Robotics - Quick Guide

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Introduction to Robotics

Robotics is a branch of engineering that deals with the study of design, manufacturing, operation, and applications of machines that can emulate human intelligence and actions. These machines are called Robots. Robots are designed and programmed to perform human activities.

Robotics has a long history, as the first robot was developed in the mid-20^th century. Today, robotics is being used across almost every industry, ranging from IT to healthcare and manufacturing.

This introductory chapter on robotics is meant to provide an overview of robotics, its benefits, challenges, and applications.

What is Robotics?

Robotics is an interdisciplinary engineering branch that deals with the design, construction, working, and use of robots. Being an interdisciplinary branch, it combines several engineering disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control engineering, electronics engineering, computer science, communication engineering, material engineering, etc.

In robotics, mechanical engineering contributes in design and construction of physical structure of robots, electrical and electronics engineering provides interconnection between different parts, while computer engineering provides the algorithms and programs for automation and operation of the robots.

Main Objective of Robotics

The primary goal of robotics is to design and construct machines that can be programmed to assist humans. Robotic machines provide capabilities to perform jobs which are dangerous to humans like exploring space, mining, shipwrecks, survivors in unstable ruins, fire-fighting, etc.

Robotics is also employed in several industries to automate mundane, repetitive tasks like monitoring operations, cleaning, assembling, etc.

Laws of Robotics

Isaac Asimov suggested three laws to guide the behavior of robots and autonomous machines, which are given below −

Robotic machines or robots must never harm humans.
Robots and autonomous machines must follow instructions provided by humans without violating the first principle.
Robots and autonomous machines must protect themselves without violating the other laws of robotics.

These three laws of robotics are equally valid in present days.

Benefits of Using Robotics

Robotics is greatly desired in many industries because it can improve accuracy, increase safety, and reduce costs. It offers several benefits across industries, some of them are listed below −

Robotics increases safety for humans in many dangerous environments such as nuclear industry, space exploration, defense, mines, chemical industries, etc.
Robotics assists humans to compete their jobs and hence increases productivity.
Robotics also enhances accuracy by performing tasks consistently and reduces errors.
Robotics offers flexibility in adapting to changes by programming and re-programming.
Robotics also reduces operational costs in businesses by automating repetitive tasks.

Challenges in Robotics

Despite the above given advantages, robotics also faces several challenges in design and deployment in real-life environments. Some of the key challenges associated with robotics are highlighted below −

Robotics cannot not be used to perform all the tasks, especially those require human intelligence, creativity, and cognitive decision-making.
As we know robotics can perform most jobs with higher accuracy, speed, and precision when compared to human workers. This capability of robotics increases the risk of replacing humans in those jobs.
The initial cost of robotics is very high. Also, it is costly to repair and maintain the robotic machines.
Increasing dependency on robotic machines can eventually result in reduced skills and problem-solving abilities of human workers.
Robotic machines are vulnerable to hacking or cyberthreats, and hence there is always a security risk involved in their operation.
Robotics require a constant power supply to run, and it consumes a huge amount of energy.

Applications of Robotics

Today, robotics is being used across various industries, from home electronics to biomedical and aerospace, to automate and perform repetitive tasks. Some of the common examples of robotics applications are given below −

Robotics is used in various home electronic appliances such as vacuum cleaners, toys, lawnmowers, home security system, home energy management system, etc. to perform tasks without any human intervention.
Robotics is also employed in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop systems that can perform process automation, object recognition, natural language processing, or predictive maintenance.
Robotics is also an important part of data science industry and it allows to perform tasks like data collection, data cleaning, data analytics, and detecting anomalies.
Military also makes use of robotics for surveillance, reconnaissance missions, enhance soldier mobility on battlefield, etc.
Manufacturing industries employes robotics for various purposes like inspecting pipes for corrosion, testing structural strength of buildings, quality assurance, etc.
Robotics is an integral part of various mechatronics systems such as smart factories, autonomous vehicles, and robotic surgery devices.
Robotics is also used in aerospace industry for applications like drilling, coating, painting, or inspecting components of aircrafts.

Conclusion

In this chapter, we touched upon some of the fundamental concepts of robotics such as its definition, main goal, advantages, and applications. Lets move to the next chapter in the tutorial and learn about Different Types of Robots.

Types of Robots

Robots are programmable machines that can emulate human actions and perform tasks. Robots are designed to perform specific jobs and are used in different industries or environments.

In this chapter, we will learn about some common types of robots used in various industries and applications.

Industrial Robots

Industrial robots are used as the fundamental components in modern manufacturing and logistics industries. Industrial robots are large sized, programmable machines that can perform repetitive tasks with high precision.

