Robotics 3205

Activity 1

Temperature Sensor: Is a device, typically, a thermocouple or RTD,

that provides for temperature measurement through an electrical
signal. A thermocouple is made from two dissimilar metals that
generate electrical voltage in direct proportion to changes in
temperature
Voltage Sensor: is typically convert lower voltages to higher
voltages, or vice versa.
Current sensor: is a device that detects electric current (AC or DC) in
a wire, and generates a signal proportional to it. The generated signal
could be analog voltage or current or even digital output.
Distance Sensor: The sensor emits an ultrasonic pulse and is
captured by a receiver.
Position Sensor: is any device that permits position measurement. It
can either be an absolute position sensor or a relative one
(displacement sensor). Position sensors can be linear, angular, or
multi-axis.
Force Sensor: a transducer that converts an input mechanical force
into an electrical output signal. Force Sensors are also commonly
known as Force Transducers.
Pressure Sensor: Tactile pressure sensors are useful in robotics as
they are sensitive to touch, force and pressure.
Humidity: the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor (H2O) in the
mixture to the saturated vapor pressure of water at a given
temperature. Thus the relative humidity of air is a function of both
water content and temperature.
Light: is something that a robot can use to detect the current ambient
light level
PH: is a device used for potentiometrically measuring the pH, which is
either the concentration or the activity of hydrogen ions, of an aqueous
solution
Contact: are those which require physical contact against other
objects to trigger.

Sound Sensor: this sensor (generally a microphone) detects sound

and returns a voltage proportional to the sound level.
Infra-red Sensor: a type of light sensors, which function in the infra
red part of the frequency spectrum.

Robotics 3205

Activity 2

Linear Actuator: is an actuator that creates motion in a straight line, in

contrast to the circular motion of a conventional electric motor.
Most appropriate applications:
Repeated Linear Movement
Electric actuators are often the solution of choice for repeatedly moving a
loador several loadsto a consistent locationor locationsin a
continuous fashion. Repeated linear movement sometimes requires
synchronizing multiple axes to facilitate coordinated moves. If you need to
repeat motion continuously and consistently, as well as coordinate several
different motions simultaneously, this type of actuator is often the best
solution.
Adaptable Movement
Linear motion that changes or adaptsfrequently referred to as adaptable
movement is another important application. Whenever load, positions, or
the very nature of the motion itself changesas often is necessary for
synchronizing movements with other machine operationsyou can use these
actuators to control and facilitate adaptable movement.
Controlled Precision Movement
Precisely controlled motionthe accuracy of which is beyond the capabilities
of an actual person without exhibiting human erroris another important
electric actuator use. With these linear actuators, you can control position
with extreme levels of precision, duplicate and repeat precise movements
within the full stroke, and even reprogram or reconfigure precise motions to
support multiple applications.
Acceleration Controlled Movement
Electric linear actuators are also used to control the rate of acceleration.
Because you can precisely control speed, position, and torque, you can make
the actuator accelerate or decelerate as quickly and as often as you need.

Rational Actuator: is an autonomous entity which observes through

sensors and acts upon an environment using actuators.
Most appropriate applications:
Rotary actuators and parts are used in a variety of industrial, research and
development, lab, production and quality inspection applications all of
which require rotary motion. These pneumatic actuators are appropriate for
payloads of all sizes, and can be mounted and operated in any direction.
Parkers efficient line of actuators and parts enable productivity
improvements through automation of repetitive tasks.