Basic HTML Version

|  | Table of Contents |  | View Full Version

Page 109 - Toucpad robotics C11
P. 109

    4

                                                                                         LEARNING OBJECTIVES
                                                                                         l  Actuators: The Muscles of Robots - Types
                                                                                            of Motors
                                                                                         l  Sensors in Robotics: The Robot’s
                                                                                            Perception
                                                                                         l  Communication Protocols in Robotics:
                     ELECTRICAL AND CONTROL                                              l  Power Requirements of Robotic
                                                                                            The Language of Components

                     SYSTEMS                                                             l  Control Systems in Robotics: Orchestrating
                                                                                            Components: The Energy Demands
                                                                                            Accurate, Efficient, and Safe Performance

                     In this chapter, we’ll learn how electrical and control systems bring robots to life by powering movement and ensuring
                     accuracy. Actuators, such as DC motors, servo motors, and stepper motors, are explained as the driving force
                     behind robotic motion. The chapter introduces sensors like IR (Infrared) and Ultrasonic sensors, showing how robots
                     can perceive distance, detect obstacles, or respond to environmental conditions. Control systems are classified into
                     open-loop (no feedback) and  closed-loop (with feedback), teaching why feedback is essential for precision and
                     adaptability. The role of controllers (microcontrollers or processors) is described as the “brain,” which integrates
                     input from sensors and sends appropriate signals to actuators. Students gain insights into how PWM (Pulse Width
                     Modulation) controls motor speed and how feedback systems ensure stability, accuracy, and energy efficiency.
                     Real-world examples such as automatic washing machines, self-driving cars, and robotic arms are provided to
                     help students connect theory with practical applications. By the end, students appreciate how electrical and control
                     systems ensure that robots not only move but also move intelligently and safely.
                     Actuators: The Muscles of Robots - Types of Motors

                     In our previous discussions, we established that actuators are the components that enable a robot to perform physical
                     actions by converting electrical energy into mechanical motion. Motors are the most common type of actuator in robotics.
                     They are responsible for everything from moving a robot’s wheels to rotating its arm joints or precisely controlling a gripper.
                     The choice of motor is critical, as it directly impacts the robot’s speed, strength, accuracy, and overall performance.
                     We will focus on two fundamental types: DC Motors and Servo Motors.

                                                                                                                          107
                                                                                                     Electrical and Control Systems

| 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 |