ROBOTIC TECHNOLOHY & FUTURE
Future of Robotic technology Videos
1. Robotic Dog
2.Robot
3.Human Robot
4.Human Looking Robot
Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, structural disposition, manufacture and application of robots [1] and computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.[2]These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans, in hazardous or manufacturing processes, or simply just resemble humans. Many of today's robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics.
The concept and creation of machines that could operate autonomously dates back to classical times, but research into the functionality and potential uses of robots did not grow substantially until the 20th century.[3] Throughout history, robotics has been often seen to mimic human behavior, and often manage tasks in a similar fashion. Today, robotics is a rapidly growing field, as we continue to research, design, and build new robots that serve various practical purposes, whether domestically, commercially, or militarily. Many robots do jobs that are hazardous to people such as defusing bombs, exploring shipwrecks, and mines.
Power source
Further information: Power supply and Energy storage
At present mostly (lead-acid) batteries
are used as a power source. Many different types of batteries can be
used as a power source for robots. They range from lead acid batteries
which are safe and have relatively long shelf lives but are rather heavy
to silver cadmium batteries that are much smaller in volume and are
currently much more expensive. Designing a battery powered robot needs
to take into account factors such as safety, cycle lifetime and weight.
Generators, often some type of internal combustion engine, can also be
used. However, such designs are often mechanically complex and need
fuel, require heat dissipation and are relatively heavy. A tether
connecting the robot to a power supply would remove the power supply
from the robot entirely. This has the advantage of saving weight and
space by moving all power generation and storage components elsewhere.
However, this design does come with the drawback of constantly having a
cable connected to the robot, which can be difficult to manage.[15] Potential power sources could be:- pneumatic (compressed gases)
- hydraulics (liquids)
- flywheel energy storage
- organic garbage (through anaerobic digestion)
- faeces (human, animal); may be interesting in a military context as faeces of small combat groups may be reused for the energy requirements of the robot assistant (see DEKA's project Slingshot Stirling engine on how the system would operate)
Actuation
Main article: Actuator
