Robotics and Automation : Gain an Understanding about Essential Concepts in Unlocking Endless Possibilities in Product Quality and Productivity ! Your Way to Succeed !!

Abstract:

Robotics and automation are related fields that use robots to perform tasks, often with the help of artificial intelligence (AI): 

 

Robotics: The use of robots to collect information and improve the performance of a procedure. 

 

Automation: The use of robots to perform tasks, with or without human intervention. 

 

Robotic process automation (RPA): A type of business process automation that uses robots and AI to perform tasks. 

 

Autonomous robots: Robots that can operate without direct human control. 

 

Collaborative robots: A popular type of robot that uses quick hand guidance programming to perform tasks. 

 

Advanced robotics and AI: Sophisticated robots and AI systems that can automate tasks and optimize manufacturing processes.

Keywords :

Robotics and automation: Topics related to robotics and automation 

Learning Outcomes 

After undergoing this article you will be able to understand the following

1. What's Robotics? How it works?

2. What's Automation? How it works?

3. Importance of Robotics and Automation

4. Design considerations of Robotics and Automation

5. Classification of Robotics and Automation

6. Main components of Robots and Automation

7. Robotics and automation in Manufacturing

8. Mechanism of Automation

9. Application of robots and automation 

10. Advantages of Robots and Automation

11. Limitations of Robots and Automation

12. Projects proposed for Final Year Students in Robotics and Automation

13. Conclusions

14. FAQs

References 

Overview

The syllabus for robotics and automation engineering may include topics such as: 

 

Robotics fundamentals

Includes topics such as robotic fundamentals, medical robotics, and mobile robotics 

 

IoT and automation

Includes topics such as IoT application development, IoT and its applications using Raspberry Pi, and industrial IoT and automation 

 

Programming

Includes topics such as Python programming and programming for IoT 

 

Mechanics

Includes topics such as understanding the principles of motion, forces, and stresses that govern robot movement and design 

 

Electronics and control systems

Includes topics such as designing and implementing circuits and control systems that power robots 

 

Computer science and programming

Includes topics such as learning programming languages and algorithms to control robot behavior 

 

Mathematics

Includes topics such as calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations 

 

Physics

Includes topics such as understanding the laws of physics governing robot movement, energy transfer, and sensor operation 

So let's learn more about Robotics and Automation

 1. What's Robotics? How Robotics works?

What's Robotics?

Robotics is a field that combines engineering, technology, and science to design, build, and operate robots. Robots are machines that can perform tasks that are repetitive, complex, or dangerous for humans. They can be controlled by humans or operate autonomously. 

 

Robotics is used in many industries, including: 

 

Manufacturing: Robots can perform basic tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy than humans. 

 

Healthcare: Robots can be used in surgery and other medical procedures. 

 

The field of robotics has grown significantly in the 21st century, and robots are now used in many different industries and applications. 

 

Here are some other things to know about robotics: 

 

The word "robot" comes from the Czech word robota, which means "forced labor" or "work". 

 

The first programmable robot was digital-operated and debuted in the mid-twentieth century. 

 

The value of the global robotics market was over $27 billion in 2020. 

How Robotics works?

 

Robots work in a similar way, but there are many variations in how they sense, compute, and act. Here are some general ways that robots work: 

 

Sensors

Robots use sensors to collect information about their environment. For example, a robot might use sensors to measure the position of its joints and the forces applied to them. 

 

Controller or computer

The controller or computer processes the information from the sensors and then sends signals to the robot's actuators and motors. 

 

Actuators

Actuators, like motors and gears, enable the robot to move and act. 

 

Feedback loop

Robots constantly repeat the cycle of sensing, computing, and acting, which is known as a feedback loop. 

 

Program

Robots may be pre-programmed to perform specific functions, or they may be autonomous and operate independently. 

 

Remote control

Some robots can be controlled remotely by humans, which can be useful in dangerous or hazardous environments. 

 

Machine learning

Intelligent robots can use machine learning to improve their performance over time by learning patterns and correlations from data. 

 

Linear actuators

Linear actuators can move in and out, and are often used in industrial robotics. 

 

Robots are used in many industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and archaeology. 

 

2. What's Automation? How it works?

What's Automation? 

The dictionary defines automation as “the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically.” We define automation as "the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services.”

