Introduction to Robotics

Robot and Robotics technologies represent a practical applications of physics, computer science, engineering and mathematics. It provides a very powerful and flexible approach to demonstrate a variety of engineering concept.

What is a Robot ?

An electrical or mechanical or electromechanical,

programmable or non programmable multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through various programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks What is Robotics? It is the science and technology of robots, their design, manufacture, and application.

A robot must have the following essential characteristics Mobility: It possesses some form of mobility.
Programmability: It can be programmed to accomplish a large variety of tasks. After being programmed, it operates automatically. Sensors: on or around the device that are able to sense the environment and give useful feedback to the device Mechanical capability: enabling it to act on its environment rather than merely function as a data processing or computational device (a robot is a machine); and Flexibility: it can operate using a range of programs and manipulates in a variety of ways.

Robotics in Movies
MATRIX I-ROBOT TERMINATOR

 All these movies are based on the fact that rules of robotics are violated. Robots turn against their very own creators; humans. So we should build robots keeping the rules of robotics in mind.

Three Laws of Robotics

By Isaac Asimovs A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Asimo
ASIMO is a humanoid robot created by Honda. ASIMO was created at Hondas Research & Development Wako Fundamental Technical Research Center in Japan. The name ASIMO is an acronym for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility.

 The main concept behind Honda's robot was to create a more viable mobility that allows robots to help and live in harmony with people. ASIMO has the unique ability to walk forward, backward, side step and even climb stairs with human-like agility. With the capability to navigate and operate in our world, ASIMO will be able to perform tasks to assist ASIMO has two Degrees of Freedom on its neck, six on each arm and six on each leg. ASIMO may also someday be helpful in dangerous work environments such as moving harmful chemicals or fighting fires.

Kismet (robot)
Kismet is a robot made in the late 1990s at Massachusetts Institute of Technology with auditory, visual and expressive systems intended to participate in human social interaction and to demonstrate simulated human emotion and appearance. The name Kismet comes from the Arabic , Turkish , Urdu

 Kismet simulates emotion through various facial expressions, vocalizations, and movement. Facial expressions are created through movements of the ears, eyebrows, eyelids, lips, jaw, and head. Four color CCD cameras mounted on a stereo active vision head and two wide field of view cameras allow Kismet to decide what to pay attention to and to estimate distances. Maxon DC servo motors with high resolution optical encoders are positioned to give Kismet three degrees of eye movement, which allow it to control gaze direction and gives Kismet the ability to move and orient its eyes like a human. This allows Kismet to simulate human visual behaviors.

iCub robot

 The iCub is a small-size humanoid robot being designed by the RobotCub Consortium, consisting of several European universities. The iCub is the humanoid baby-robot being designed within the RobotCub project. It is a full humanoid robot sized as a three and half year-old child; about 3 feet tall. It has 53 degrees of freedom, including articulated hands that are used for manipulation and gesturing. iCub robot, like a human child and it is a fine simulation of a human child. The iCub is able to crawl and walk, make human-like eye and head movements and recognise and grasp objects.

Conclusion
Although most robots in use today are designed for specific tasks, the goal is to make universal robots, robots flexible enough to do just about anything a human can do.