4.6_Robots in Automated Production

• Techniek
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3,6

4.6 Robots in Automation

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will understand the primary characteristics of robots including work envelope and load capacity.
At the end of the lesson you will be able to distinguish between single-task robots, multi-task robots, and teams of robots.
At the end of the lesson you will comprehend the concept of Machine to Machine (M2M) communication and its applications.
At the end of the lesson you will be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using robotic systems in production.
At the end of the lesson you will recognize the differences among the three generations of robots and provide examples of each.

What do you already know about robots in automated production?

The essential idea of robots transforming manufacturing systems

The development of sophisticated robotic systems is revolutionizing manufacturing, offering increased efficiency and consistency.

The nature of design considerations for robotic automation

Designers must weigh the benefits of robotic systems against ethical concerns and the impact on employment.

The historical impact of automation on the labor force

Robots are classified by their characteristics such as work envelope and load capacity, and by their capabilities into single-task, multi-task, and teams of robots.

Primary characteristics of robots: work envelope and load capacity

Work Envelope: The 3D space within which a robot can operate, defined by arm length and axis range.
Load Capacity: The maximum weight a robot can manipulate.

Classification of robots into single-task, multi-task, and teams

Single-Task Robots: 1st generation robots programmed to perform a single task without environmental interaction.
Multi-Task Robots: 2nd generation robots that perform multiple tasks and use sensors to respond to the environment.
Robot Teams: Groups of robots working together, which can be multiple 1st generation robots or more advanced systems using AI.

The concept and applications of Machine to Machine (M2M) communication

Machine to Machine (M2M): A network of robots sharing information and instructions for tasks such as remote monitoring or restocking.

Advantages and disadvantages of robotic systems in production

Advantages of robotic systems include efficiency and precision, while disadvantages often involve job displacement.

The classification and characteristics of three generations of robots

1st Generation Robots: Simple robots that perform programmed tasks without sensors. 

 2nd Generation Robots: More advanced robots with sensors to interact with their environment. 

 3rd Generation Robots: Robots that use AI to process their environment and perform tasks autonomously.

1st Generation Robots

1st Generation Robots are simple robots that do one task. They are programed to do one thing, and cannot respond to changes in their environment. They do not have any sensors. 

Robots used in single tasks assembly lines are common examples. 

2nd Generation Robots

 make use of sensors to respond to their environment. Using sensors such as light, distance, temperature, pressure, radar, etc., they can sense their environment. Complex code uses these sensors to guide the robots to operate autonomously 

Robots used to teach coding and robotics are common examples of 2nd generation robots. Robots developed by Bostom Dynamics are able to navigate spaces using a range of sensors.

3rd Generation Robots

3rd Generation Robots make use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to process the world around them and to accomplish tasks. These are the types of "intelligent" robots we see in movies and pop culture. They are able to learn and operate without human supervision.

Robots for healthcare and companion are emerging examples of 3rd generation robots. Other examples include hive robot systems, where numerous robots, under the control of a central system, cooperate to accomplish a task. In this case, the individual robots lack any form of AI, but the controller use AI to control the group.

Definition List

Work Envelope: The 3D space within which a robot can operate, defined by arm length and axis range. 

 Load Capacity: The maximum weight a robot can manipulate. 

Definition List

 Single-Task Robots: 1st generation robots programmed to perform a single task without environmental interaction. 

 Multi-Task Robots: 2nd generation robots that perform multiple tasks and use sensors to respond to the environment. 

 Robot Teams: Groups of robots working together, which can be multiple 1st generation robots or more advanced systems using AI. 

 Machine to Machine (M2M): A network of robots sharing information and instructions for tasks such as remote monitoring or restocking. 

Definition List

 1st Generation Robots: Simple robots that perform programmed tasks without sensors. 

 2nd Generation Robots: More advanced robots with sensors to interact with their environment.
3rd Generation Robots: Robots that use AI to process their environment and perform tasks autonomously.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.