☞ This is the 18918th article published by Metal Processing (mw1950pub).

Editor’s Note

When many people hear the word “robot,” they often think of terms like “cool appearance,” “powerful functions,” and “high-end,” imagining robots as high-tech and flashy like the “Terminator” from sci-fi movies. However, this is not the case. In this article, we will explore the basic concepts of robotics and understand how robots accomplish their tasks.

1. Components of a RobotAt the most fundamental level, the human body consists of five main components:

• Body structure.

• Muscular system, used to move the body structure.

• Sensory system, used to receive information about the body and the surrounding environment.

• Energy source, used to provide energy to the muscles and senses.

• Brain system, used to process sensory information and command muscle movements.

Of course, humans also have some intangible traits, such as intelligence and morality, but on a purely physical level, this list is quite comprehensive.The components of a robot are remarkably similar to those of humans.A typical robot has a movable body structure, a motor-like device, a set of sensory systems, a power source, and a computer “brain” that controls all these elements.Essentially, robots are “animals” created by humans, machines that mimic human and animal behavior.Bionic Kangaroo RobotThe definition of a robot is broad, ranging from industrial robots serving factories to home cleaning robots. According to the broadest definition currently available, if something is considered a robot by many people, then it is a robot. Many robot experts (the people who manufacture robots) use a more precise definition. They stipulate that a robot must have a reprogrammable brain (a computer) to move its body.According to this definition, the difference between robots and other movable machines (like cars) lies in their computer components. Many new cars have an onboard computer, but it is only used for minor adjustments. The driver directly controls most parts of the vehicle through various mechanical devices. In contrast, robots differ from ordinary computers in their physical characteristics; they are connected to a body, while ordinary computers are not.Most robots do share some common characteristics.First,almost all robots have a movable body.Some have only motorized wheels, while others have numerous movable parts, generally made of metal or plastic. Similar to human bones, these independent parts are connected by joints.The wheels and axles of robots are connected by some form of drive mechanism. Some robots use motors and solenoids as drive mechanisms; others use hydraulic systems; still others use pneumatic systems (driven by compressed gas). Robots can use any of the aforementioned types of drive mechanisms.Secondly, robots need an energy source to power these drive mechanisms. Most robots use batteries or wall power outlets for electricity. Additionally, hydraulic robots require a pump to pressurize the liquid, while pneumatic robots need a gas compressor or compressed gas tank.All drive mechanisms are connected to a circuit via wires. This circuit directly powers the electric motors and solenoids and manipulates electronic valves to start the hydraulic systems. The valves can control the flow path of pressurized fluids within the machine. For example, if a robot needs to move a hydraulically-driven leg, its controller will open a valve that connects the hydraulic pump to the piston cylinder on the leg. The pressurized fluid will push the piston, causing the leg to rotate forward. Typically, robots use pistons that can provide bidirectional thrust, allowing parts to move in both directions.The robot’s computer can control all the components connected to the circuit. To make the robot move, the computer will activate all the necessary motors and valves. Most robots are reprogrammable. If you need to change a robot’s behavior, simply write a new program into its computer.Not all robots have sensory systems. Very few robots possess vision, hearing, smell, or taste. The most common sense that robots have is a sense of motion, which is their ability to monitor their own movements. In standard designs, a robot’s joints are equipped with grooved wheels. On one side of the wheel, there is a light-emitting diode that emits a beam of light that passes through the groove and hits a light sensor on the other side of the wheel. When the robot moves a specific joint, the grooved wheel will rotate. During this process, the groove will block the light beam. The optical sensor reads the pattern of the light beam flashing and sends the data to the computer. The computer can accurately calculate the distance the joint has rotated based on this pattern. The basic system used in a computer mouse is similar to this.These are the basic components of robots. Robot experts have countless ways to combine these elements to create infinitely complex robots. Robotic arms are one of the most common designs.2. How Robots WorkThe term “robot” in English comes from the Czech word “robota,” which is usually translated as “forced laborer.” This term is quite fitting for most robots. Most robots in the world are used for engaging in heavy, repetitive manufacturing work. They are responsible for tasks that are very difficult, dangerous, or tedious for humans.The most common manufacturing robots are robotic arms. A typical robotic arm consists of seven metal parts, which are connected by six joints. A computer connects stepper motors to each joint to control the robot (some large robotic arms use hydraulic or pneumatic systems). Unlike ordinary motors, stepper motors move precisely in increments. This allows the computer to move the robotic arm accurately, enabling it to repeat the exact same motion continuously. Robots use motion sensors to ensure that they move the correct amount.This six-joint industrial robot is very similar to a human arm, with parts equivalent to the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Its “shoulder” is usually mounted on a fixed base structure (rather than a movable body). This type of robot has six degrees of freedom, meaning it can rotate in six different directions. In comparison, a human arm has seven degrees of freedom.A Joint of a Six-Axis Industrial RobotThe role of a human arm is to move the hand to different positions. Similarly, the role of a robotic arm is to move the end effector. Various end effectors suitable for specific applications can be installed on the robotic arm. One common end effector can grasp and move different objects; it is a simplified version of a human hand. Robotic hands often have built-in pressure sensors to inform the computer of the force exerted when the robot grasps a specific object. This prevents the object from falling or being crushed in the