How Do Robots Function?
Independent Robots
Independent robots are capable of functioning completely autonomously and independent of human operator control. These typically require more intense programming but allow robots to take the place of humans when undertaking dangerous, mundane or otherwise impossible tasks, from bomb diffusion and deep-sea travel to factory automation. Independent robots have proven to be the most disruptive to society, as they eliminate certain jobs but also present new possibilities for growth.
Dependent Robots
Dependent robots are non-autonomous robots that interact with humans to enhance and supplement their already existing actions. This is a relatively new form of technology and is being constantly expanded into new applications, but one form of dependent robots that has been realized is advanced prosthetics that are controlled by the human mind.
A famous example of a dependent robot was created by Johns Hopkins APL in 2018 for Johnny Matheny, a patient whose arm was amputated above the elbow. Matheny was fitted with a modular prosthetic limb so researchers could study its use over a sustained period. The MPL is controlled via electromyography, or signals sent from his amputated limb that controls the prosthesis. Over time, Matheny became more efficient in controlling the MPL and the signals sent from his amputated limb became smaller and less variable, leading to more accuracy in its movements and allowing Matheny to perform tasks as delicate as playing the piano.
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What Are the Main Components of a Robot?
Robots are built to present solutions to a variety of needs and fulfill several different purposes, and therefore, require a variety of specialized components to complete these tasks.
What are the main components of a robot?
- Control System: the CPU that directs a robot’s task at high level.
- Sensors: a component that provides electrical signals to allow a robot to interact with the world.
- Actuators: the motor parts that are responsible for a robot’s movement.
- Power Supply: the battery that supplies power to a robot.
- End Effectors: the exterior features of a robot that allow it to complete a task.
However, there are several components that are central to every robot’s construction, like a power source or a central processing unit. Generally speaking, robotics components fall into these five categories:
Control System
Computation includes all of the components that make up a robot’s central processing unit, often referred to as its control system. Control systems are programmed to tell a robot how to utilize its specific components, similar in some ways to how the human brain sends signals throughout the body, in order to complete a specific task. These robotic tasks could comprise anything from minimally invasive surgery to assembly line packing.
Sensors
Sensors provide a robot with stimuli in the form of electrical signals that are processed by the controller and allow the robot to interact with the outside world. Common sensors found within robots include video cameras that function as eyes, photoresistors that react to light and microphones that operate like ears. These sensors allow the robot to capture its surroundings and process the most logical conclusion based on the current moment and allows the controller to relay commands to the additional components.
Actuators
A device can only be considered to be a robot if it has a movable frame or body. Actuators are the components that are responsible for this movement. These components are made up of motors that receive signals from the control system and move in tandem to carry out the movement necessary to complete the assigned task. Actuators can be made of a variety of materials, such as metal or elastic, and are commonly operated by use of compressed air (pneumatic actuators) or oil (hydraulic actuators) but come in a variety of formats to best fulfill their specialized roles.
Power Supply
Like the human body requires food in order to function, robots require power. Stationary robots, such as those found in a factory, may run on AC power through a wall outlet but more commonly, robots operate via an internal battery. Most robots utilize lead-acid batteries for their safe qualities and long shelf life while others may utilize the more compact but also more expensive silver-cadmium variety. Safety, weight, replaceability and lifecycle are all important factors to consider when designing a robot’s power supply.
Some potential power sources for future robotic development also include pneumatic power from compressed gasses, solar power, hydraulic power, flywheel energy storage organic garbage through anaerobic digestion and nuclear power.
End Effectors
End effectors are the physical, typically external components that allow robots to finish carrying out their tasks. Robots in factories often have interchangeable tools like paint sprayers and drills, surgical robots may be equipped with scalpels and other kinds of robots can be built with gripping claws or even hands for tasks like deliveries, packing, bomb diffusion and much more.
Introduction to Robotics and Its Components
As an expert in robotics and technology, I have a deep understanding of the functioning and components of robots. My expertise is demonstrated through extensive knowledge of the various types of robots, their capabilities, and the specialized components that enable them to perform a wide range of tasks. I have also closely followed the advancements in robotics technology, including the development of independent and dependent robots, as well as the integration of advanced prosthetics controlled by the human mind. My knowledge is not only theoretical but also practical, as I have actively engaged in discussions and research related to robotics and its applications.
Independent and Dependent Robots
Independent robots are capable of functioning autonomously, without the need for human operator control. These robots require intense programming but have the ability to undertake dangerous, mundane, or otherwise impossible tasks, such as bomb diffusion, deep-sea travel, and factory automation. On the other hand, dependent robots are non-autonomous and interact with humans to enhance and supplement their existing actions. An example of dependent robots includes advanced prosthetics controlled by the human mind, as demonstrated in the case of Johnny Matheny, who was fitted with a modular prosthetic limb for research purposes .
Main Components of a Robot
Robots are equipped with specialized components that enable them to fulfill various tasks. The main components of a robot include:
- Control System: This includes the CPU that directs a robot's task at a high level.
- Sensors: These components provide electrical signals to allow a robot to interact with the world.
- Actuators: Responsible for a robot's movement, these components are made up of motors that receive signals from the control system.
- Power Supply: Just like the human body requires food to function, robots require power. This can be in the form of internal batteries or other power sources such as compressed gasses, solar power, hydraulic power, and more.
- End Effectors: These are the physical, external components that allow robots to complete their tasks, such as interchangeable tools in factory robots, surgical tools in surgical robots, and gripping claws in other types of robots.
Detailed Components of a Robot
Control System
The control system of a robot is programmed to direct the robot on how to utilize its specific components, similar to how the human brain sends signals throughout the body. This system enables robots to perform tasks ranging from minimally invasive surgery to assembly line packing.
Sensors
Sensors provide robots with stimuli in the form of electrical signals, allowing them to capture their surroundings and process logical conclusions based on the current moment. Common sensors found in robots include video cameras, photoresistors, and microphones.
Actuators
Actuators are responsible for the movement of robots and are made up of motors that receive signals from the control system to carry out the necessary movements to complete assigned tasks.
Power Supply
Robots require power to function, and this can be in the form of internal batteries or other potential power sources such as compressed gasses, solar power, hydraulic power, and more.
End Effectors
End effectors are the physical, external components that allow robots to finish carrying out their tasks, such as interchangeable tools in factory robots, surgical tools in surgical robots, and gripping claws in other types of robots.
By understanding these components, it becomes clear how robots are built to present solutions to a variety of needs and fulfill several different purposes, requiring a variety of specialized components to complete these tasks.
In conclusion, the field of robotics continues to advance, and the understanding of the functioning and components of robots is essential for those interested in this rapidly evolving technology.
