Overview
This lecture covers various types of robots, their designs, and typical applications across different industries and domains.
Industrial Robots
- Industrial robots usually have articulated arms with multiple joints and precise controls.
- Used for manufacturing tasks such as welding, painting, assembly, material handling, and quality control in industries like automotive, electronics, and aerospace.
Mobile Robots
- Mobile robots are designed to navigate and move within their environment.
- Common applications include warehouse logistics, delivery, autonomous vehicles, and exploration in space or underwater.
Medical Robots
- Medical robots assist in medical procedures and surgeries.
- Used for minimally invasive surgery, rehabilitation, diagnostics, and automated drug delivery.
Service Robots
- Service robots interact with and assist humans.
- Employed for cleaning, caregiving, entertainment, education, and customer service in places like hotels, airports, and malls.
Agricultural Robots
- Agricultural robots are developed for farming-related tasks.
- Used for planting, harvesting, weeding, pest control, and crop monitoring to enhance efficiency.
Domestic Robots
- Domestic robots are designed for household tasks.
- Perform vacuum cleaning, lawn mowing, pet care, cooking, and home security surveillance.
Entertainment Robots
- Entertainment robots are created for amusement and engagement.
- Include robotic toys, interactive companions, and theme park attractions.
Space Robots
- Space robots are built for space exploration and research.
- Used for remotely operating rovers, maintaining spacecraft, and exploring harsh environments.
Military and Defense Robots
- Military robots serve various defense-related functions.
- Examples include drones, bomb disposal robots, reconnaissance, and surveillance in dangerous areas.
Underwater Robots (ROVs and AUVs)
- Remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles explore underwater settings.
- Used in deep sea exploration, marine biology, underwater inspections, and infrastructure maintenance.
Research Robots
- Research robots support experimentation and technology development.
- Used for developing new robotics, testing algorithms, and advancing robotics knowledge.
Educational Robots
- Educational robots aim to teach programming and robotics concepts.
- Help students learn problem-solving, programming, and engineering through hands-on experiences.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Industrial Robot — a robotic arm used for manufacturing tasks.
- Mobile Robot — a robot capable of moving in its environment.
- Service Robot — a robot that interacts with and assists humans.
- ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) — a robot controlled from a distance for underwater tasks.
- AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) — an underwater robot operating without direct human control.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of each robot type and their specific applications.
- Prepare to identify and discuss the role of robots in at least two industries for the next class.