robot’s hand. Other end effectors include spray guns, drills, and paint sprayers.Industrial robots are specifically designed to repetitively execute the same tasks in controlled environments. For example, a robot may be responsible for screwing caps onto jars of peanut butter as they move along the assembly line. To teach the robot how to perform this task, programmers guide the robotic arm through the entire sequence of actions using a handheld controller. The robot accurately stores the sequence of actions in memory, and every time a new jar comes down the assembly line, it will repetitively perform this sequence of actions.Robotic Arms Are Essential Components Used in Automobile ManufacturingMost industrial robots work on automobile assembly lines, responsible for assembling cars. When performing a large volume of such work, robots are significantly more efficient than humans because they are extremely precise. Regardless of how many hours they have worked, they can still drill in the same position and tighten screws with the same force. Manufacturing robots also play a crucial role in the computer industry, where their unparalleled precision can assemble tiny microchips.The manufacturing and programming of robotic arms is relatively easier because they work within a limited area. However, if you want to send a robot out into the vast external world, things become a bit more complicated.The primary challenge is to provide the robot with a viable movement system. If the robot only needs to move on flat ground, wheels or tracks are often the best choice. If the wheels and tracks are wide enough, they can also be suitable for rough terrain. However, robot designers often prefer to use leg-like structures due to their greater adaptability. Creating legged robots also helps researchers understand natural kinematics, which is beneficial practice in biological research.Robot legs typically move back and forth under the drive of hydraulic or pneumatic pistons. Each piston is connected to different leg components, much like muscles attached to various bones. To ensure that all these pistons work together correctly is undoubtedly a challenge. In the early stages, the human brain must figure out which muscles need to contract simultaneously to maintain balance while walking upright. Similarly, robot designers must determine the correct combinations of piston movements related to walking and program this information into the robot’s computer. Many mobile robots have a built-in balance system (like a set of gyroscopes) that informs the computer when it needs to correct the robot’s movements.Boston Dynamics’ Latest Upgraded Atlas Humanoid RobotThe bipedal walking motion itself is inherently unstable, making it extremely challenging to achieve in robot manufacturing. To design a more stable walking robot, designers often look to the animal kingdom, particularly insects. Insects have six legs and often possess extraordinary balance capabilities, allowing them to adapt to many different terrains.Some mobile robots are remotely controlled, allowing humans to command them to perform specific tasks at certain times. Remote control devices can communicate with robots using wired, radio, or infrared signals. Remote robots are often referred to as puppet robots, which are very useful for exploring dangerous environments or areas inaccessible to humans (like deep oceans or inside volcanoes). Some robots are only partially remote-controlled. For example, an operator may instruct the robot to reach a specific location without guiding its route, allowing it to find its own way.Autonomous robots can act independently without relying on any control personnel. The basic principle is to program the robot to respond to external stimuli in a certain way. Extremely simple collision response robots can illustrate this principle well.This type of robot has a collision sensor to check for obstacles. When you start the robot, it generally moves in a zigzag pattern along a straight line. When it encounters an obstacle, the impact will affect its collision sensor. Each time a collision occurs, the robot’s program instructs it to back up, turn right, and then continue moving forward. In this way, the robot will change its direction whenever it encounters an obstacle.Advanced robots will apply this principle in more sophisticated ways.Robot experts will develop new programs and sensor systems to create smarter robots with stronger perception capabilities. Today’s robots can perform impressively in various environments.Relatively simple mobile robots use infrared or ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles.These sensors work similarly to the echo-location systems of animals: the robot emits a sound signal (or a beam of infrared light) and detects the reflections of that signal. The robot calculates the distance to the obstacle based on the time taken for the signal to return.More advanced robots utilize stereo vision to observe the surrounding world. Two cameras can provide depth perception for the robot, while image recognition software enables the robot to determine the location of objects and recognize various items. Robots can also use microphones and olfactory sensors to analyze their environment.Some autonomous robots can only operate in familiar, limited environments.For example, lawn-mowing robots rely on buried markers to determine the boundaries of the lawn. Office cleaning robots require a map of the building to navigate between different locations.More advanced robots can analyze and adapt to unfamiliar environments, even adapting to rough terrains. These robots can associate specific terrain patterns with specific actions. For example, a rover robot will use its visual sensors to generate a map of the ground ahead. If the map indicates a rough terrain pattern, the robot will know to take a different path. This system is very useful for exploratory robots working on other planets.A set of alternative robot designs adopts a looser structure, introducing randomization factors. When this type of robot gets stuck, it will move its limbs in various directions until its actions produce an effect. It collaborates closely with force sensors and drive mechanisms to accomplish tasks, rather than being directed entirely by a computer program. This is similar to how ants try to navigate around obstacles: ants seem to avoid being indecisive when they need to get past an obstacle but rather try various methods until they find a way around it.3. Homemade RobotsIn the final sections of this article, we will look at one of the most fascinating areas of the robotics world: artificial intelligence and research robots. Over the years, experts in these fields have made significant advancements in robotics, but they are not the only makers of robots. For decades, although few in