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Robots and Robotics Facts & Worksheets

Robots are machines that can be programmed by a computer to carry out a set of operations automatically. Robotics is the study of robots.

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The study of robots is known as robotics. A robot is a mechanism, particularly one that can be programmed by a computer, that is capable of carrying out a complicated set of operations automatically. Robotics is a subject that creates programmable machines that can replicate or assist humans in their regular tasks.

See the fact file below for more information on Robots and Robotics or alternatively, you can download our 22-page Robots and Robotics worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

ETYMOLOGY

  • The origins of robots may be found in ancient times. Following the Industrial Revolution, the contemporary idea of robotics emerges, enabling the use of complex devices. 
  • Additionally, the advent of electricity has made it feasible to employ power equipment with small motors.
  • The idea of the humanoid machine advanced in the early 20th century. 
  • And in the technological age of today, it is simple to imagine a human-sized robot with traits like thinking, looking, and movement. First, since they required less human help, robots were utilized for manufacturing in the industrial domain.
  • There are several myths about automata in many civilizations across the world, including Ancient China, Ancient Greece, and Ptolemaic Egypt, where inventors and engineers attempted to develop self-operating devices that resemble animals and people. 
  • Other older automata include Archytas’ artificial dove, Mozi and Lu Ban’s artificial birds, Philo of Byzantium’s washstand automaton, Hero of Alexandria’s “speaking” automaton, and, most crucially, the human automaton that delineates the Lie Zi.

BASIC COMPONENTS OF ROBOTS

  • The locomotion system describes how the robot moves. Whether it’s translational motion, rotatory motion, or anything else. 
  • You may program your robot to go forward, backward, right, left, climb up and down, and so on. 
  • This requires the use of devices that transform electrical energy into mechanical energy. 
  • These devices are known as actuators, and the most common actuator is the DC motor.
  • A robot needs power in order to function. Food is the source of energy for humans. Our cells break down food and transform it into energy when we eat it. 
  • The majority of robots are powered by electricity. Stationary robotic arms, such as those used by automobile manufacturers, may be plugged in just like any other device. 
  • Batteries are typically used to power mobile robots. Solar electricity is frequently collected by our robotic space probes and satellites.
  • Sensor System – Sensors are required for the robot to interact with the physical world (which can measure physical parameters like temperature, pressure, heat, radio waves, IR waves, etc.). 
  • These sensor systems transmit data from the physical world to the digital world (embedded electronics), where it is analyzed and the robot makes a decision.
  • Signal Processing System – Data from sensors and other electrical and digital signals must be processed before the robot can evaluate the situation and make decisions. 
  • To do this, we use electrical components to process the signals. Any analog or digital device, or even a microcontroller, can be used as a component.
  • The control system is the main governing system of the robot. Every system that is present and functional within the robot may be described as a control system (open-loop or closed-loop).

TYPES OF ROBOTS

  • Pre-programmed robots: Humans are not required to tell them what to do. Simply said, a program is written, and they execute it without human supervision, and they are unable to modify their working behavior. It is the sort of robot that assists people with their duties.
  • Humanoid robots: These are the robots that resemble the human body. These are intended for use in experiments to examine bipedal movement. Eye movement, hand movement, form, and size are all comparable to humans. Typically, functioning entails engaging with one’s surroundings.
  • Robots with autonomy: These are auto robots or autobots that have a high degree of autonomy without any external interference and are commonly employed in space missions, domestic maintenance such as cleaning, wastewater treatment, transporting products and services, and so on.
  • Teleoperated robots – These are semi-autonomous robots that can be controlled remotely by wi-fi, Bluetooth, deep space network, or tethered connections. It’s a hybrid of teleoperation and telepresence.
  • Robots are utilized for video conferencing, maritime applications such as remotely operated vehicles that can travel deep beneath the ocean, which is risky for divers, and handling radioactive materials.
  • Augmenting robots – These robots assist people develop their talents or regain abilities that they have lost. Prosthetic arms, for example, can be linked to muscles in the chest so that the user can cause the arm to move normally.

