Understanding Robots
Robots are powerful machines that give us access to places otherwise inaccessible to the human population. They protect us from danger by performing tasks that are harmful to our health. They enhance the quality of our lives by performing tedious jobs and providing assistance to people with disabilities.
Initially robots were used almost exclusively for mass production, performing the three Ds: dirty, dangerous, and dull jobs. Many robots are mechanical arms attached to a base. The space within which a robotic arm can move is called its work envelope.
Computers are the brains of a modern robotic system. A robotic system has five main parts: a controller serves as the robot’s brain; a computer program provides instructions for the robot to follow; a manipulator that resembles a human arm or torso provides movement; an end effector serves as a robot’s hand; and a power supply provides electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power to the robot.
Initially robots were used almost exclusively for mass production, performing the three Ds: dirty, dangerous, and dull jobs. Many robots are mechanical arms attached to a base. The space within which a robotic arm can move is called its work envelope.
Computers are the brains of a modern robotic system. A robotic system has five main parts: a controller serves as the robot’s brain; a computer program provides instructions for the robot to follow; a manipulator that resembles a human arm or torso provides movement; an end effector serves as a robot’s hand; and a power supply provides electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power to the robot.