Robot as a system | RAI grade 9 | KIPS

Short Notes

Sensors 

• Temperature Sensor: Measures the heat level. Used in fire-fighting robots or to monitor machinery temperature.
• Humidity Sensor: Measures the moisture in air. Used in weather robots or agriculture.
• Pressure Sensor: Measures air or fluid pressure. Used in underwater robots or aerospace applications

Actuators

• Devices that help the robots perform actions.
• Types : 
• Electric Actuators : DC motors, stepper motors, servo motors etc.
• Hydraulic Actuators : pressurised fluid is used to produce motion
• Pneumatic Actuators : Compressed air is used. Suitable for weightlifing applications.
• Piezoelectric Actuators : Piezoelectric crystal is used. Used for extra-precise positioning system.

Controllers 

• Brain of the robot.
• They are small computers or circuits that give instructions to the robot and control how it works. Controllers receive signals from sensors and send commands to motors or other parts of the robot to perform tasks.
• Types:
• Microcontrollers : E.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi
• PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) : Designed specially for industries to automate manufacting process.
• DSPs(Digital Signal Processors)

Power System 

• Types:
• Batteries
• Electrical Outlets
• Solar Panels

Communication Systems

• Systems used to transmit and receive data.
• Types:
• Wireless
• Visual : Visual communication in robots means using lights, screens, or gestures to send messages. It helps humans understand what the robot is doing or feeling.

  Some advanced robots can also understand visual communication from humans — like hand signs, body movements, or facial expressions — using cameras and sensors. This allows two-way communication between humans and robots

  
  
  

• Audio
• Infrared
• GPS(Global Positioning Sytem)

Manipulators 

• Combination of Links and Joints
• Types:
• Robotic arms : They move in multiple direction. Arm like structure.
• Grippers : Used to pick/hold or modify and object, in industries.

End Effectors

• Tools attached at the end of a manipulator. There are multiple type of end effectors, depending on the task and requirement.
• It could be a paint brush for a painting robot, or a cutting arm for a robot designed to cut things

Mechanical block of robot

• Rigid body structure (Chasis) : Provides framework and support to its components
• Links and joints
• Actuation
• Controller
• End Effectors

Electrical block of robot

• Sensors
• Controller
• Actuator
• Power Supply
• Communication

Designing of an underwater robot

• Waterproofing
• All parts of the robot must be sealed properly so that water cannot enter and damage the electronics.
• Buoyancy Control
• The robot should be able to float, sink, or stay in place under water. This is managed using ballasts or air tanks.
• Pressure Resistance
• Deep water has very high pressure. The robot’s body must be made of strong materials like titanium or thick plastic to survive the pressure.
• Propulsion System
• Underwater robots move using propellers or thrusters. The design must allow the robot to move forward, backward, and turn easily.
• Sensors and Cameras
• They need sensors to measure depth, temperature, and detect objects. Underwater cameras help in capturing visuals or exploring.
• Communication System
• Sending signals underwater is hard. Robots use acoustic (sound-based) communication or long cables to stay in contact with the operator.
• Energy Source
• Most underwater robots run on rechargeable batteries. The design must allow for long operation time without needing to recharge often.

Unsolved Questions

Short Answer Type Questions

1. How do the ultrasonic and infrared sensors work?

Ultrasonic Sensor:

1. It sends out sound waves that humans can’t hear.

2. When these waves hit something, they bounce back to the sensor.

3. The robot uses the time taken to measure how far the object is.

Infrared (IR) Sensor:

1. It sends out infrared light (invisible to our eyes).

2. If there’s an object nearby, the light reflects back to the sensor.

3. This helps the robot know when something is close to it.

2. What is the main function of controllers in robots?

1. The controller acts like the robot's brain.

2. It takes input from sensors and makes decisions.

3. It sends commands to different parts of the robot to do tasks.

3. What is the use of battery in robots?

1. The battery gives power to the robot to work.

2. It helps run the motors, sensors, and controller.

3. Without a battery, the robot won’t be able to move or do anything.

4. Explain end-effectors with the help of an example.

1. End-effectors are the tools or parts at the end of a robot’s arm.

2. They help the robot do specific jobs like holding, cutting, or welding.

3. Example: A robot arm with a gripper to pick and place items in a factory.

5. Give names of two industrial and two humanoid robots.

Industrial Robots:

1. ABB IRB 6700 : This robot is used in welding, and heavy-duty operations.

2. FANUC M-20iA : This robot is used for material handling and assembly.

Humanoid Robots:

1. ASIMO (by Honda)

2. Sophia (by Hanson Robotics)

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Write any four types of controllers that can be used in robots.

Controllers are the brain of a robot. They help it think and take actions.

1. Microcontroller

   • A small computer that controls specific tasks.

   • It is cheap and is used in simple robots like line-following robots.

   • Example: Arduino is a popular microcontroller board.

2. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

   • Used mostly in industries.

   • It can control machines, conveyor belts, and robotic arms.

   • It is strong and works well in heavy-duty environments.

3. Embedded System

   • A computer system built into the robot to do special tasks.

   • It connects sensors, motors, and controllers inside the robot.

   • Example: The brain inside a washing machine or microwave is an embedded system.

4. PC-based Controller

• A normal desktop or laptop used to control robots.

• Useful for robots that need more memory or calculations.

• Example: Robots used in labs or research centers may use this

2. Explain the various power sources that can be used in robots.

Robots need power to move and work. Different robots use different power sources.

1. Battery

   • Most common power source.

   • Portable and used in small or mobile robots.

   • Example: A robot vacuum cleaner runs on a rechargeable battery.

2. Solar Power

• Converts sunlight into electricity.

• Eco-friendly and used in small outdoor robots.

• Example: Some space robots use solar panels to get energy from the Sun.

3. Discuss the working principle of the mechanical block of robots.

The mechanical block includes all moving and physical parts of a robot.

1. Parts Included

   • It includes wheels, arms, joints, claws (grippers), and frames.

   • These parts are built using metals or plastics.

2. Powered by Motors and Actuators

   • Motors and actuators move the robot’s parts.

   • Actuators convert electrical signals into motion (like rotating a wheel or lifting a hand).

3. How It Works

• When the controller gives a signal, the mechanical block moves.

• For example, if the robot sees an object, its arm (mechanical part) can move forward and pick it up.

4. What are the important components of a humanoid robot?

Humanoid robots are made to look and act like humans. They have special parts:

1. Head with Sensors and Cameras

   • Helps the robot to see and hear.

   • It may have microphones (to hear) and cameras (to see).

   • Example: Sophia, the famous humanoid robot, can see people and respond.

2. Arms and Hands

   • Allows the robot to do things like humans—shake hands, hold cups, or wave.

   • Some have fingers to perform delicate tasks.

3. Legs or Wheels

   • Legs help in walking like humans; wheels help in moving fast.

   • Some robots can even climb stairs.

4. Controller (Brain)

• It processes the information and gives commands to move, talk, or respond.

• Like our brain, it controls the entire body of the robot.

5. Explain the various components of a mobile robot.

1. Chassis (Body) – The main frame that holds all parts together.

2. Wheels or Tracks – Helps the robot move around.

3. Sensors – Detects obstacles, light, or direction.

4. Controller – Makes decisions and sends commands.

5. Power source – Usually a battery to give power.