APPLICATIONS AND CLASSIFICATION OF ROBOTS

  • Aerospace– This category contains many flying robots such as the SmartBird robotic seagull and the Raven surveillance drone. 
  • The Mars rover and NASA’s Robonaut are examples of space-capable robots. The name plainly describes the application, which is aerospace.
  • Consumer– Purchased mostly for enjoyment or to accomplish minor jobs and household duties. Aibo, the robot dog, and AI-powered robot helpers are two examples of rising categories of robotics toys and kits. Consumer robots have been around for many decades.
  • People typically utilize these robots at home to assist with various household duties, to entertain humans, to socialize, and to educate. 
  • However, numerous businesses have used AI in consumer robots. Its purpose is to make these robots smarter and to assist them in expanding their capabilities.
  • Emergency Response – These robots are employed to undertake risky tasks, such as cleaning up after an incident. 
  • These are commonly referred to as rescue robots. If people become trapped in natural calamities such as earthquakes, these robots are deployed to rescue them. 
  • These robots might help with a variety of different emergency circumstances, such as mining accidents, urban disasters, explosions, and hostage situations.
  • Drones: These are also known as robotic vehicles, and they come in a variety of sizes and levels of autonomy. 
  • Drones are commonly employed in military aid. 
  • They contribute to the pilots’ survival while putting their own lives in danger.
  • People usually refer to it as an unidentified aerial vehicle.
  • Educational: Key features include hands-on programmable Lego sets, 3D printers with lesson plans, and instructor robot-like EMYS. This appears to be the next step for roboticists. 
  • These can be used in the classroom or at home, and are ideal for people who are unable to travel out of town to receive the best education. 
  • These robots serve as teachers to students, guiding them through the analysis, design, and use of robotics.
  • Military and security personnel: Ground systems such as Endeavor Robotics PackBot and Big Dog are included (assist troops in carrying heavy gear). 
  • These robots are also known as autonomous robots, which are mobile. 
  • These are specifically developed for military assistance; they also aid in transportation, rescue, and attack.
  • Telepresence: It is possible to be present at a location without physically visiting it. 
  • It would be beneficial for physicians to check on patients or work with colleagues in another office. 
  • These are remote-controlled, wheeled gadgets that use wireless internet access. As a result, these robots have good audio and visual capabilities. These robots are often used for tour guiding.

ADVANTAGES OF ROBOTS

  • Robots may be programmed to perform in a repeated cycle without stopping, improving the output rate. 
  • This leads to increased output, which aids in cost recovery and increases earnings.
  • Manual engagement in repeated activities can interfere with focus and result in mistakes and quality failures. Robotic automation avoids these hazards by creating and inspecting goods to exacting standards. 
  • Because robots are built to work without exhaustion or breaks, they can perform repetitive activities more effectively than humans. 
  • The use of robots in the production process can result in substantial productivity gains.
  • Using robots in the production process assures fewer quality variations, resulting in minimal material waste due to failures or non-standard items.
  • Workers in certain sectors may be required to work in inappropriate or dangerous environments, posing health and safety concerns.
  • Automated robots may be built and deployed to function in any environment without putting enterprises or their employees in danger.
  • Once programmed, robots may continue to do repeated tasks with the same precision for an extended length of time, maintaining consistency in the manufacturing workflow and output.
  • Robots are machines that can run for long periods of time if properly maintained. However, people cannot labor indefinitely since it increases the danger of weariness, injury, and other problems.
  • Robotic automation relieves workers of repetitive, hard jobs and engages them in tasks that allow them to broaden their talents. This will result in a better atmosphere for the firm as a whole.
  • Performance can only improve with more enthusiasm and attention on their task, which will also contribute to business growth.

DISADVANTAGES OF ROBOTS

  • Given that a robot can produce output at a quicker pace while maintaining consistency and quality, there may be no need for human interaction in some occupations in the future.
  • Organizations must deal with the substantial investment costs associated with robotic automation.
  • It covers installation, maintenance, supplementary components, and programming costs. Robotic automation also needs a continuous power supply, which incurs additional costs.
  • It covers installation, maintenance, supplementary components, and programming costs. Robotic automation also needs a continuous power supply, which incurs additional costs.
  • The introduction of automation with robots necessitates the hiring of specialist personnel with understanding of complicated programming, operations, and maintenance.
  • An automation business can help with the initial installation and setup, but additional personnel must be taught to handle the system in the long run.
  • While robots can outperform humans in certain respects, they lack the ability to think, analyze, and create by gathering knowledge from their environment. 
  • Robots are ideally suited for specialized jobs that save time and effort, and nothing more. 
  • They are programmed by humans to do certain tasks. 
  • As robots begin to play a larger role in our everyday lives, humans may become too reliant on them, which may lead to the inclusion of more functionality in robots to make our lives simpler. 
  • With fewer contacts and motions, this can impair the human lifestyle.

Robots and Robotics Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Robots and Robotics across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching about Robots, which are machines that can be programmed by a computer to carry out a set of operations automatically. Robotics is the study of robots.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  • Robots and Robotics Facts
  • Can You Describe Me
  • Jumbled Letters
  • Human Or Bot?
  • Connect Me
  • Type of Robots 
  • Human Bot
  • Pic and Tell
  • Pro’s and Con’s
  • Give Me a Reason
  • My Invention

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different kinds of robots?

Robots can be divided into five broad categories that include AMRs, which are autonomous mobile robots; AGVs, which are automated guided vehicles, cobots, humanoids, articulated robots, and hybrids.

What is a robot in simple words?

A robot can be described simply as a machine that can operate automatically to replace the role of a person.

Who made the first robot?

Researchers believe the first person that can be credited with building a robot was George C. Devol who was a Kentucky inventor. His robot of the 1950s was patented as a reprogrammable manipulator but he was unsuccessful at getting people to believe in its utility.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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