AI automation uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate tasks and processes that are repetitive, data-intensive, or rule-based. AI automation can help machines perform intelligent actions, make decisions, and analyze data. 

 

AI automation can be used in many ways, including: 

 

Customer service: AI chatbots can provide 24/7 support for customer questions. 

 

Fraud detection: AI-powered automation can be used in the financial sector to detect fraud. 

 

Risk assessment: AI-powered automation can be used in the financial sector to assess risk. 

 

Personalized banking: AI-powered automation can be used in the financial sector to provide personalized banking services. 

 

Investment advice: Robo-advisors can use AI to provide investment advice based on individual financial goals. 

 

Drug discovery: AI can help in the discovery of new drugs in the healthcare industry. 

 

Autonomous driving: AI can help the automobile industry make advancements in autonomous driving. 

 

AI automation can help businesses scale to take on growing volumes of work without significant changes in costs or resources. 

 

How automation works?

Automation is a technology that uses programmed commands and automatic feedback control to perform tasks without human intervention. It works by: 

 

Identifying repetitive tasks

Automation identifies rule-based tasks that are repetitive and can be performed efficiently and accurately by technology. 

 

Implementing technology

Automation uses technology to execute the tasks, such as computer programs, algorithms, or software bots. 

 

Following instructions

The technology follows a predefined set of instructions, or algorithms, to achieve a specific outcome. 

 

Learning from data

In more advanced forms of automation, systems can use machine learning (ML) to learn from data patterns and outcomes. This allows them to adjust their operations over time to optimize performance. 

 

Eliminating errors

Automation can help eliminate batch processing errors, which can occur when tasks are performed off-shift. 

 

Improving processes

Automation can help improve processes by eliminating data-entry errors and allowing workers to focus on more meaningful work. 

 

3. Importance of Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation are important because they can help make industries more efficient, safe, and competitive: 

 

Safety: Robots can perform hazardous tasks that humans can't, such as lifting heavy loads or working with toxic substances. This can help prevent accidents and injuries. 

 

Efficiency: Robots can work continuously without getting tired, and they can perform tasks more quickly and precisely than humans. This can increase productivity and reduce operating costs. 

 

Quality: Robots can perform tasks with consistency and precision that often exceeds human ability. This can improve the quality of products and services. 

 

Time: By automating routine tasks, people can free up time to focus on other activities. 

 

Cost: Robots can reduce labor costs and waste. 

 

Versatility: Robots can adjust to production requirements quickly. 

 

Medical applications: Robots can be used for intricate surgeries, such as prostate cancer surgery. They can reach and fit where human hands cannot, allowing greater accuracy. 

 

Prosthetic limbs: Robotic prosthetic limbs are one example of how robotics can be used to convert fiction into human reality. 

 

3D printing: 3D printing techniques of organs are another example of how robotics can be used to convert fiction into human reality. 

 

E-Sights: E-Sights are a technology that aids blinds to see their environment. 

 

4. Design considerations of Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation design involves the creation of robots and the application of innovative technologies to solve problems in various fields: 

 

Design process

The process of designing a robot involves defining the problem, researching and designing, creating a prototype, building the robot, programming and testing it, and evaluating it. 

 

Materials

The selection of materials with specific properties is important for the design of robots. For example, light and firm materials can be used to make jumping robots that can jump higher and farther. 

 

Power sources

Robots can be powered by batteries, generators, or tethers. The choice of power source depends on factors such as safety, weight, and cycle lifetime. 

 

Applications

Robotics and automation are used in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, healthcare, and underground mine safety. 

 

Engineering

Robotics and automation engineering is a field that uses knowledge from many different engineering disciplines, including computer, mechanical, electrical, and biological engineering. 

 

Research

Research in robotics and automation includes the study of artificial intelligence, autonomous robots, and remotely operated robots. 

 

Technologies

Research in robotics and automation includes the study of sensors, actuators, and energy transducers. 

