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A Discussion of Robotic Systems
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Contents
This course will try to outline the basic concepts of robotic systems> It is growing on a regular basis so check back regularly. I also encourage people to add new threads to the forums of add to the various wikis. From Science fiction robots to reality .
Isaac Asimov's three laws of robotics is a clever fabrication which is often repeated in texts, as such the three laws are:
- A robot may not injure a human being or through inaction allow a human being to come to harm.
- A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
- A robot must protect its own existence, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
Activities for Introduction
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Draw a mind map on the topic of Robotics. Try to make the mind map as inclusive of all the different areas of the topic as you can. Use all the lessons to help. If you do a good job the mind map will be a useful revision tool.
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Who was Isaac Asimov and what was his contribution to robotics?
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Write 5 interesting questions about Robotics which you would like to have answered by the end of the topic
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Watch the following video on the future of robot http://www.zdnet.com.au/video/soa/Vision-for-the-robotic-future/0,2000065477,22430766p,00.htm and outline three main changes that were described.
- Look at Artificial Intelligence Course , also read here compare to what you are learning about robotics and describe ways in which artificial intelligence is important to robotics?
- In what ways is the study of robotics and artificial intelligence different?
Some Useful Sources
Ware, P., et.al "IST: Information and Software Technology 7-10", Jacaranda, 2005
Wilson,C., "Exploring Information and Software Technology", Cambridge University Press, Port Melbourne, 2004.
The Robotics Wiki Book
Robotics at Thinkquest
The Tech Museum of Innovation
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What does the term robot mean? A robot is an intelligent machine which can perform the tasks that would once have required a human. This is a very general definition but covers the basics. A robot is not just a remote controlled device, it must contain some element of artificial intelligence.
The word robot was first used by Karel Capek in his 1921 play "Rossum's Univesal Robots". The word described perfect tireless workers and comes from the Czech word, "robotnik" meaning slave labour. It was ironic and described the dehumanisation of society.
Activities
- Define the word 'Robot'.
- Explain how the term 'Robot' came into use.
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| | | 2 | Uses of Robots
Robots are useful where the work or environment is dangerous to humans. They are also particularly useful where the work is very repetitive but too difficult to automate using traditional mass production techniques.
- dangerous tasks: bomb disposal, nuclear power plants
- repetitive tasks: car manufacturers were quick to adopt robots in their manufacturing plants. Ten years ago, 9 out of 10 robots were being bought by auto companies - now, less than 50% of robots are bought by car manufacturers.
- remote locations: Space exploration and deeps sea salvage and exploration
- saving labour costs: Robots are a way business owners can be more competitive
Right: ROV called Jason. Jason is not autonomous but is controlled remotely by human who watches what is happening through a camera. photo courtesy of WHOI
Today most robots used are found in factories and they are referred to as industrial robots. Ten years ago, 9 out of 10 robots were being bought by auto companies - now, less than 50% of robots are bought by car manufacturers. Robots are used in warehouses, laboratories, research, energy plants, hospitals, space exploration etc
Robots are a way business owners can be more competitive. (see Breakdown of Robots by Industry) http://www.jcdrobotics.com/apps/application.htm
There are 4 main areas in which robots are used: industrial, domestic, business and educational:
- Industrial: Spray Painting, Parts Transferring, Small Parts Assembling, Electronic Assembling, Arc Welding, Inspecting, Automated Warehouse.
Right: You can see here robots being used to weld and in a range of activities. Have a close look and see if you can name the types of things they are doing. Have a look at the robots themselves. What types of robots are they? Why do they use these types of robots in heavy industry? image courtesy of Ford Australia.
- Business: include Outer Space exploration and retrieval of malfunctioning satelites, Under the Ocean exploration and salvage, Medicine, nuclear power plants, bomb disposal, Sports
Left: You can see the Rover not long after touch down on Mars. In what ways does the design of Rover match its environment. (Hints: have a look at its mobility, power sources and the sensors. What sensors can you see?)
