The Science Behind the Creation of Robots That Many Of Us Are Not Aware Of
Robots are machines that are meant to either do their work without human assistance or with minimal human assistance. The science of making robots is referred to as robotics and it is an amalgamation of numerous fields of science and engineering.
These are physics, computer science, mathematics, electronics and mechanical engineering. Through the years, studies and scientific findings have simplified the robots into being more intelligent, faster and more productive in our lives. Robots are applied today into factories, hospitals, homes, farms, and even space exploration.
Mechanical design is at the core of every robot. This section is concerned with the physical construction of the robot. Physics, in particular, mechanics, is the study of scientists and engineers of movement, balance, force, and motion. As an example, joints, arms, wheels and legs are planned with the help of such concepts as torque, friction and gravity.
Biomechanical research, the study of how life on the planet moves, has also assisted in creating the robots that walk like humans or animals. I consider it interesting that most of the designs of robots are nature-inspired like robotic dogs or robotic arms which are a copy of the human hand.
Electronics is another field of significant robots science. Electrical components are required in robots. These are circuits, sensors, batteries, and motors. The use of sensors is very significant since they enable the robots to feel the environment. As an illustration, cameras are compared to eyes, microphones to ears and touch sensors to skin.
In electronics, scientific research has made sensors smaller, lesser and more precise. Scientific laws such as electromagnetism discovered by other scientists like Michael Faraday also form the basis of motors which convert electrical power into motion.
Computer science has a significant impact on the development of robots. A robot does not think unless it is programmed to think. It is at this point that algorithms and software are introduced. There are programs that the engineers write into the robot instructing it on what to do and how to respond to various circumstances.
As an example, a robot can be able to stop or divert when it finds an obstacle. Artificial intelligence (AI) research has enhanced the intelligence of robots. AI enables robots to learn, identify trends and make a decision using data. I think it is one of the most effective aspects in robotics since it provides robots with the capacity to develop with time.
The other important science that underlies robotics is mathematics.
Robots use math to calculate the movement, speed, distance, and position. An example is that when a robotic arm is being moved to pick an object, mathematical equations are in use to determine the specific angle and force required. Robotics research is much used in fields such as algebra, geometry, and calculus.
Robots cannot move correctly and even do complicated tasks without mathematics.
In creation of robots, control systems also play an important role. A robot needs a control system that would allow it to stay on track and do the work in a proper way. As an example, a robot who is walking must continually change its balance to not fall.
This is by means of feedback systems whereby sensors convey the information to the computer of the robot which adjusts the movement accordingly. Control theory scientific research has enabled the robots to be more stable and reliable in extreme conditions such as the deep seas or the outer space.
Robot development is also supported by materials science. Scientists research on various materials in order to be familiar with those that are strong, light, flexible or durable. Robots usually require heat, pressure, or repetitive motion material.
Due to research, there has been the use of bulky materials such as carbon fiber, alloys and even soft materials in soft robotics. Such materials ensure that robots are safer to use around people and in the health sector in particular.
To sum up, the invention of robots is entrenched in science and research. The fields of physics and electronics to computer science and mathematics are also significant. I now know that robots are not magic machines but it is the result of diligent scientific research and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Robots will be more intelligent and useful as the research goes on increasing. The science of robots makes us realize the distance that human knowledge has traveled and the way it is still influencing the future.