Thames & Kosmos DLX, Experiment Manual, Page: 14 / 132

DOMESTIC ROBOTS
There are already domestic robots performing chores in people’s households
today. Some well-known examples are: vacuum-cleaner robots, lawnmower
robots, and window-cleaning robots. The
Care-O-bot II
can even handle and
fetch everyday household objects. You will find more on this topic in the “Check
it out” section on page 43.
A Brief Guide to Robotics
What exactly is a robot? A simple definition could be something like: A robot is a machine
that does work that humans would otherwise do.
The most important components of a robot are as follows:
›››
the sensors that collect data about the surroundings and about the position of the
robot’s own components
›››
the actuators, or movable components such as motors that change the shape,
position, and orientation of the robot
›››
the robot’s controls
››› the mechanical framework
›››
the robot’s drive mechanism
The science that deals with robots is known as robotics. Robotics experts distinguish
autonomous robots from robots that are controlled remotely — like the ones in this kit.
Likewise, robots can work either in one fixed place or as mobile units.
In short, there are a lot of different types of robots. Some of the most important ones are
presented here on these two pages.
AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOTS
These robots move all by themselves and perform their tasks without any human
assistance. Typical functions include following a line on the ground or a source of
light, or avoiding obstacles. There is also a sport called robot-sumo, in which mob
ile
robotic
sumo wrestlers
fight each other.
CHECK IT OUT
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