Year 10 Robotics

6. Research

malcolmhindi — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:59:18 +0000

Dante II

In 1993, eight volcanologists were killed in two separate events while sampling and monitoring volcanoes. The use of robotic explorers, such as Dante II, opens a new era in field techniques by enabling scientists to remotely conduct research and exploration. Dante II is an industrial robot that was developed by NASA in help by a team from the University of Carnegie in the USA. The robot was produced to carry out exploration inside a live volcano.

The robot had a “younger brother” which was named Dante which was unsuccessful in an attempt to climb MT Erebus, but with modifications to Dante II it was better.
Dante II had an aim in 1994, when it was sent to Mt Spurr (Alaska) to conduct an exploration of the volcano. It trekked over crater walls which were deep, but was successful due to its steel frame. Its project up in the mountain was to investigate and bring footage of the surrounding, and in saying so was triumphant. It was able to gather gas and water samples which was sent back for scientists to analyse.

NASA’s intention with the project was to examine robot exploration which may be needed for future Space Missions.

References:

[Internet], “Dante II” http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/~hagen/samplers/text/DANTE_Sampler.html (collected 11/2/2009)

[Internet], “Dante II” http://www.ri.cmu.edu/research_project_detail.html?project_id=163&menu_id=261 (collected 11/2/2009)

Dante 2 had a steel frame which enhanced its capabilities of rappelling any incline, it was 10 foot long and 8 foot wide and weighed 1700 lbs. It had 8 cameras which allowed it to capture footage of its surroundings. Using its tether cable anchored at the crater rim, Dante II is able to descend down to gather and analyze high temperature gasses from the crater floor. Also connected to the tether cable is a generator and a satellite dish. Via satellite the robot is able to send visual information and data is able to recieve instructions from human operators, hence achieve their goals. Dante is unique as it relies on its sensors to direct it over dangerous and steep cliffs by using a laser which scans for range to unleash its grapple to allow it to climb.

5. Parts of a Robot

malcolmhindi — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:58:19 +0000

a) Write down the 5 main parts of robot and give an explanation on each, including what specific function does the part perform, what does this allow the robot to do?

Brain/Controller

The brain is the central computer which controls the robots movements and processing. It sends the electrical signals that initiates the movement of the arm, legs or end effector by processing information from the sensors and deciding when to get out of the way of an object or to deciding when to move a drill onto a screw.

Drive
The drive is the motor which moves the arms and the end effector. Without the drive, the brain would not function and the arms and end effector would not be able to move. There will usually be much more than one drive in larger robots, as they need a greater force to move or to lift heavier objects.

Arm
The arm is the part of the robot that protrudes from the robot which has the end effector attached to the end of it. The arm is almost always articulated, meaning that, at certain point, the arm as joints in it so that it can turn and twist to reach an object. The arm also has pressure sensors and optical sensors on it to tell the brain when the end effector has touched the object.

The End Effector
This part of a robot is the claw, clamp or fingers on the end of an arm of a robot. It enables the robot to grasp and pick up things. It can usually manipulate its shape in various areas just like the joints on a human hand and it will usually have pressure sensors on it to tell the brain when it has touched an object.

Sensor/s
The sensor, or sensors, are optical or pressure sensors which tell the contoller where the arm is, where objects are and if the robot is touching something. The sensors are usually located at the end of the arm of a mechainical robot, and if on a robot that moves its location, such as a humaniod robot, the sensors are on the arms, legs(also called arms), and usually on the torso or head.

b) Write down the 6 degrees of freedom.

The six degrees of freedom are:

Horizontal

Vertical

Depth

Pitch

Yaw

Roll

Refrences:

Six degrees of freedom [internet] Answers.com, USA. Available From: http://www.answers.com/topic/six-degrees-of-freedom?cat=technology

Robot Arm: [Internet], “Robot Arm“ http://www.geekalerts.com/robot-arm/

Robot Brain: [Internet], “Exhibit Research” www.exhibitresearch.com/tilden/

Robot Drive: [Internet], “Robot Parts” http://www.robotshop.ca/robot-parts.html

Robot Sensors: [Internet], ” Sensors” http://www.robotshop.ca/sensors.html

Robot End Effector: [Internet], “Rational Gripper” http://www.dimec.unige.it/PMAR/pages/research/robot/grippers/rotational%20gripper.htm

4. Types of Robots

malcolmhindi — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:58:06 +0000

Nachi SC06F

The situation for this robot is to assemble and seal things in the working industry. The Nachi SC06F is one of the fastest robots in it’s class. WIth it’s slim and compact desgin, it is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, inlcuding, material handling, cutting, sealing and assembly.

