Page 21 - Toucpad robotics C11

Applications
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Object Recognition: Identifying different objects (e.g., distinguishing apples from oranges on a conveyor belt).
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Navigation and Mapping: Helping robots understand their location and create maps of their surroundings (e.g.,
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a drone mapping an area).
Quality Control: Inspecting manufactured products for defects or verifying assembly.
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Facial Recognition: Identifying individuals.
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Example: In an automated fruit sorting plant, a robotic arm uses a high-resolution camera to capture images of
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fruits. An AI system then analyses these images to determine the fruit’s ripeness, size, and any defects, guiding the
robot to sort them accordingly.
Proximity and Distance Sensors
Function: These sensors detect the presence of objects and measure the distance to them without physical contact.
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Types:
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Ultrasonic Sensors: Emit high-frequency sound waves and measure the time it takes for the echo to return
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(like bats). Good for short to medium distances and detecting transparent objects.
Infrared (IR) Sensors: Emit infrared light and detect its reflection. Useful for short-range object detection.
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Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging): Uses pulsed laser light to measure distances. It can create highly accurate
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3D maps of the environment.
Applications:
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Collision Avoidance: Preventing robots from bumping into walls, furniture, or people.
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Navigation: Helping robotic vacuum cleaners or autonomous mobile robots navigate rooms.
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Automated Doors: Detecting people approaching.
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Parking Assistance Systems: In cars, to gauge distance to obstacles.
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Example: A robotic vacuum cleaner uses ultrasonic sensors around its perimeter. When it approaches a wall or a
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piece of furniture, the sensor detects the obstacle, and the robot adjusts its path to avoid a collision. Self-driving cars
heavily rely on Lidar for precise environmental mapping.
Touch/Tactile Sensors
Function: These sensors detect physical contact, pressure, or force exerted on the robot’s surface or grippers. They
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act like the robot’s sense of touch.
Applications:
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Grasping Delicate Objects: Adjusting the grip pressure to avoid crushing fragile items.
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Obstacle Detection: If a robot bumps into something unexpectedly.
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Human-Robot Interaction: Ensuring safety when robots work alongside humans (cobots).
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Example: A robotic hand designed to pick up a raw egg might have tactile sensors on its fingertips. These sensors
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provide feedback on the pressure being applied, allowing the robot to adjust its grip just enough to hold the egg
without breaking it.
Force/Torque Sensors

Function: These sensors measure the forces and rotational forces (torque) being applied to or by the robot’s joints
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or end-effectors.
Applications:
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Precise Manipulation: Enabling robots to perform delicate tasks requiring specific force application.
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Human-Robot Collaboration (Cobots): If a cobot accidentally pushes against a human, the force sensor can
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detect this, and the robot can immediately stop or retract to ensure safety.
Assembly Tasks: Ensuring screws are tightened with the correct torque.
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19
Introduction to Robots: What Exactly are They?