Explore Robotics and its applications!
A robot is a mechanical or virtual assistant that can simulate some human functions or movements. In the real world, it is an autonomous machine capable of sensing its environment, performing computations to make decisions, and executing actions.
In this course, you will develop a foundation for understanding robotics, and learn about different types and possible uses of robots.
This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success.
Lesson Structure
There are 8 lessons in this course:
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Types of Robots
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A Brief History of Robotics
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Types of Physical Robots
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Robotic Actuators
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Mechanical Components of Robots
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Robot Movement
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Robotic Sensors
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Types of Sensors
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Signal Processing
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Challenges
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Power Supply & Control Systems
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Power Supply
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Control Systems
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Types of Robot Control Techniques
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Control Systems Used in Robots
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Kinematics
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Configuration and Workspace
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Structure of Robots
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Configurations and Configuration Space
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Cybernetics
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Robot Brain
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Developments in Autonomy
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Robot Maintenance
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Why maintenance
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Preventative maintenance
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After breakdown maintenance
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Maintenance planning
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Applications
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Industrial Robots
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Logistics
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Service Robots
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Aims
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Define a robot and discuss different types of robots.
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Describe different types of robotic components.
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Describe a variety of sensors used in robotics.
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Describe different options for power supply, and different control systems in robots.
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Explain the application of kinematics to robotics.
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Discuss cybernetics and its application to robotics.
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Determine maintenance procedures to be applied with different types of robots.
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Explain a range of different applications for robots in different industries.
Explore Robotics
A robot is a mechanical or virtual assistant that can simulate some human functions or movements. In the real world, it is an autonomous machine capable of sensing its environment, performing computations to make decisions, and executing actions.
A robot is usually an electromechanical system, which, by its appearance or actions, gives the impression that it has some abilities on its own.
Robots vary in their size, design, and capabilities. The term ‘robot’ refers to both physical and virtual software tools, but virtual robots are usually called bots.
Physical robots are generally hardware applications of artificial intelligence (AI). This means they usually have a body with arms, legs, or both to accomplish physical duties in various conditions.
A popular robot which carries out a mechanical function is a drone. Drones are robots that can fly and are controlled or programmed by humans. Another example is the robotic arms used in factories for assembly lines, automated construction, and other tasks. These are commonly used in the automotive industry.
Virtual robots, or bots, are an application of AI used to automate tasks. There are levels of these bots, from simple (e.g., a Slackbot) through to complex (e.g. a virtual assistant). A chatbot is a software application that can use AI to communicate with human users to assist them in various applications.
SIRI, the assistant that comes with Apple technology, is a chatbot (not a mechanical robot). SIRI evolved from a project at SRI Artificial Intelligence Centre that utilised voice recognition software from Nuance communications together with advanced machine learning technology.
Understanding robotics will be critical to work in many, if not most jobs of the future. Understanding robotics is important to your future employability and productivity.
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