Page 85 - Robotics and AI class 10
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#Digital Literacy • Acceleration Sensors: Acceleration sensors, also known as accelerometers, measure the rate of change
of velocity or acceleration of an object. They provide information about the linear or angular acceleration
Video Session experienced by the robot or its components. Acceleration sensors are crucial for motion control, balance, and
Scan the QR code or visit the following link to watch the video: stability in robotics.
Sensors Explained- What is a Sensor - Different Types The examples of acceleration sensors include:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gizihSJ63o4 o MEMS Accelerometers: MicroElectricalMechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometers use microfabrication
techniques to measure linear acceleration based on the deflection of microstructures.
o Gyroscopes: Gyroscopes can be used as acceleration sensors to measure angular acceleration or rate of rotation.
Acceleration sensors enable robots to detect sudden changes in velocity, implement balance control, or
Classification of Sensors perform tasks that require acceleration-based input.
The classification of sensors can also be done as internal and external sensors based on their physical location • Force Sensors: Force sensors or load sensors, measure the force or pressure applied to an object or component.
in relation to the robot or system they are used in. Here is a breakdown of the classification: They provide information about the magnitude and direction of forces acting on the robot, allowing for
interaction, grasping, or force-controlled tasks.
Internal Sensors
The examples of force sensors include:
Internal sensors are sensors that are placed within the body or structure of the robot or system. These sensors are
typically integrated into the design or embedded within the components of the robot. Internal sensors gather data o Strain Gauges: Strain gauges measure the strain or deformation of a material due to applied forces and
from within the robot itself, providing information about its internal state, performance, or specific parameters. convert it into an electrical signal.
Here are the types of internal sensors: o Load Cells: Load cells are transducers that convert the applied force into an electrical signal.
• Position Sensors: Position sensors measure the position or displacement of an object or component. They Force sensors enable robots to apply and control forces during manipulation tasks, ensure safe interactions
provide information about the location or orientation of a robot’s joints, end-effectors, or other moving parts. with objects or humans, or provide haptic feedback.
By tracking position changes, these sensors enable precise control, motion planning, and feedback in robotics.
External Sensors
The examples of position sensors include:
The external sensors can be categorised into contact-type and non-contact-type sensors based on how they
o Potentiometers: Potentiometers measure angular or linear position by utilising variable resistance. They interact with the environment or objects. The types of external sensors include:
provide an analog output proportional to the position. • Contact-Type External Sensors: Contact-type sensors physically come into direct contact with objects or the
o Encoders: Encoders are sensors that measure angular or linear position using optical, magnetic, or environment to gather information. They measure parameters by sensing the physical interaction between the
capacitive principles. They provide digital or incremental signals representing position changes. sensor and the object.
o Hall Effect Sensors: Hall effect sensors detect the presence and strength of magnetic fields and can be The examples of contact-type external sensors include:
used to measure position in proximity to a magnet. o Tactile Sensors: Tactile sensors detect and measure contact forces, pressure, or touch. They can be in the
Position sensors are crucial for tasks like robot arm control, joint motion monitoring, or positional feedback form of arrays or individual sensors distributed over a robot’s surface to provide information about the
in robotic systems. location and intensity of contact.
• Velocity Sensors: Velocity sensors measure the speed or rate of change of position of an object. They provide o Force/Torque Sensors: Force/torque sensors measure the forces and torques applied during physical
information about how fast an object is moving and in what direction. Velocity sensors are important for motion interactions with objects. They are often used in robotic grippers or end-effectors to provide feedback on
control, speed monitoring, and trajectory planning in robotics. grasping forces or to ensure controlled contact.
The examples of velocity sensors include: o Contact Probes: Contact probes are mechanical sensors that physically touch objects to detect properties
such as texture, hardness, or surface irregularities.
o Tachometers: Tachometers measure the rotational speed of a motor or shaft by detecting the number of
revolutions per unit of time. Contact-type sensors are beneficial for tasks that require precise force control, object manipulation, or tactile
feedback. They enable robots to interact with objects and the environment in a controlled manner.
o Doppler Sensors: Doppler sensors utilise the Doppler effect to measure the velocity of objects based on
the frequency shift of reflected waves. • Non-Contact-Type External Sensors: Non-contact-type sensors do not require physical contact with objects
or the environment. They gather information without direct interaction by utilising different physical principles
Velocity sensors allow robots to adjust their motion speed, maintain consistent velocities, or react to dynamic such as light, sound, or electromagnetic fields.
changes in their environment.
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