metallic component alters the magnetic field and this makes the electric current rise or fall.

Force sensors:

Detects different forces.

For example, when we want to tighten a bolt, the "manipulator" of the robot is a spanner with a sensor that detects the tightening force. When the force detects that the force is big the robots stops.

Temperature sensors:

They are very common.

We have temperature sensors in the heating systems of houses.

When the temperature drops below a certain value, the sensor tells the system to start.

When the temperature rises above another value, the sensor tells the system to stop.

Are also used as safety devices machines which have a risk of overheating.

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The controller

Is the microprocessor that receives the signal from the sensors, "decides" what the actuators must do, and then "tells" the actuator and the articulations of the arm when to move or stop.

Follows the program which was written by the programmer.

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Depending on the coordinate system

Cartesian coordinates. The robot moves in a line along the X, Y and/or Z axis.

The robot needs to know the distance to move from the origin of coordinates in each direction.

Polar coordinates. The robot rotates araund X, Y and/or Z axis.

The robot needs to know how many degrees to rotate.

Depending on the degrees of freedom

The degrees of freedom are the number of axis along which robotic arm can move, or around which the arm of the robot can rotate.

Depending on the energy used

Hydraulic

Pneumatic

Electric

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Most robots "work" on production lines, especially where the activity is repetitive, dangerous or tiring.

Robots are generally used if they have one or more of the followings advantages:

More economical than a person.

Faster than a person.

Can work 24 hours a day.

Produced better quality.

Can work in dangerous places.

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Some historians date the beginning of robotics to the middle ages, when machine were first used without direct human control.

Modern robotics started with the development of microchips in the second half of the 20th century. Thanks to the microchips:

Logic can be more complex.

Robots are programmable.

Microchips are cheaper and more durable.

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Artificial intelligence

Is the capacity of the microprocessors to "learn from experience".

The microprocessors can decide:

In the morning, the lift will "wait" on the ground floor.

In the afternoon, the lift will wait in the 5th floor.

Nano robots

Nano means "one million smaller than the unit".

The name "nano robot" refers to their very small size.

These robots have many potential applications, particularly in the field of medicine. Nano robots would, for example, travell along human veins and un-lock a blocked vein.