Automated Systems ROBOTICS

CHAPTER 14

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NEED

Speed Computers can work faster than people Hazardous Environment Computers can work in places dangerous / unsafe for people

Human rescue robot

Repetitive tasks Computers can do the same job over & over & over & over & over & over & over & over & over again

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NEED

Efficiency

Computers can work 24 hrs - no break

Accuracy

Computers do fine detail without mistakes

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NEED

Adaptability

Can be reprogrammed to do different jobs

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

pressure

SENSOR

movement

A device which detects a physical quantity

volcano sound

FEEDBACK

light

The signal sent from the sensor to the computer

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

Robot: A device which is controlled by a computer program and which carries out repetitive tasks Anatomy • Some robots resemble human limbs • The tool changes depending on the job

elbow

Motor Motor(s) power each movable part of a robot

shoulder wrist tool waist Computing Standard Grade Foundation

Programmable Robots

Robots can be programmed to do different tasks as follows: Can be operated using high level language instructions - written by a programmer Lead-through programming teaches the sequence of events for a task by someone doing it first.

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

Stationary robots do not travel Mobile robots can travel using wheels / tracks

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE Tools

Different tools are used to do different tasks

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CAD/CAM

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN A design is entered into the computer.

It can be viewed & edited easily COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURE The design is sent to the assembly computer.

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

Analogue Input/Output Analogue signals can vary continuously between 2 limits Input: microphone Output: speaker Digital signals These can only take 2 values on /off. This gives the binary computer coding e.g. 0010 1110

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

A to D and D to A converters Analogue input signals may need to be changed into digital computer signals then changed back into analogue output signals depending on the devices used e.g. microphone for input, speaker for output.

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

INTERFACE Connection between computer & robot Magnetic Guide – Robot will travel along path with magnetic route lad out under floor Light Guide – Light sensors will detect when robot moves off a white line painted on the floor.

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

Simulation: Using computers to model real life situations e.g. aircraft simulator Virtual reality: Using computers to reproduce the outside world e.g. going on a moon walk Real-time processing A system which responds immediately to input and is essential for automated systems.

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

High Level Instructions Instructions written using a high level language (English).

Control Language Instructions that the programmer uses to tell a robot what to do e.g. GRASP, WAIT, TURN

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HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

Mobile robots ROM chips have programs stored on Embedded system is a tiny computer inside a piece of equipment e.g. mobile Intelligent robots need to be programmed with its own expert system to apply the rules consistently

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SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Retraining (F) People will need to be trained to use the computers.

Employment (G) • Changes in nature of job – People may lose their job – People will learn new skills to operate / maintain computers • Increased leisure time – Computers now do boring / repetitive jobs so people work less hours => more free time OR – More is expected of people so work is more hectic

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TECHNICAL IMPLICATIONS Industrial Automation Allows boring repetitive tasks to be completed by computerised equipment in factories i.e. assembly line processes e.g. car manufacture Safety Precautions Care with moving parts (motors/ arms) hang signs Care with mobile robots: sirens, flashing lights Feedback sensors in bumpers

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ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS High Initial Costs (G) Can cost millions of £s to buy & setup equipment Long Term Savings (G) Less workers, more efficient machines should reduce production costs in the long run.

Replacement Costs (G) Money needs to be put aside to upgrade, repair or replace equipment

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Technical Implications

Design of Workplace Areas for robots, paths for mobile robots, cabling Adv: Robots do not need heating / lighting / breaks Modern Factory Designed to accommodate machines e.g. products stacked high System Analyst A person who checks out the workplace to recommend machines for jobs

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That’s All Folks

REVISE WELL TO REACH POTENTIAL A LITTLE DONE OFTEN IS WORTH MORE THAN EVERYTHING AT THE LAST MINUTE!

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