Robotics - Sensors and Control Systems
Robots are smart machines that can perform a variety of jobs with precision and accuracy. Sensors and Control Systems are the main components that give this capability to robots.
Robotic sensors and control systems work together for allowing robots to see, understand, and interpret their surrounding environment. Sensors collect data from the surrounding environment and control systems process them to take actions.
This chapter provides a comprehensive description on the types of sensors and control systems used in robotics.
What are Robotic Sensors?
Robotic Sensors are devices that allow robots to sense, see and listen the surrounding environment. In robots, sensors act human senses. Sensors collect and provide critical data to robots for decision-making and performing tasks.
A sensor basically measures a physical quality like temperature, movement, sound, light, etc. and convert it into electronic signals that the robotic control system process to make decisions.
Types of Sensors in Robotics
In robotics, a large number of sensors are used to perform different tasks. Some of the most commonly used sensors in robotics are listed below −
- Light Sensors − These sensors measure light levels and produce electronic signals. In robotics, light sensors are used to guide robots and recognize colors.
- Sound Sensors − Source sensors measure intensity of sound waves and produce electronic signals. These sensors are used in robotics to process voice-control instructions.
- Temperature Sensors − These sensors measure the change in temperature of the surrounding environment and convert it into electronic signals. In robotics, temperature sensors are used to determine temperature of environment.
- Proximity Sensors − These sensors are used in robotics to provide capability of detecting objects without making any physical contact. Infrared and ultrasonic sensors are the common types of proximity sensors.
- Touch Sensors − These sensors are provided in robots to detect physical contacts or pressure, and avoid collisions.
- Pressure Sensors − Pressure sensors are used to measure the amount of pressure applied on a surface. These sensors are mainly used in industrial and medical robots.
- Gyroscope − This sensor is used to measure angular displacement and rotational speed. In robotics, it helps robots to maintain their stability and orientation.
- Accelerometer − It is used to measure acceleration and tilt. It allows robots to detect and balance the motion.
- Navigation and Positioning Sensors − Examples of these sensors include GPS or compass. These sensors help robots to navigate across areas and determine directions to provide precise positioning.
- Cameras − Robots are also equipped with cameras for capturing 3D images of surroundings and recognize the objects. Cameras are basically eyes of robots.
What are Robotic Control Systems?
Robotic Control Systems are those components of robots that process the data from sensors and make decisions to execute appropriate actions. Thus, they act as brain of robots. Control systems are crucial for efficient and adaptable operation of robots.
A typical robotic control system consists of the following key components −
- Controller − It is the main processing element that processes data from sensors, interprets instructions, and generates command signals. It is responsible for controlling the behavior of the robot.
- Actuators − These are devices that convert control signals into mechanical actions. Examples of actuators include motors, pistons, grippers, etc.
- Feedback Mechanism − It is system that provides a link between output and input to ensure desired performance of the robot. It sends signals to controller to make necessary adjustments and minimize errors.
How Robotic Sensors and Control Systems Work Together?
In a robotic system, sensors and control systems form a closed loop and operate together as follows:
Step 1 − Sensors collect data from surrounding environment.
Step 2 − Control system’s controller processes the data from sensors and generates a control command.
Step 3 − Actuators execute actions depending on the control command from controller.
Step 4 − Feedback system measures the output and sends commands to controller for making necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Sensors and control systems are critical components of robots that enable them to see, hear, and sense the surrounding environment and execute actions accordingly. Let's move ahead to the next chapter in the tutorial and learn about Robot Operating System (ROS).