Automation and Robotics

© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.Automation and Robotics VEX

What is Automation & Robotics?• Automation involves a

mechanical device that can imitate the actions of people or animals.

• Robotics involves the design, construction, and operation of a robot.

• A robot is a machine that performs complicated tasks and is guided by automatic controls.

Robot Generations• First generation robots

were designed to perform factory work.

• Such robots perform simple tasks that were dangerous or unpleasant for people.

• Robots were used to weld, spray paint, move heavy objects, handle hot materials, etc.

1961 - The first industrial robot was online in a General Motors automobile factory in New Jersey. It was called UNIMATE. It was used to pick up and put down parts. Without robots many products would be even more expensive than they are today.

Robots are Used For…• Precise work• Repetitive work- Weld cars together or stack boxes

• Dangerous work- Robots are now used to defuse bombs,

service and clean nuclear reactors

• Exploration- Robots are used to explore the depths of the

ocean and the far reaches of space.

• Education- Robotics enables students to use their hands and

minds to create like an engineer, artist, and technician

• Competition- Solve real-world problems in a team environment

Unmanned combat aerial vehicles must do precise, repetitive, and

dangerous work.

Industrial RobotsPerform many factory jobs and tasks that are unsafe

or boring for people– Welding– Painting– Assembly

Advantages● Cost less across a long period of time in

comparison to paying a human.● Can frequently repeat tasks without

getting tired or bored as opposed to a human worker.

● Can work under immense conditions (extreme heat, extreme cold) if built and programmed to do so.

● Robotic arms have a set speed which is more often faster than human workers.

Medical Robots– Assist with surgery

• Robotic hands can work in areas too small for a human hand.

– Transport materials• Tug can carry medical records, food, and medications

– Counting medicine• More accurate in counting and measuring prescriptions

– Communicate

Assistive Robots– Eating – Walking– Cleaning– Grasping/reaching

Exploration Robots– Space– Underwater– Military

Household Robots– Vacuum– Mow lawn– Clean