Course: Begin Robotics

Suppose a robot has a computer. Then that computer will have a series of instructions which it will obey. Ultimately those instructions are a series of electronic signals which computers …

So a robot has sensors and actuators. But what decides whether the robot should find out how far away an object is? Or whether the robot should set its motor …

Most mobile robots have actuators that rotate continuously – often these drive wheels. As a motor rotates, so the wheel rotates and the robot moves. Many robots have two wheels, …

We hope you have enjoyed Week 2 of our course. Let’s review what we have covered. This week has been about the anatomy of a robot – the sensors which …

In this video Richard shows how light sensors work in robots such as ERIC. This demo is followed by a brief clip that shows some ERICs using their light sensors; …

In this short video, Richard explains how echo location is used by a robot to measure the distance and location of another object. You will have the chance to get …

Not only do robots want to measure velocity, they sometimes also need to determine change in velocity – that is acceleration. Accelerometers can be used for measuring acceleration and in …

As humans, we primarily sense our world visually, using our eyes. Our two eyes help for instance to work out how far away an object is and so it seems …

Sensors are devices which measure quantities which the robot can use to achieve given tasks. Examples of what a robot may need to determine include: How far away and where …

Internal sensors are used to measure aspects about the robot itself, such as how fast it is going and at what angle it is facing. When we consider how fast …

Bio inspired sensors The ultrasonic sensor system is similar to that used by bats. Dolphins also use ultrasound for sensing and communication. Other biologically inspired sensors are possible. Whiskers – …

A passive sensor is one which just ‘listens’ to what is happening. Examples include: A light sensor which detects if a light is shining on it An infra-red sensor which …

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; …

In this second simulation, you will find out how to specify the speed in order to determine the movement of the robot. Before you get started, take a look at …

We’ve developed a series of simulations, specifically designed for this course. Some of these demonstrate an aspect of robotics and include buttons or check boxes that you can use to …