- Done through various sensors (light, pressure, temperature).

- Enables recognition of surroundings, determining size, shape, weight,

1. Sensing:
temperature, etc.

- Sensor data processed by a microprocessor or computer.

- Utilizes wheels, cogs, pistons, gears for turning, twisting, moving, gripping, or
lifting.

- Mechanical structures with parts like motors, hydraulic pipes, actuators, and
circuit boards.
2. Movement: Characteristics of a Robot

- Electrical components facilitate functioning.

- End effectors for specific tasks (welding, spraying, cutting, lifting).

- Controlled by a programmable 'brain' or controller.

- Relies on data from sensors or cameras. 3. Programmable:

- Programming allows robots to perform tasks.

- Robotics and AI are distinct fields.

- Many robots lack AI, focusing on repetitive tasks. Important Notes:

- Physical robots differ from software robots (e.g., search engine bots, chat bots).

- Used in various tasks from heavy lifting to delicate procedures.

- Examples: paint spraying, welding, manufacturing microchips, electrical goods, and

automatic warehouses.

- Controlled through embedded microprocessors or linked to computer systems.

- Programming involves sequences of instructions for tasks.

- Excellent at repetitive tasks

- Consistent performance
- The term "robot" originated from the Czech word 'robota,' meaning 'forced labor.'
Industry:
- Equipped with sensors for safety
- Coined in the 1920s play 'Rossum’s Universal Robots.'
What is Robotics?
- Work continuously without breaks (24/7).
- Real-world Application: Robotics is a branch of computer science, involving the
design, construction, and operation of robots.
- Cost-effective in the long run (reduced salaries). - Advantages:

- More productive and consistent than humans.

- Suitable for repetitive tasks, reducing errors. » a robot may not injure a human through action or inaction

- Reduces heating and lighting costs in facilities. Isaac Asimov's three laws of robotics. » a robot must obey orders given by humans, unless it comes into conflict with law 1

- Capable of working in hazardous conditions. Advantages and Disadvantages in Industrial Applications: » a robot must protect itself, unless this conflicts with law 1.

- Limited adaptability to variable tasks

- Specialist tasks may require humans

robotics - Welding parts

- Need for human intervention in some cases

- Spray-painting car panels
By Haris Kamal Khan
- Difficulty in handling non-standard tasks. - Disadvantages:
- Fitting windscreens
Factories:
- Potential for higher unemployment in manual labor.
- Precision metal cutting

- Risk of deskilling in certain tasks.

- Bottling and labeling

- Initial high cost of purchase and setup.

- Warehouses (automatic item location)

- Safer due to reduced human error.

- Autonomous floor sweepers

- Environmentally friendly, operating more efficiently.

- Autonomous lawn mower
Robots in Various Environments:
- Reduces traffic congestion and travel times. Advantages:
- Ironing robots (e.g., 'dressman')
Home:
- Increases lane capacity and average speeds.
- Pool cleaning

- Provides stress-free parking for motorists.

- Automatic window cleaners
Autonomous Vehicles:
- High initial setup costs.
- Entertainment ('friend' robots)

- Security concerns related to hacking.

- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Drones:
- Potential software glitches leading to accidents. Disadvantages:
- Used in reconnaissance and parcel deliveries.

- Maintenance challenges in adverse weather conditions.

- Reluctance from drivers and passengers to adopt new technology.

- Improves punctuality and reduces running costs.

- Enhances safety by removing human error.

Advantages:
- Minimizes energy consumption and allows for increased frequency of trains.

- Facilitates easier scheduling changes and operational flexibility.

Autonomous Trains:
- Vulnerable to hacking and system security concerns.

- Challenges with very busy services.

Disadvantages:
- High initial capital and operational costs.

- Ensuring passenger behavior and addressing reluctance to adopt new technology.

- Enhanced passenger comfort.

- Improved security in the absence of on-board pilots.

Roles in Different Areas:

The Role of Robots and Their Advantages and
- Reduced running costs with fewer staff requirements. Advantages:
Disadvantages
- Improved safety with fewer pilot-induced errors.

- Improved aerodynamics without the need for a cockpit.

Autonomous Airplanes:

- Challenges in dealing with emergency situations.

- Potential security risks, including hacking.

Disadvantages:
- Passenger reluctance to adopt new technology.

- Concerns over software glitches.

- Robots designed for accurate and fast harvesting.

- Examples include Vegebot (Cambridge University) for lettuce harvesting. Harvesting and Picking:

- Higher yields, reduced waste, and improved efficiency.

- Weed management robots distinguish between weeds and crops.

- Used in vineyards for weed removal, saving labor costs. Weed Control:

- GPS tracking and AI for precise weed removal.

- Robots equipped with sensors and cameras for plant observation.

- Create 3D models for monitoring health and growth. Phenotyping: Agriculture Robotics:

- Machine learning for identifying issues faster than manual methods.

- Drones provide aerial views for accurate seed-planting and fertilizer distribution.

- Efficient and precise compared to conventional methods. Seed-planting Drones and Fertilizer Distribution:

- Cloud seeding capabilities for inducing rainwater.

- Grass mowers/cutters, weeding, pruning, harvesting robots.

- Equipped with sensors and cameras for obstacle avoidance. Autonomous Agriculture Devices:

- Work independently or can be programmed to pause in adverse weather.

- Used in surgical procedures, making operations safer and faster.

- Applications range from monitoring patients to minor surgeries.

- Autonomous robots for disinfecting rooms and operating theatres. Medicine Robotics:

- Robots capable of taking blood samples and microbots for target therapy.

- Prosthetic limbs incorporating sensors and actuators for better control.

- Use proximity sensors and cameras for obstacle avoidance.

Autonomous Vacuum Cleaners:
- Controlled by microprocessors and programmable by users.

- Similar sensor, camera, microprocessor, and actuator setup as vacuum cleaners. Autonomous Grass Cutters: Domestic Robots:

- Controlled by a microprocessor and connected to the internet.

Personal Assistants (e.g., 'Vector'):
- Understands voice commands, utilizes computer vision, and navigates spaces.

- Theme parks use autonomous robots for interactive experiences.

- Robots control lighting, visual effects, and animation in music festivals.

- Use of robots to control cameras in film and TV productions. Entertainment Industry Robots:

- Humanoid robots perform stunt actions and generate special effects.

- Precision, speed, and coordination beyond human capabilities in producing

synchronized effects.