Introduction to

Robotics
(ECE 886)

Outline

History What is Robotics? What is Automation? Laws of Robotics

Course Structure

History: Origin of the word, etc.

Rossum's Universal Robots (1921)

Karel Capek

o Author and Professor. o Coined the term Robotics and also popularized the concept.

o Wrote: I, Robot, Foundation, etc.

Isaac Asimov

Timeline
1495:

The anthrobot, a mechanical man, is

designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

1738:

Jacques de Vaucanson begins building

automata in Grenoble, France.

1890's:

Nikola Tesla designs the first remote

control vehicles. He is also known for his

invention of the radio, induction motors, Tesla

coils.

Robotics

Deals with study and design of Robots.

Many different types of Robots - depending on the

applications. As such, there is no fixed definition for the term

Robot.

Uses:

Space

exploration,

Military,

Industry,

Entertainment, Rescue, etc.

BEAM

Biology,

Electronics,

Aesthetics

and

Mechanical.

Automation
The

use

of

machines,

control

systems and information technologies to optimize productivity in the production of

goods and delivery of services.

Ex:

CNC, Industrial Robots, etc.

Laws of Robotics

According to Isaac Asimov

A robot should not harm human beings in any way. Should always obey humans while keeping in mind the first law. Robot should protect itself from harm unless it is in conflict with the first two laws.

According to Mark Tilden (the guy who invented BEAM

robotics)

A robot must protect its existence at all costs. A robot must obtain and maintain access to its own power source.

A robot must continually search for better power sources.

Course Structure:

Part 1: Terminology and Classifications, Anatomy,

Controller and Specs, Electronic components and

devices and Interfacing.

Part 2: Pneumatic systems, Motors, Kinematics,

Homogeneous Transforms, End-effectors, Grippers.

Part 3: Artificial Intelligence and Sensors. Part 4: Robot vision, Applications and Future of Robots.