Some of the common functions that industrial robots perform across various industries include welding, assembling, painting, drilling, handling materials, etc.

Industrial robots are widely used in manufacturing plants, warehouses, factories, etc. These robots improve efficiency and productivity, and reduce errors in operations.

Service Robots

Service robots are specially designed robotic machines that can perform versatile functions and operate in various environments. These robots are primarily used for improving customer experiences and daily life activities.

Some of the common examples of service robots and their applications include –

Cleaning robots, robotic vacuum cleaners, etc. used in domestic applications.
Robots handling customer interactions in hospitals and retail industries.
Robots used for entertainment and to provide personal assistance in healthcare sector, etc.

Medical Robots

Medical robots are used in hospitals and other healthcare institutions to provide precise and innovative patient care. They provide multiple functionalities such as diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, mobility, surgery, etc.

Humanoid Robots

These robots are designed to have a human like appearance and mimic the human behavior. Humanoid robots are widely used in studying human-robot interaction, entertainment, and customer services. Due to human-like presence, these robots provide enhanced user engagement.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

Cobots are specialized robots used in a shared environment alongside human workers. Thus, these robots assist human workers in completing tedious and heavy mechanical tasks. Cobots create a safer work environment through effective collaboration between human and digital workers, and automating repetitive and hazardous jobs.

Agricultural Robots

As the name implies, these robots are designed to transform farming by automating critical agricultural tasks, improving sustainability and productivity. These robots can assist in functions like Planting, Monitoring crop health, Applying pesticides, Harvesting, etc.

Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles are nothing but self-driving cars, drones, or other vehicles empowered by robotic capabilities. These robotic machines are being used for revolutionizing the transportation industry.

Exploration and Space Robots

Exploration and space robots are designed to operate in challenging environments on the Earth and in space. Common examples of these robots include underwater exploration robots, mars rovers, etc.

Defense and Military Robots

These robots are designed for providing assistance in defense or military operations, increase operation efficiency, and safety. Defense robots are capable in performing functions like surveillance, bomb disposal, search and rescue, etc.

Conclusion

In this chapter, we highlighted the features and applications of some commonly used robots across various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare and space exploration.

Let's move forward to the next chapter in the tutorial and learn about Sensors and Control Systems used in Robotics.

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).

Robot Operating System (ROS)

Robot Operating Systems (ROS) is a set of software frameworks used for developing robotics software. Despite its name, ROS is different from traditional operating systems, as it is used as a middleware suite.

ROS provides a rich set of tools to robotics developers to create software applications for robots. This chapter explains the fundamental concepts and features of robot operating systems.

What is Robot Operating System?

Robot Operating System (ROS) is a software framework designed for developing robotic applications. It provides a set of tools to simplify the development process of robotic systems and applications. ROS provides several functionalities such as code reusability, structured environment, visualization and debugging tools.

The major components of a robot operating system are as follows −

Middleware − This component of ROS acts as a communication bridge between robotic hardware and software.
Libraries − These are sets of prebuilt functionalities used to perform various robotic tasks.
Tools − This component of ROS provides various tools for visualization, debugging, and simulation of robotic systems.

Features of Robot Operating System

Listed below are some of the key features of robot operating system (ROS) −

ROS is a modular framework and comprises of individual processes to perform specific tasks.
ROS supports various programming languages.
It provides various visualization and simulation tools to test the behavior of robots in a virtual environment.

Important Concepts of ROS

Some of the important concepts related to robot operating systems are explained below −

ROS Nodes − In ROS, a node is nothing an executable program that can perform a specific function like collecting data from sensors, controlling actuators operations, etc. Different nodes in ROS communicate with each other by using topics, services, and actions. ROS nodes are generally written in programming languages such as Python, C++, etc. Nodes allows to convert a robotic application into smaller and manageable processes by breaking it down.
ROS Master − It is the central component of the robot operating system and allows nodes to communication. When ROS nodes start, they register with the ROS Master and it enable other nodes to find and interact with them.
Topic − In ROS, a topic is a named communication channel which provides the functionality of publish-subscribe messaging.
Service − In ROS, a service provides the request-response communication between ROS nodes.

Versions of Robot Operating System

The following two are the main versions of the robot operating systems –

ROS 1

It is also termed as Boxturtle. It was the first release of ROS which introduced in the year of 2010. It laid the foundation for ROS development. ROS 1 was mainly focused on research and experimentation in robotics.

However, ROS 1 had the following key limitations –

It does not have real-time capabilities.
It does not provide security features.
It does not provide scalability and support for modern architectures.