Most Important Feature: The most important feature is the robotic arm. WIthout its arm, it would not be able to complete any tasks. The arm is the main feature in this robot as it deteremines whether can perform any tasks or just do nothing.

Roomba Vacuum Cleaner

The situation for this robot is just simply cleaning the ground. The Roomba Vacuum cleaner is an autonomous robot which cleans floors and detects dirtier areas and increases its intensity. When the Roomba bumps into walls or table and chair legs, the roomba will change direction until it finds a path. This type of robot is used for domestic purposes.

Most Important Feature: The most important fearture is the pressure sensors, without them the roomba would hit a wall, not realise, not respond, and therefore continue to try to move in this direction, not cleaning the floor and possibly overheating.

References:

Nachi SC06F- [Internet], “Nachi SC06F” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-52_Enryu (collected on 3/2/2009)

Roomba- [Internet], “Roomba http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roomba (collected on 3/2/2009)

2. Historical Perspectives of Robotics

malcolmhindi — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:57:50 +0000

a) When was the first actuat robot invented and used?

The first actual robot was a paint spraying mechanism and was invented by Willard Pollard and Harold Roselund in 1938.

b) In 1942, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov created a set of three imaginary Laws of Robotics. What was the name of the book Asimov wrote in 1942 in which he described the Laws of Robotics?

The book Isaac Asimov wrote in 1942 in which he presented the Three Laws of Robotics was called Runaround.

c) Why is the so-called “Zeroth Law of Robotics? Why is it called the Zeroth Law?

The Zeroth Law of Robotics is: “A robot may not injure humanity or, through inaction, allow humanity to come to harm“.
It is called the Zeroth Law in order to keep the pattern of lower numbered laws being more important than higher numbered laws.

d) Propose one situation where it would be OK for a robot to harm (even kill) a human. Explain why it would be OK in this circumstance.

The only situation where a robot could harm or kill a human is when it is designed to stop a person from hurting another person/people e.g. a suicidal bomber or a serial killer. It is ok in this situation as the robot is trying to protect another human’s life. This would fall under Zeroth’s Law as the robot is harming or even killing the serial killer in order to protect human life, therefore protecting humanity.

Reference

(website:) “The Fourth Law (of Robotics), Part I: The Simple Problems”, http://samvak.tripod.com/robot.html (collected 2/2/2009)

(Website:) “Zeroth Law of Robotics”, http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Zeroth-Law-of-Robotics (collected 2/2/2009)

1. Defenition Robots and Robotics

malcolmhindi — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:57:30 +0000

a) Robot- Answers.com defines Robot as “a mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or by being programmed in advance”

Refrence

(website:) “robotics”, http://www.answers.com/robots (collected 2/2/2009)

b) Robotics- Answers.com defines Robotics as ”The science or study of the technology associated with the design, fabrication, theory, and application of robots”

Refrence

(website:) “robotics”, http://www.answers.com/robotics (collected 2/2/2009)

3. Purpose and Use of Robots

malcolmhindi — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:56:46 +0000

a) Entertaiment Robots

This type of robots are designed to entertain kids and even adults. In most cases they are able to do alot of things: from playing music, to being a spy to be programmed through bluetooth.

Robasapian v2

The Robasapien v2 is desingned to listen to the owners every commands. It is programmed to react to sound, kick, pick up and touch. It walks, run and turns.

Meccano Spykee Wi-Fi Spy Robot

The Meccano Spykee Wi-Fi Spy Robot is designed to be your talking buddy that plays MP3’s, has webcam and is ur phone. It can be used as a personal survelliance.

Domestic Robots

This type of robots are designed to perform many boring and repetitve household chores, such as vaccuming. These robots are not used commonly.