number, passionate hobbyists have been building robots in garages and basements around the world.Homemade robots represent a rapidly developing subculture that has a considerable influence on the internet. Amateur robot enthusiasts assemble their own creations using various commercial robotic tools, mail-order parts, toys, and even old video recorders.Like professional robots, homemade robots come in a wide variety of types. Some hobbyists who can only work on weekends have created very sophisticated walking machines, while others have designed household robots for themselves, and some enthusiasts are keen on building competitive robots.More advanced competitive robots are computer-controlled. For example, soccer robots can conduct small soccer matches without human input. A standard robot soccer team consists of several individual robots that communicate with a central computer. This computer “observes” the entire field through a camera and distinguishes the soccer ball, goals, and players based on color. The computer continuously processes this information and decides how to direct its team.Adaptability and VersatilityThe personal computer revolution is marked by its exceptional adaptability. Standardized hardware and programming languages allow computer engineers and amateur programmers to build computers for their specific purposes. Computer parts are somewhat similar to craft supplies, with countless applications.So far, most robots resemble kitchen appliances. Robot experts have manufactured them for specific purposes. However, they do not adapt well to entirely different applications.This situation is changing. A company called Evolution Robotics has pioneered the field of adaptive robotic hardware and software. The company aims to carve out its niche market with an easy-to-use “robot developer toolkit.”This toolkit features an open-source software platform that provides various commonly used robotic functions. For example, roboticists can easily equip their creations with capabilities such as target tracking, responding to voice commands, and avoiding obstacles. From a technical standpoint, these functions are not revolutionary, but what is unusual is that they are integrated into a simple software package.The toolkit also comes with some common robotic hardware that can be easily combined with the software. The standard toolkit includes infrared sensors, motors, a microphone, and a camera. Robot experts can assemble all these components using a set of reinforced mounting components, which include aluminum body parts and durable wheels.4. Artificial IntelligenceArtificial intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly the most exciting and controversial area in robotics: everyone agrees that robots can work on assembly lines, but there is disagreement about whether they can possess intelligence.Just like the term “robot,” it is also challenging to define “artificial intelligence.” The ultimate artificial intelligence would replicate human thought processes, namely a man-made machine that possesses human intelligence. Artificial intelligence includes the ability to learn any knowledge, reasoning ability, language ability, and the capacity to form its own opinions. Currently, robot experts are far from achieving this level of artificial intelligence, but they have made significant progress in the realm of limited artificial intelligence. Today, machines with artificial intelligence can mimic certain specific intelligent elements.Computers now have the ability to solve problems within a limited scope. The process of solving problems with artificial intelligence is complex, but the basic principle is quite simple. First, an AI robot or computer collects facts about a situation through sensors (or human input). The computer compares this information with stored data to determine its meaning. The computer calculates various possible actions based on the collected information and predicts which action will yield the best outcome. Of course, the computer can only solve problems that its programming allows it to, and it does not possess general analytical capabilities. Chess computers are an example of such machines.Some modern robots also possess limited learning capabilities. Learning robots can recognize whether a certain action (like moving a leg in a specific way) achieved the desired result (like avoiding an obstacle). The robot stores this information, and the next time it encounters the same situation, it will attempt to perform the action that successfully addressed it. Similarly, modern computers can only achieve this in very limited situations. They cannot collect all types of information like humans do. Some robots can learn by mimicking human actions. In Japan, robot experts demonstrated dance moves to a robot, teaching it how to dance.Some robots possess interpersonal communication abilities. Kismet is a robot created by the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory that can recognize human body language and tone of voice, responding accordingly. The authors of Kismet were interested in the interaction between adults and infants, which can be completed solely through tone and visual information. This low-level interaction can serve as the foundation for humanoid learning systems.Kismet and other robots produced by the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory employ an unconventional control structure. These robots are not controlled by a single central computer managing all actions; instead, their low-level actions are controlled by lower-level computers. Project leader Rodney Brooks believes this is a more accurate model of human intelligence. Most human actions are performed automatically, rather than being decided by higher-level consciousness.Just as the physical design of robots serves as a convenient tool for understanding animal and human anatomy, research into artificial intelligence also aids in understanding how natural intelligence works. For some robot experts, this insight is the ultimate goal of designing robots. Others envision a world where humans coexist with intelligent machines, using various small robots for manual labor, healthcare, and communication. Many robot experts predict that the evolution of robots may lead us to become semi-robots, humans fused with machines.

Recommended VideosFollow the Metal Processing video account for insightful industrial media.

-End-

☞ Source:World Advanced Manufacturing Technology Forum ☞Editor: Wang Jiahui ☞ Reviewer: Wu Xiaolan ☞ Media Cooperation: 010-88379790-801

Statement: If there are any copyright issues regarding the videos, images, or text used in this article, please notify us immediately. We will confirm the copyright based on the proof you provide and pay remuneration according to national standards or delete the content immediately!