🤖 Robotics – Summary Notes
📘 I. What is Robotics?
Robotics is the branch of engineering and science that deals with the design, construction,
operation, and application of robots.
It combines concepts from:
● Mechanical engineering
● Electronics
● Computer science
● Artificial intelligence
🧠 II. Definition of a Robot
A robot is a programmable machine capable of carrying out complex actions automatically,
often mimicking human abilities.
🏗️ III. Components of a Robot
Component Function
Sensors Gather data from environment (e.g., cameras,
IR sensors)
Actuators Motors or devices that move parts (e.g.,
wheels, arms)
Controller The “brain” of the robot (microcontroller or
processor)
Power Supply Battery or power source
End Effector Tool attached to the end (e.g., gripper,
welding torch)
Software Instructions that control behavior
🧩 IV. Types of Robots
Type Application
Industrial Robots Welding, assembly lines
Mobile Robots Move in environment (e.g., Roomba)
Humanoid Robots Imitate humans (e.g., Sophia)
Autonomous Robots Perform tasks without human control
Teleoperated Robots Controlled remotely (e.g., bomb disposal)
Swarm Robots Many simple robots working together
Medical Robots Surgery, rehabilitation (e.g., Da Vinci robot)
⚙️ V. Major Fields in Robotics
Field Focus
Mechanical Design Building physical structure
Control Systems Ensuring accurate movement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Learning and decision-making
Computer Vision Understanding visual input
Path Planning Deciding how to move
Embedded Systems Hardware + software integration
🧠 VI. Sensors in Robotics
Sensor Type Measures
Proximity Sensor Distance to objects
Infrared Sensor Obstacle detection
Ultrasonic Sensor Distance using sound
Gyroscope Orientation/rotation
Accelerometer Movement/tilt
Camera Visual input
LIDAR 3D mapping, depth
Touch Sensor Physical contact
🦿 VII. Actuators
Type Example
Electric Motor Common in wheels and arms
Hydraulic Actuator High power, heavy lifting
Pneumatic Actuator Air pressure-driven
Servo Motor Precision movement
Stepper Motor Moves in steps, useful in positioning
📊 VIII. Levels of Autonomy in Robots
Level Description
Manual Fully controlled by a human
Semi-autonomous Partially controlled; some decision-making
Fully autonomous Makes decisions on its own
💻 IX. Programming and Control
Term Meaning
Microcontroller Low-power chip that controls a robot (e.g.,
Arduino)
Real-time system Performs tasks within time constraints
PID Controller Popular feedback control system
ROS (Robot Operating System) Open-source middleware for programming
robots
Pathfinding Algorithms A*, Dijkstra, etc., used in navigation
🤖 X. Applications of Robotics
Field Use Case
Manufacturing Assembly, welding, painting
Healthcare Surgery, drug delivery, assistance
Agriculture Automated harvesting, drones
Military Surveillance, bomb disposal
Space Mars rovers, satellite repair
Domestic Vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers
Entertainment Animatronics, robot pets
🧠 XI. Famous Robots
Name Description
ASIMO Honda's humanoid robot
Sophia AI-powered humanoid robot by Hanson
Robotics
Spot Robotic dog by Boston Dynamics
Da Vinci Surgical robot
Curiosity NASA’s Mars Rover
Roomba Robotic vacuum cleaner
🧠 XII. Common Terms in Robotics
Term Definition
Degrees of Freedom (DoF) Number of independent movements a robot
can make
Kinematics Motion of parts without considering forces
Dynamics Motion of parts with forces
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Robot builds a map while locating itself
Mapping)
Inverse Kinematics Finding joint angles for a desired position
Feedback Loop Using sensor data to adjust motion
Haptics Touch-based feedback in robots
🧠 XIII. Identification Clues
Clue Likely Answer
“Simultaneous mapping and localization” SLAM
“Autonomous wheeled robot” Mobile robot
“Controlled by remote operator” Teleoperated robot
“Artificial human-like robot” Humanoid robot
“PID controller” Motion control system
“Uses ultrasound for distance” Ultrasonic sensor
“Degrees of freedom” Robot movement capability
“Sophia the robot” AI humanoid robot
“Mars exploration” NASA’s Curiosity rover
“Servo motor” Precision control actuator
💡 XIV. Tips for Studying Robotics
● Start with Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects
● Learn basic coding (Python, C++)
● Understand sensors and actuators
● Study control systems (like PID)
● Explore ROS (Robot Operating System) for real-world robotics
● Follow projects from NASA, Boston Dynamics, and open-source robotics
communities
