Neurons, light seekers and phobes
So let’s explain how we can have light seekers and phobes controlled by neurons. Neurons are simple processing elements – human brains are made up of billions of them. Neurons …
Course: Begin Robotics
Living systems
Some aspects of robots are influenced by nature. It is sensible therefore to study ‘real’ life. Living systems generally: Have some built-in instincts But are able to learn – a …
Robot behaviour
We now know about the physical robot, specifically its motors and sensors. We’ve also learnt about how feedback control is used so that the robot moves at the correct speed …
Define motor speeds so the robot tracks a moving object
In this exercise you will need to track the robot so that it gets close to an object but not too close! In this video, Richard explains how the simulation …
Command a robot to do specific actions
In this first exercise of Week 3, you will have the chance to command a robot to do some specific actions a certain number of times. You need to work …
Virtual Reality and Human Computer Interaction
Any interaction between a human and a machine is feedback – even putting the cursor on the screen in the right place by moving a mouse is a feedback process. …
Meet the robots at Reading: Haptic Master
In this video Andrew Glennerster and Peter Scarfe explain how the Haptic Master, a multi sensory robotic arm, enables the user to explore the texture of different surfaces whilst navigating …
Fingertip haptics
Dr Peter Scarfe, researcher and lecturer from the School of Psychology at the University of Reading introduces PhD student, Victoria Oguntosin, demonstrating one of the devices designed and built by …
Haptic drums
In this video Richard demonstrates his musical skills and the principles of haptic technology using a virtual drum kit, created by a student at the University of Reading.
Rocking ERIC
Whereas our early robots had two wheels for driving it along and a caster wheel at the front for balance, ERIC just has two wheels, which means its circuit board, …
Grimblebot
The Grimblebot is a self-balancing robot which utilises ultrasonic sensors to detect if it is falling over and closed loop control to stay upright. To find out more about the …
Interacting with Baxter
The original industrial robots were large devices capable of moving very rapidly where it was important for safety reasons that humans kept out of the way. The robots may have …
Feedback and interaction
The mobile robots interact with their environment – to move around avoiding obstacles (or other robots), the robot has to sense those obstacles, and steer away. Or if a robot …
Temperature control
We have seen that feedback control is used by the steersman to ensure his boat stays on course and that it can be used to ensure that our robot moves …
Mathematics behind control
If you’re eager to push yourself a little further, you may like to work through this Step. If you do find this a bit too challenging you can always return …