Animation & Robotics Revised: 10/15/2013 Unit 1: Automation & Robotics 2 1.1 ● Unit 2 1.2 ● What Are Automation & Robotics? 2 1.3 ● Communication 3 1.4 ● Activity: Sandwich Algorithm 4 1.5 ● Robot Components 4 1.6 ● Project: Robotics Research 5 Unit 2: Mechanical Systems 6 2.1 ● Unit Goals 6 2.2 ● Mechanisms 6 2.3 ● Gears 7 2.4 ● Gear Systems 9 2.5 ● Activity: Gear Systems 12 2.6 ● Building With VEX 13 2.7 ● Activity: Gear System Build 16 2.8 ● Design Process 16 2.9 ● Project: Survival Challenge 19 Unit 3: Automated Systems 21 3.1 ● Unit Goals 21 3.2 ● Technological Systems 21 3.3 ● Activity: Technological Resources 22 3.4 ● Open-Loop & Closed-Loop Systems 23 3.5 ● Robotic Sensing & Control 24 3.6 ● Activity: VEX Testbed Build (Mechanical) 25 3.7 ● VEX Electrical Wiring 29 3.8 ● Activity: VEX Testbed Build (Electrical) 30 3.9 ● Robot Behaviors 30 3.10 ● Activity: Robot Behaviors 31 3.11 ● Pseudocode & Comments 31 3.12 ● Programming Rules 32 3.13 ● Robot Automation 33 3.14 ● Activity: VEX Testbed (Computer) 36 3.15 ● Project: Automated 38 Unit 1 Automation & Robotics 1.1 Unit Goals
What Are Robots Used For? Robots have many uses: ● Precision Work – Robots can be programmed to perform very detailed, precise tasks, such as drilling a hole in a precise location. ● Repetitive/Monotonous Work – Robots can do things over and over that humans would easily grow tired of, such as stacking boxes. ● Dangerous Work – Robots can perform tasks that would be difficult, dangerous or impossible for humans to do, such as defusing a bomb. ● Exploration – Unmanned robots are used to explore the depths of the ocean and the far reaches of space. Types Of Robots There are as many types of robots as there are uses for robots. Some common types include: ● Industrial – Perform factory jobs such as welding, painting and assembly. ● Medical – Assist with surgery, transport materials and dispense medicine. ● Assistive – Help humans with tasks such as eating, walking, cleaning and grasping/reaching. ● Explorative – Explore locations such as under water and space. ● Household – Perform common household tasks such as cleaning, vacuuming and mowing. Advantages & Disadvantages As with all technologies, there are advantages and disadvantages to robotics technology. For example, robots can deactivate a bomb to save human lives, but they are very expensive to build and maintain. Robots can perform the actions of many humans in a factory, resulting in greater productivity. But in the process, they take jobs away from the workplace. Can you think of other advantages and disadvantages of robots? Communication 1.3 Engineers must communicate solutions to a problem. Sometimes engineers communicate verbally and sometimes with written text and/or sketches. When the goal of a project is not shared or not obvious to everyone, then communication falls apart and often the project is not completed within its constraints. Below are some advantages of good communication within a project: ● All steps of the design process stay on track. ● Engineers can easily take over work for other engineers. ● Robots are less likely to malfunction. Engineers communicate to robots through the use of a computer program—a set of coded instructions the robot must follow. A computer program can be viewed as an elaborate algorithm, which is simply a procedure or formula for solving a problem. 1.4 Activity: Sandwich Algorithm This activity demonstrates the importance of using specific, clear and complete communication when working with robots. You and your shoulder partner will construct a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.