ROBOTICS

Study Robotics online. Robots can be fixed or mobile with single or multiple functions - machines that automate and perform tasks otherwise carried out by people.

Course Code: BSC116
Fee Code: S2
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
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Learn About Different Types Of Robots And Their Possible Applications

The advances in automation are ever expanding. There are many distinct types of robots, each with its own set of features and benefits that are best suited to a variety of applications in various industries where robots can assist in completing computations, making judgments, and executing actions.

Robots are autonomous machines capable of sensing their environment, performing computations to make decisions, and executing actions. In this course you will develop a foundation for understanding robotics and learn about different types and possible uses of robots as they can be deployed in any industry; including horticulture.

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

  1. Types of Robots
    • A Brief History of Robotics
    • Types of Physical Robots
    • Components of a Robot
    • Key Principles of Robotics
    • Robotics Terminology
    • Classification Of Robots According to Workspace Geometry - Cartesian, Cylindrical, SCARA Delta, Articulated
    • Classifying Robots Based on Mode Of Operation - Pre-Programmed, Autonomous, Teleoperated, Augmenting, Humanoid
    • Classification Based on Application - Manufacturing, Other Industrial, Domestic, Entertainment
    • Classification Based on Movement - Fixed, Mobile
  2. Robotic Actuators
    • Actuators - Hydraulic, Pneumatic Electrical, Synchronous
    • Mechanical Components of Robots - Sensors, Power Supply, Actuators, Body/Frame, Control System
    • Manipulators, Drivetrain, Motors, Levers, Gears, Pulleys
    • Robot Links & Joints
    • Robot Movement - PTF And CP Movements
  3. Robotic Sensors
    • Types Of Sensors
    • Light Sensors - Photoresistors, Photovoltaic Cells
    • Sound Sensors
    • Proximity Sensors
    • Temperature Sensors
    • Tactile Sensors
    • Acceleration Sensors
    • Navigation & Positioning Sensors
    • Sensing Distance, Pressure, Tilt, Voltage, Current, Humidity, Gas
    • Devices Used in Sensing - Gyroscope, IMU
    • Signal Processing
    • Challenges - Accuracy, Precision, Safety
  4. Power Supply & Control Systems
    • Power Supply - Generators, Batteries, Hybrid Systems
    • Battery Types
    • Control Systems - Open Loop, Closed Loop
    • Types Of Robot Control Techniques
    • ON-OFF Control
    • Proportional Control
    • Integral Control
    • Proportional-Integral Control (P-I)
    • Proportional-Derivative Control (P-D)
    • Proportional-Integral-Derivative Control (P-I-D)
    • Linear Time-Invariant Control (LTI)
  5. Kinematics
    • Forward & Reverse/Inverse Kinematics
    • Configuration And Workspace
    • Structure of Robots - Based on Joints, Topology or Position
    • Configurations & Configuration Space
    • Degrees of Freedom
    • Kinematic Pairs
    • Floating Bases & Virtual Linkages
    • Joint Limits & Configuration Space
    • Configurations For Parallel Mechanisms
    • End Effectors & Reachable Workspaces
  6. Cybernetics
    • Robot Brain
    • Understanding The Human Brain As A Foundation
    • Artificial Brain Cells
    • Enhanced Mobility
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • A.I. Applications
    • Developments In Autonomy
  7. Robot Maintenance
    • Why Maintenance?
    • Maintaining Robot Components
    • Preventative Maintenance
    • After Breakdown Maintenance
    • Maintenance Planning
  8. Robotics Applications
    • Applications For Robots - Industrial, Service
    • Logistics - Loading, Piece Picking, Customising & Packing, Delivery
    • Manufacturing - Casting, Painting, Welding, Mounting
    • Healthcare Service Robots - Telepresence Physicians, Surgical Assistants, Rehabilitation, Bionics, Sanitation
    • Home Service Robots - Vacuuming, Pool Cleaning, Lawn Mowing, Personal Assistant
    • Other Application Types - Educational, Defence, Space, Security

Why Study This Course?

  • Learn about robotic principles to enhance your understanding for your own robotics projects
  • This course touches on a range of other subjects such as electronics, physics, and mechanics - it can be used as a start point for further study or as part of a self-designed certificate
  • Understanding robotics can be beneficial to those wishing to automate aspects of their work - for example, in horticulture this could be planting, harvesting, picking or weed control



Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

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