Robot and environment
What does a robot have to do when interacting with its environment. Professor Richard Mitchell explains more in this article.
© University of Reading
Whatever type of robot we have: a robot arm, a wheeled robot, a ‘humanoid’ i.e. 2 legged robot, or a multi-legged robot (insect), it:
- will have a task to do;
- will operate somewhere;
- may need to interact with other robots or other objects.
This means it will need:
- to be able to detect where it is and where other objects are – hence the robot needs sensors;
- to move appropriately and indicate to others its operation. This requires actuators.
These in turn allow the robot to detect and interact with its environment. In addition the robot needs a brain which determines what it should do, and a means of powering itself.
First, however, let’s consider some of the sensors and actuators found in robots…
© University of Reading
