understanding robots and automation

Early Robots• The term ROBOT was originally defined as a machine or device that automatically performs tasks or activities which are typically completed using human skill and intelligence. (original definition/robot-forced labor)

• The term AUTOMATON was used for what we now consider to be a robot. AUTO- means Self MATON- operating machine (ancient greeks)

Robot Applications

Isaac Asimov, Three Laws of Robots

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through interaction, allow a human to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey the orders given it by humans, except where such orders conflict with the first law.

3. A Robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the first and second laws

What Is an Industrial Robot?• The robot is a machine. • The robot is reprogrammable (can be given new instructions to perform new tasks).

• The robot has a multifunction manipulator (may be used in different ways, even within the same program).

• The robot is flexible and can perform a variety of operations to meet special needs.

Industrial Robots

• Robot Classifications Manual manipulator- Manipulator controlled by a human. Fixed Sequence Robot- Performs successive steps of pre-determined sequence. Cannot be easily changed.

Variable sequence robot-Similar to the fixed-sequence robot, but sequence of movement can be easily changed. Playback Robot- Reproduce operations originally by human controlled and movement. They are then stored in memory. Numerically Controlled (NC) robot- manipulator performs sequence of movement communicated by numerical data. Intelligent robot- Robot that can detect changes in the work environment by means of sensors, etc. and use decision making capabilities to proceed with appropriate operations.

Types of Automation

• Hard Automation- refers to machinery that has been specifically designed and built to perform particular tasks within an assembly line.

• Flexible Automation- Machines that are capable of performing a variety of tasks.

Flexible Manufacturing

First Generation of Industrial Robots

• Information robots • Robots for education • Automation in injection mold and welding lines • Multi-function robots • Painting robots • Semiconductor / disk assembly • Wafer inspection • Wafer / disk carrier

Second Generation of Industrial Robots

• Cleaning robots • Security robots • Intelligent robots Sensor base Flexible automation (MAP, Hierarchization) • Assembly robots

Three Generations of Industrial Robots

Third Generation• Personal robots• Medical / welfare robots• Cellular robots• Navigation robots• Biped robots• Multi-arm / finger robots• Harvesting robots• Space robots

• Electric railroad and trolley line• Maintenance robots• Clean room environment• Hazardous environment robots• Accident prevention• Robots with artificial intelligence• Public / construction worker robots• Micro-robots for bionics

Today’s In-Class Assignment Third Generation Topics

• Each student pick one topic for discussion.• There are to be no duplications (teacher will decide)

• You have 15 minutes to research (computer, books, etc)

• Each student must write a 50 word presentation• Each student must give an oral presentation.