KA Lawnbott LB3500 Deluxe Robot Lawn Mower

The KA Lawnbott is the first ever bluetooth compatible home robotic device. It is desingned to cut your grass at whatever time you want. All you need to do is just program when and what days of the week you want it to work. Then once it’s finished it will return to its charging base.

Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Above Ground Robot Pool Cleaner

The Aquabot Pool Rover vacuums and filters without a hose and removes from large leaves to algae. Proven to last for a long time and low maintenance needed. With the touch of a button the aquabot will begin cleaning.

Industrial Robots

These forms of robots are used extensively in the industry especially in manufacturing. In the industry they can perform many tasks such as welding, repairing and assembling goods.

Fanuc Arc Mate 50iB Robot

The Fanuc Arc Mate 50iB Robot is a robot arm which is electric driven for maxium performance in small applications.

Comau Smart NH Robot

The Comau Smart NH is capable of performing many tasks such as handling, machine tending, polishing, sealing and gluing.

References

[Book] David Groner (2004). Information and SOftware Technology. Melbourne: Pearson Longman. 285-295. (collected 11/2/2009)

Comau Smart NH Robot: [Internet], “Comau Smart NH Robot” http://www.robots.com/comau.php?robot=nh (collected 7/2/2009)

Fanuc Arc Mate 50iB Robot: [Internet], ”Fanuc Arc Mate 50iB Robot” http://www.robots.com/fanuc.php?robot=arcmate+5 0ib (collected 7/2/2009)

Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Above Ground Robot Pool Cleaner: [Internet], ”Robot Shop” http://www.robotshop.ca/aquabot-pool-rover-junior.html (collected 7/2/2009)

KA Lawnbott LB3500 Deluxe Robot Lawn Mower: [Internet], ”Robot Shop” http://www.robotshop.ca/lawnbott-lb3500-deluxe-robot-lawn-mower.html (collected 7/2/2009)

Meccano Spykee Wi-Fi Spy Robot: [Internet], ” Meccano Spykee Wi-Fi Spy Robot” http://www.robotshop.ca/meccano-spyke-wifi-robot-2.html (collected 7/2/2009)

Robosapian v2: [Internet], “Wow Wee“ http://www.generalrobots.de/product_info.php/info/p337_mini-robasapien-v2.html (collected 7/2/2009)

[Internet], “Robosapien” http://wowwee.com/en/products/toys/robots/robotics/robosapiens:robosapien (collected 7/2/2009)

b) Find an example of a robot which is desingned for: repetitive tasks, dangerous tasks, maintenance and repair.

Dangerous Tasks

Mighty Mouse Robot

The Mighty Mouse Robot was designed to stop this fixed a jammed radiation source which was to powerful for humans. The radiation was so powerful that it would kill a human in about 30 seconds. This robot weighs approximately 270 kilograms that runs on treads and has long articulated arms.

Repair Robot

Longitudinal Crack Sealing Machine

The Longitudinal Crack Sealing Machine seals cracks on roads with it’s sensors. It blows debris out of the holes with a fan, then refills the cracks and repairs the roads.

Repetitive Robot

Motoman Robot UP50 Robot

The Motoman Robot requires minimal installation space. This superior machine is able to perform many tasks such as handling, machine tending and material removal.

Maintenance Robot

Canadarm 2

The Canadarm 2, a robotic arm, is an important part of the Space Shuttles equipment, useful for retrieving satellites and for building things in space. It has a certain piece of equipment which it has to look after. It is capable of handling the delicate assembly tasks currently performed by astronauts during space walks.

References:

[Internet], “Mototman Robot UP50″ http://www.robots.com/motoman.php?robot=up50 (collected 11/2/2009)

[Internet], “History of Automated Crack Sealing Development” http://www.dot.ca.gov/research/maintenance/ahmct/crack_sealing/crack_sealing_history/index.htm (collected 4/2/2009)

[Internet], “Bomb-Disposal Robot Scoops Up for Radioactive Source”http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8480 (collected 5/2/2009)

[Internet], “Nasa: A Helping Hand for the Space Station” http://www.nasa.gov/missions/shuttle/f_isshand.html (collected 11/2/2009)