What is a Robot?
A robot is an artificial agent, this means it acts as a substitute for a person doing things it is designed for. Robots are usually machines controlled by a computer programme or electric circuit which may be directly controlled by a human.
A robot is an INTELLIGENT MACHINE, designed by man to help him in his day to day activities and to make work faster and easier.
The main board of a robot is called an Arduino = motherboard= (uno, nano and mega) it is powered by electricity or connected with a USB cable.
WHAT IS ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY?
Robotics is a part of engineering and science, it has to do with the creation of robots as well as the computer programming used for it. The programming language is called C++ or python or use of mblock app based on scratch programming.
It can also be defined as the branch of technology that deals with the making, programming and designing of robots. It is a fun way to learn and promote STEM subjects and be creative also.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
WHY DO WE TEACH ROBOTICS OR WHY SHOULD IT BE TAUGHT
CREATIVE THINKING = As we know, not many fields of knowledge incorporate creativity and fun simultaneously. Studies have shown that robotics achieves both. In fact, students love to partake in activities in which they have full control, something that is possible with robotics.
ENGAGEMENT = Hands-on learning activities enhance concentration and attention levels, because the more students learn physical skills, the more they want to continue being in the lesson.
PREPAREDNESS = With advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, driverless cars, and spacecrafts taking shape every day, the present generation of students needs to be more prepared for technological changes than any before.
PROGRAMMING SKILLS = As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in homes, schools, and offices, a little programming knowledge will help everyone understand how these bots work.
PERSEVERANCE = Creating and programming bots is challenging. However, working through frustration helps students develop a never-give-up attitude. It imparts determination, which is crucial for any technological or scientific undertaking.
TEAMWORK = Robotics incorporates a range of skills, and thus promotes a learning environment for people with different talents. If properly harnessed, it also promotes a culture of teamwork. It can even be used to help students who might struggle to learn in traditional classroom settings.
FUN = Learning about robotics is fun – and as User Experience designers continue to improve how it feels to interact with robots, it will only become more so!
TYPES OF ROBOTS
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PARTS OF A ROBOT
A robot consists of 2 parts which are the hardware and the software.
The HARDWAREconsists of THE CONTROLLER (the main board and it is Arduino, Rasberry II, Artmega), the server motors, THE MECHANICAL PARTS which consists of the gears, electrical parts like the AC or DC motor, SENSORS like motion sensor, temperature sensor, AI sensor, camera etc.
THE SOFTWARE consists of the programming language used to operate and give instructions to the robot like C++, python using Arduino software or mblock or kittenblock.
3D PRINTER
It is a machine allowing the creation of a Physical object from a 3 dimensional digital model typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession.
It can also be defined as a type of material design printer that designs and builds 3D models and products of devices and components using an additive manufacturing process.
3D PRINTER PARTS
a. case
b. motors (3x) X, Y, Z
c. extruder (temperature part, fan part, extruder)
d. arduino (controller board)
e. showstoppers
f. wiring
g. plate
h. LCD screen
i. Controller Board
j. Filament
k. Frame
l. Motion Components:
i. Stepper Motors
ii. Threaded rods
iii. Belts
iv. End Stops
m. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
n. Print Bed
o. Print Bed Surface
p. Print Head
q. Feeder System
r. Dual Extrusion
s. User Interface and Connectivity
t. File Transfer Options