Page 109 - Toucpad robotics C11

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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.

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Electrical and Control Systems