Robotics – Class Notes
1. Definition of a Robot
A robot is a machine capable of carrying out tasks automatically, often programmable
by a computer. Robots can perform tasks faster, more accurately, and in dangerous
environments where humans cannot work safely.
Key Points:
Can be mechanical, electronic, or both.
Controlled by computers or artificial intelligence.
Can sense, process, and act.
2. Components of a Robot
1. Sensors – Devices that detect changes in the environment (e.g., light,
temperature, distance).
2. Actuators – Motors or mechanisms that allow movement (arms, wheels, grippers).
3. Controller/Processor – The “brain” of the robot that processes data and makes
decisions.
4. Power Supply – Provides energy to operate (batteries, electricity, solar).
5. End Effector – The tool or part of the robot that interacts with objects (e.g., claw,
welding torch, screwdriver).
3. Types of Robots
A. Based on Functionality
Type Description Example
Industrial Used in factories for manufacturing Welding robot, car assembly
Robots and assembly. robot
1
Type Description Example
Assist humans in daily tasks or Cleaning robots, delivery
Service Robots
services. robots
Used in healthcare for surgery or Surgical robots, prosthetic
Medical Robots
rehabilitation. robots
Used for defense or combat
Military Robots Drones, bomb disposal robots
operations.
Exploration Operate in remote or hazardous Mars rover, deep-sea
Robots environments. exploration robots
B. Based on Motion
Type Description Example
Move on wheels; fast and energy- Automated guided vehicles
Wheeled Robots
efficient. (AGVs)
Move on legs; can walk on rough
Legged Robots Boston Dynamics’ Spot
terrain.
Flying Robots Can fly; often used in surveillance. Drones, UAVs
Swimming
Can move in water. Underwater exploration robots
Robots
4. Robot Programming
Pre-programmed Robots – Perform a fixed set of tasks repeatedly.
AI-enabled Robots – Can learn and adapt to changing conditions.
Remote-controlled Robots – Controlled manually by humans via wireless or wired
control.
Common Programming Languages:
Python
2
C/C++
Java
ROS (Robot Operating System)
5. Uses of Robots
1. Industry: Assembly lines, welding, painting, packaging.
2. Medical Field: Surgery, patient care, rehabilitation.
3. Military: Surveillance, bomb disposal, reconnaissance.
4. Exploration: Space exploration (rovers, probes), underwater research.
5. Daily Life: Vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, entertainment robots.
6. Advantages of Robots
Work in dangerous environments (hazardous, toxic, extreme temperatures).
High speed and precision in repetitive tasks.
Can operate 24/7 without fatigue.
Reduce human labor costs in industries.
7. Disadvantages of Robots
High initial cost to build and maintain.
Cannot think creatively (unless AI-enabled).
Job displacement for humans in some industries.
Require technical expertise to program and repair.
8. Future of Robotics
3
AI and Machine Learning integration for smarter robots.
Humanoid robots with emotions and human-like interaction.
Autonomous vehicles and delivery drones.
Robots in disaster management to save lives.
Medical nanorobots for internal treatments at a microscopic level.
Summary:
Robots are machines designed to perform tasks that are dangerous, repetitive, or
precise. With advancements in AI and technology, robots are increasingly becoming a
part of everyday life, industry, medicine, and exploration. Understanding robotics is key
to shaping the future of technology.