 

5. Classification of Robotics and Automation

There are many types of automation in robotics, including: 

 

Fixed automation: Best for specific, repetitive tasks, especially in production 

 

Flexible automation: Focuses on adaptability and versatility 

 

Programmable automation: Focuses on precision and control 

 

Robotic process automation (RPA): A type of business process automation that mimics human behavior and carries out a sequence of activities 

 

Industrial robotics: A type of automation used in manufacturing that involves programmable robots that can move on three or more axes 

 

Automated guided vehicles: A type of physical automation that can transport goods within a warehouse with minimal or no physical effort from an employee 

 

Anthropomorphic robots: A type of automation that mimics the actions of a human hand, such as picking things up and putting them down 

 

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs): A type of automation that uses advanced technologies to make complex decisions, perform tasks, and navigate freely in open space 

 

Automated storage and retrieval systems: A type of warehouse automation technology that stores, buffers, transports, and retrieves material on demand 

 

Collaborative robots: A type of automation that is user-friendly and intuitive, and can be up and running within minutes 

 

6. Main components of Robots and Automation

The main components of robots and automation include: 

 

Robot arm: The part of a robot that performs work, such as painting, picking, and placing. The articulated robot arm is a common type of robot arm that resembles a human arm. 

 

Sensors: Allow robots to interact with their environment in a flexible and intelligent way. 

 

Actuators: A key component of robotic systems that enable physical movement. 

 

Control unit: Makes decisions for the robot. 

 

Power source: Provides the electrical energy needed to run the robot's electronic and electrical components. 

 

End effector: A tool that enables the robot to interact with objects. 

 

Drive: A key component of automation, especially in the form of electric drives. 

 

7. Robotics and automation in Manufacturing

Robotics has become an important part of manufacturing and industrial production, with robots used in a wide variety of tasks: 

 

Repetitive tasks: Robots can automate repetitive tasks like material handling, assembly, and pick-and-place, which can improve quality and repeatability. 

 

Dangerous tasks: Robots can take on dangerous jobs, which can improve workplace safety. 

 

Collaboration with humans: Robots can work alongside humans to produce products. 

 

Design: Robots can be used in the design stage of a product. 

 

Quality control: Robots can use advanced image processing and machine learning to perform quality control. 

 

Precision: Robots can improve precision and speed, leading to faster production. 

 

Hygiene: Robots can help ensure hygienic requirements are met in food processing. 

 

Just-in-time manufacturing: Robots can exchange information with other systems and devices to enable a just-in-time manufacturing process. 

 

Some examples of industrial robots include:

SCARA: A type of stationary robot

Articulated: A type of stationary robot

Cartesian: A type of stationary robot

Delta: A type of stationary robot

Polar: A type of stationary robot 

 

8. Mechanism of Automation

Automation systems use a combination of sensors, controls, and actuators to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. These systems are made up of several components, including:

Sensors: Receive input from the environment

Actuators: Provide force or torque to create movement

Computing system: Processes information

End-of-arm-tools (EOATs): Interact with the product or process 

 

Automation systems can perform two types of actions: processing and transfer and positioning. Processing involves using energy to transform an entity into a more valuable state. Transfer and positioning is often used in manufacturing systems to move and position products during processing. 

 

Some examples of automation include: 

 

Programmable logic controller (PLC): A flexible controller that transmits control commands to the system via actuators. 

 

Geneva mechanism: Used to intermittently drive an indexing table. 

 

Cam surface: A spiral groove cut into the surface that allows an elliptical slider to perform linear motion when the cam rotates. 

 

Automation systems can provide benefits such as increased profit, production rate, safety, and quality. 

 

9. Application of robots and automation 

Robots and automation are used in many industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare: 

 

Manufacturing: Robots are used for a variety of tasks, including: 

 

Welding: Arc and spot welding are common uses for robots in manufacturing. 

 

Materials handling: Robots can move, pack, and select products. 

 

Assembly: Robots can assemble products, eliminating tedious tasks. 

 

Painting: Robots can increase the quality and consistency of paint jobs. 

 

Component insertion: Robots can position electronic components onto printed circuit boards. 

 

Agriculture: Robots can be used for planting, harvesting, monitoring crops, soil analysis, and crop spraying. 

 

Healthcare: Robots can close bottles in the pharmaceutical industry. 

 

Search and rescue: Robots can be used to locate and rescue victims of natural disasters. 

 

Underwater: Robots can be used for underwater exploration, oil rig maintenance, and environmental monitoring. 

 

Autonomous vehicles: Self-driving cars and drones are examples of autonomous vehicles that can improve safety, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. 

