Page 41 - Toucpad robotics C11

Real-World Use of Algorithms in Robotics
Algorithms are used in almost every modern robotic system:

Application Area Algorithm Used Purpose
Autonomous Cars Pathfinding (A*) Safely navigate roads

Industrial Robots Kinematic Algorithms Control robotic arm movement
PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative)
Drones Maintain balance and orientation
Control Algorithm
Search & Rescue Robots Object Detection Algorithm Identify survivors or obstacles
AI-Powered Robots Machine Learning Algorithms Learn from data and improve performance
Learning to Think Like a Robot
When students learn to create algorithms, they are not just learning to write code — they are learning to think logically
and systematically.
A good roboticist doesn’t jump directly to coding. They first:
Observe the problem carefully
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Write down the logical sequence of actions
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Test the flow using paper or simulation
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Finally, convert it into code
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This approach nurtures problem-solving skills, clarity of thought, and technical discipline — all key traits of 21st-century
learners.
REBOOT

Activities for Students
Write an algorithm for a robot that can pick and place three coloured blocks in specific boxes (red Box A,
blue Box B, green Box C).
1. Create a flowchart for a smart light system that turns ON when motion is detected and OFF after 30 seconds
of inactivity.
2. Find out what pathfinding algorithms are used by robots in warehouses (e.g., Amazon’s Kiva Robots) and
explain how they navigate efficiently.
3. Use Tinkercad Circuits or Arduino IDE to simulate a line-following robot and observe how algorithmic logic
converts into movement.

Matrix Operations: Essential for Transformations and Coordinate Systems

Mathematics, particularly linear algebra (which involves matrices and vectors), provides the language for describing
position, orientation, and movement in 3D space.
Coordinate Systems

A robot operates within various coordinate systems:
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Robot Base Frame: The origin of the robot (e.g., the base of a robotic arm).
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Joint Frames: A coordinate system for each joint.
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End-Effector Frame: A coordinate system at the robot’s tool or gripper.
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World Frame: A global coordinate system representing the environment.
l
Example: Imagine a robot picking up a block. The block’s position is known in the world frame. The robot’s arm base
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is in its own base frame. To grab the block, the robot needs to know the block’s position relative to its own arm.
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Introduction to Robots: What Exactly are They?