Robotics

Robotics

Introduction to robotics

Control System

A robot's control system uses feedback just as the human brain does. However, instead of a collection of neurons, a robot's brain consists of a silicon chip called a central processing unit, or CPU, that is similar to the chip that runs your computer.

Sensors

Our brains decide what to do and how to react to the world based on feedback from our five senses. A robot's CPU does the same thing based on data collected by devices called sensors.

Actuators

To be considered a robot, a device must have a body that it can move in reaction to feedback from its sensors. Inside these bodies are small motors called actuators.

End Effectors

In order to carry out assigned tasks, robots are equipped with tools called end effectors. These vary according to the tasks the robot has been designed to carry out.