 

Robotic process automation (RPA): RPA can be used in banks for customer onboarding, account closure, customer service, credit card processing, and fraud detection. 

 

10. Advantages of Robots and Automation

There are many benefits of industrial automation, including:

• Lower operating costs. Industrial automation systems eliminate the need to pay employee wages and benefits.
• Higher productivity. Companies can hire hundreds of employees to work round-the-clock shifts, but they still need breaks, days off and holidays. Completely automated plants can operate 24/7.
• High-quality products. Automation can help reduce the amount of error associated with human workers creating products, resulting in a higher quality product being produced.
• Greater flexibility. Rather than having to train an employee for a new task, a simple computer code can quickly change a production process.
• Increased safety. Using robots or other types of automation systems can keep workers out of dangerous situations.
• More accurate data collection. Automated data collection gives you access to key production information and reduces your data collection costs, so you can make more efficient decisions about your manufacturing process.

11. Limitations of Robotics and Automation

There are a number of disadvantages to using robotics, including: 

 

Initial cost

Robots can be expensive to purchase, and there are additional costs for installation and configuration. 

 

Maintenance

Robots require ongoing maintenance to keep them running and to increase productivity. 

 

Expertise

Robots need to be programmed and operated by skilled people, and there may be a shortage of these specialists. 

 

Job losses

There is a concern that robots could replace human jobs, especially if they can perform tasks faster and more consistently than humans. 

 

Safety

Robots can only do what they are programmed to do, so safety procedures are needed to protect people and other robots. 

 

Dexterity

Robots are less dextrous than humans and can't compete with human ability to understand what they see. 

 

Brain power

Robots don't have the same level of brain power as humans. 

 

Automation has some limitations, including: 

 

Dependence on technology: Automation relies on technology that can fail, so businesses need backup systems. 

 

Job displacement: Automation can replace human labor, which can lead to job losses. 

 

Maintenance costs: Automated systems require more maintenance than manually operated machines, which can increase maintenance costs. 

 

Initial investment: Designing, building, deploying, and implementing an automated system can require a large capital investment. 

 

Lack of flexibility: Automated systems are designed to perform specific tasks and may not be easily reconfigured. 

 

Limited creativity: Automation can limit creativity. 

 

Not suitable for all projects: Automated testing is not suitable for all projects and tasks. Manual testing can be used for almost any application or system. 

 

12. Projects proposed for Final Year Students in Robotics and Automation

13. Conclusions

Robotics and automation have had a significant impact on many industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Some of the conclusions of robotics and automation include: 

 

Improved efficiency: Robotics and automation can increase productivity, quality, and agility. 

 

Reduced errors: Automation can reduce the number of errors and rework, which can minimize production delays and material waste. 

 

Cost savings: Automation can reduce labor costs and optimize energy usage. 

 

Safer working environments: Robotics can improve workplace safety. 

 

Job transformation: Automation can lead to a shift in job requirements, with new opportunities for workers to develop advanced skills. 

 

Potential to revolutionize industries: Robotics and automation can transform the way we live and work. 

 

Challenges: There are challenges to the widespread use of robotics and automation, including high initial costs, complexity, workforce disruption, safety concerns, and lack of standardization. 

 

Continued advancements: Robotics and automation are expected to continue to advance, which could potentially transform different areas of our lives. 

 

14. FAQs

Q. What is the relationship between automation and robotics?

Ans.

Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, robotics and automation are different things. Automation is the process of using technology to complete tasks otherwise performed by humans. These tasks can be either physical or virtual and can involve the use of robots to perform them.

Q. What's the Differences between Robotics and Automation 

Ans. 

Robotics is a subcategory of automation, but the two are not the same thing: 

 

Robotics

The study of science, engineering, and technology to create machines that can perform tasks that are similar to or replace human actions. Robots can be programmed to perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. They can be used to perform basic and repetitive tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy than humans. 

 

Automation

The use of technology to perform tasks that are usually done by humans, without direct human intervention. Automation can involve the use of robots, but it can also include other types of automatic systems, such as timers and industrial control systems. Automation can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and reduce the need for paper documents. 

 

While robotics and automation are sometimes used interchangeably, it's important to understand the difference between them before deciding which one is best for a particular business. A strategic combination of the two technologies can offer several benefits. 

 

References