What are the Basic Components of Robot ? Explain Briefly

Robots are incredibly complex machines with lots of moving parts. At their core, they're made up of several key components that allow them to function and carry out tasks. 

Parts of a Robot 

The basic components of a robot include a controller, actuators, power supply, sensors, a physical structure, and end effectors. 

Controller 

The controller is that part of the robot which operates the mechanical arm and maintains contact with its environment. The device is a computer composed of hardware and software, combined to enable it to carry out its assigned tasks.

A controller (usually a computer and software package) to deliver commands to the robot

• • The physical structures and mechanical components that allow it to carry out the specified tasks (motors, pistons, wheels, housings and various other tools and ‘end effector’ parts)
  • Various sensors, measuring devices and response-adjustable gauges to enable the robot to make sense of and respond to environmental factors that are instinctive for humans, such as direction, temperature, pressure, sizing and so on

There are three broad categories of robotic controllers:

• PLC (Programmable Logic Controller),
• PAC (Programmable Automation Controller),
• IPC (Industrial Personal Computer).

Actuators 

Actuators for robots can be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, soft, or shape memory alloy. The type of actuator used depends on the robot's needs, such as the speed, force, and precision required. 

Electric actuators 

• The most common linear actuators in robotics
• Convert electric energy into linear motion
• Favorable for their energy efficiency and lower environmental impact

Hydraulic actuators 

• Can exert large forces and support heavy loads
• Operate based on hydraulic fluid dynamics, where fluid pressure is used to create motion

Pneumatic actuators 

• Lighter and use fewer materials and components
• Support very smooth and complex deformation

Soft actuators 

• Provide movements in limited spaces and change gaits fairly easily
• Make all of the components in the robot soft and flexible

Shape memory alloy actuators 

• Transform thermal energy into mechanical work
• If the heating and cooling of these alloys is controlled by pulsed direct electrical current, repeated cyclic motions can be achieved

When choosing an actuator for a robotics project, consider factors like the robot's weight, the tasks it will perform, and its operating environment. 

• Devices that cause the robot's arms and end-effectors to move
• Actuators convert energy into mechanical motion
• Common types include hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric

Power supply 

Robots can be powered by batteries, mains power, solar cells, fuel cells, or tethers. The power supply type depends on the size, type, and intended use of the robot. 

Battery power

• Lithium-ion batteries: A reliable power source 
• Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries: Lightweight, high energy density, and flexible. Good for agile robots with limited space and weight. However, they are more fragile than other batteries. 

Mains power 

• A separate mains-operated power supply can be connected to the robot via wires.
• This option is used for larger mobile robots.

Solar cells capture energy from the sun. 

Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electricity. 

Tethers A power system used in robotics. 

Power supply considerations Compact and isolated, Highly efficient, Fast to start up, and No risk of interference between the power supply and the other components. 

Power supply examples 

• Lynxmotion Power Supply
• Y-C HappyRaspberry Pi 4 USB C Power Supply
• Cytron Battery Holder
• SeeedStudioLiPo Rider Plus Charger/Booster
• Tinysine Electronics DC12V/24V - 5V Converter
• DFRobot Step-down DC-DC Power Converter 25W

• Provides the energy needed for the robot to navigate

Sensors

Sensors are what allow a robot to gather information about its environment. This information can be used to guide the robot's behavior. Some sensors are relatively familiar pieces of equipment. Cameras allow a robot to construct a visual representation of its environment. This allows the robot to judge attributes of the environment that can only be determined by vision, such as shape and color, as well as aid in determining other important qualities, such as the size and distance of objects.

• Help the robot perceive its environment 
• Safety sensors, like light curtains or safety fences, can be used to ensure the robot is safe 

End effectors 

End-Effectors are the tools at the end of robotic arms and other robotic appendiges that directly interact with objects in the world. A "gripper" at the end of a robotic arm is a common end-effector. Others include spikes, lights,

• Tools or attachments that allow the robot to pick up, move, and hold things
• Grippers are a type of end-effector

Robot arm 

A robotic arm is a type of mechanical arm, usually programmable, with similar functions to a human arm; the arm may be the sum total of the mechanism or may be part of a more complex robot.

• Designed to mimic a human arm with shoulder, elbow, and wrist-like parts
• The robot arm positions the end effector

Robotic arms are machines that are programmed to execute a specific task or job quickly, efficiently, and extremely accurately. Generally motor-driven, they’re most often used for the rapid, consistent performance of especially heavy/delicate and highly repetitive procedures over extended periods of time. They’re especially valued in the industrial production, manufacturing, machining and assembly sectors.

Conclusions:

Robots have many parts, including sensors, actuators, controllers, end effectors, power supplies, and drives. 

Sensors 

• Proximity and distance sensors: Help robots navigate their environment and avoid obstacles
• Safety sensors: Detect obstacles to prevent collisions

Actuators 

• Enable robots to interact with their environment, such as for welding, material handling, and assembly line operations

Controllers 

• The "brain" of the robot that controls its behavior

End effectors 

• The tools at the end of robotic arms that interact with objects
• Examples include grippers, spikes, hammers, and screwdrivers

Power supplies 

• Provide the energy needed to drive the robot's motors and electronics
• Can be electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic

Drives 

• The engine or motor that drives the links into place
• Can be hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic

Robot arms 

• Made up of links and joints, similar to a human arm
• Links are the rigid sections, and joints connect the links

Other parts 

• Speakers that allow robots to talk or make other sounds