ROS 2

This version of ROS was released in the year of 2022, and it addresses the limitations of ROS 1. Also, it provides expanded capabilities for more sophisticated robotics applications, primarily in commercial and industrial domains.

The key improvements made in ROS 2 include the following −

It uses data distribution service protocol to provide real-time capabilities.
It provides improved security features.
It offers expanded platform support and scalability for complex applications.

ROS 2 is widely used in real-time systems, autonomous vehicles, and industrial robots.

Conclusion

In this chapter, we provided an overview of the features and versions of Robot Operating Systems. Let's proceed to the next chapter in the tutorial and understand the Best Programming Languages for Robotics.

Robotics - Programming Languages

In robotics, programming languages are important components of robot design, as they allow to breathe life into the physical structure of robots. Programming languages are responsible for making robots functional and intelligent, so they can perform tasks with precision like humans.

There are hundreds of programming languages, but only a few are dominatingly used in the field of robotics. In this chapter, we will learn about basics of some commonly used programming languages in robotics.

Best Robotics Programming Languages

This section provides an overview of widely used robotics programming languages with their features and use cases −

C and C++

C and C++ are most common programming languages used in robotics. These languages are used for robotics programming because they enable robots to perform tasks and execute actions with precisions and real-time performance. Hence, C and C++ are best suited for programming those robots which are used in time critical applications.

Here are some of the key features of C and C++, making them valuable programming languages in the field of robotics −

Both C and C++ are mature, general-purpose programming languages.
They provide many hardware libraries which are seamlessly compatible with robotic hardware.
C++ is an enhanced version of C and provides features like objects and classes. Hence, C++ is best suited for programming complex robotic machines.

C and C++ are widely used in the following applications −

C and C++ are used to program industrial robots to define control functionality for motors, sensors, or actuators.
They are also used for developing main functionalities for robot operating system (ROS).

Python Programming Language

Alongside C and C++, Python is another most popular programming language used for robotics programming. It is widely used because of its ease-of-use and versatility. Also, Python is the easiest language to learn and implement. It is an interpreted language and provides a rich set of libraries for easily implementing basic functions.

The key characteristics of Python that make it a popular choice for robotics programming are highlighted below −

It is the easiest programming language to learn.
It requires fewer lines of code to define a functionality.
It eliminates the need to define and cast variable types, hence reduces programming time.
It provides an extensive library ecosystem.

Python is widely used for the following applications in the field of robotics −

It is used for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities in robots.
It is also used for developing high-level robotic controls.

Java Programming Language

Java is another commonly used robotics programming language. It enables robots to function in a more human-like manner. It is an interpretive programming language, thus it allows the same programming code to use or run on different robotic machines. Java is very popular among robotics developers who are engaged in developing AI-powered robots.

The following are some key features of Java as a robotics programming language −

Being an interpretive language, it allows to use the same code on different robotic machines without any modification.
It provides support to develop AI capabilities and neural networks for robotic applications.

The following are some examples of practical use cases of Java in robotics −

It is used to program AI systems like IBM’s supercomputer Watson.
It is used for developing robotics applications that provide cross-platform capabilities, etc.

MATLAB

MATLAB (MATrix LABoratory) is a powerful tool that provides a programming language and a user-friendly interface for analyzing data, developing and implementing control systems for robots, and running simulations. MATLAB provides a pairable Robotics Toolbox, which allows developers to create and simulate systems for robotic arms.

The following features make MATLAB one of the top programming languages in robotics −

It provides a built-in toolbox that includes functions for kinematics, dynamics, and trajectory generation.
It provides a specially-designed interface for developing robotic control systems.
It provides supports to research, develop, and simulate systems for robotic arms.

Some practical usecases of MATLAB as a robotic programming language include the following −

It is used for simulating movements in robots and assess their performance.
It is used to design, develop, and test advanced control systems for robots.

Hardware Description Languages (HDLs)

HDLs are programming languages that enable developers to describe circuits and their functionalities using words and symbols. In robotics, HDLs are used to develop electronic circuits for robots. However, it is essential to have an in-depth understanding of electronics for using HDLs effectively. Some common examples of HDLs include Verilog, VHDL, etc.

The following are some key features of hardware description languages −

HDLs simplifies the hardware development process.
They allow to describe electronic circuits using word and symbols.
These are text-based programming languages, hence ease to understand for both machine and human.

HDLs in robotics are used for following purposes −

They are used for designing and programming ICs.
They are used to create custom hardware solutions for specific robotic applications, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, programming is the crucial part of robotics design, as it converts a mechanical lifeless structure into an intelligent machine that can perform functions in a human-like fashion. Robotics programming languages are essential for transforming the concepts of robotics into reality.

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