- Domestic: can include robots that will vacuum floors, mow lawns or serve drinks. The personal and domestic use of robots is set to sky rocket within the next few years. Robotics manufacturers are gearing up for a multibillion dollar market. Research for the primary robots manufactuers in the European Union see the market in this area as rising on an exponential rate. The increases within the next few years are due to increase from 691 robots used for entertainment purposes in 2003 to 2,497 in 2007 while domestic robots are expected to rise from 607 in 2003 to 3,645 in 2007. If the market forecasters are correct this is an increase of 600% with much larger increases expected in the future.
- educational
(from international Federation of Robotics: World Robotics 2004)
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV)
autonomous underwater vehicleAUVs are intelligent underwater vehicles which are able to make decisions about a limited number of variables and are able to adapt their actions accordingly. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are untethered, generally small, and intelligent roving robots that represent the new technology in deep ocean research. They are different to remote underwater vehicles (RUV) which soley rely upon their remote operation by a human who controls the movements of the RUV.
AUV called Autonomous Benthic Explorer. photo courtesy of WHOI.
For more information on the autonomous Benthic Explorer see the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute pages where they have extensive materials on both this AUV as well as many other topics. They also have drawings and other details on the AUV called Autonomous Benthic Explorer. Click here
http://www.transit-port.net/Lists/AUVs.html
How safe Are Robotic Lawnmowers
"Imagine standing in your front yard not bothering anyone else when a ll of a sudden a robot with blades spinning at 5,800 rpm starts heading toward you. Is this real or a nightmare? Bad news is you're awake and its really happening. So where do you hide? What can you do. The answer is nothing because It will just bounce off you and go another direction. Sounds like a joke. Well its real and robot lawn mowers are built with the utmost safety in mind. The greatest concern most people have about robotic lawn mowers is safety. According to Ames Tiedeman, National Sales Manager for Systems Trading Corp., the US distributor for the Friendly Robotics Robomower, over 72,000 emergency room visits involved lawn mowers in 2005. ZERO involved robotic lawn mowers. These mowers have so many safety features and shut-off triggers that it is amazing that they are actually functional. The Friendly Robotics Robomower turns the blades off at 16 degrees, not even high enough to get a hand under. Even if a small hand could get under, the blades are far back and recessed into a chamber in the body. It would take creativity, not stupidity, to get to the blades while they are still turning. Unlike push and riding lawn mower safety devices, robotic lawn mower features are not easily disabled. The tilt detection devices are soldered on to the main boards. Even the resistance against the blades and the ability of the software to stop them is measured in thousandths of seconds. Since these robotic lawn mowers are designed to mulch there is no easy outlet for flying debris. Pebbles and pine cones do not get tossed very far and at low velocity. Some robotic lawn mowers have sonar detection systems that if any moving objects get close they'll slow down and at another point stop the blade before even being touched. All have some sort of touch sensors that when they lightly bump into a stationary object that they change direction. So actually getting run over is unlikely. Another big concern is pets getting chopped to bits, again, no reported accidents involving robotic lawn mowers. Dogs have a tendency to chase and bark, but not attack. A dog actually chewing up a robotic lawn mower is more feasible than a robotic lawn mower chewing up a dog. Robotic lawn mowers move relatively slow, people and animals can easily move out of the way. Although it takes a lot longer to mow, if everyone used them there would be 72,000 fewer hospital visits this year."
Kerry Clabaugh runs http://www.bamabots.com, a web site filled with in depth reviews and articles about robotic lawn mowers including the Robomower and Lawnbott
Activities
- Where are robots useful?
- Describe four types of environments where robots are used.
- Explain how the industrial useage of Robots changed over the last 10 years.
- Look at the use of robots in Private use/ entertainment chart. Describe the statistics that you see. What does this mean for the useage of robots in homes over the next ten years?
- What types of robots are currently available for use in homes?
- Investigate one of the robots listed in this section and create a poster on it for display in the classroom. Notice there are links to many real life examples after this question.
You Tuve Video: Industrial Robots handling a soccer ball (shows their manual dexterity and ability to perform complex tasks) |
| | | 3 | Types of Robots
One way to categorise robots is by the directions in which they are able to move. There are 5 main types of robots:
- Rectangular/Cartesian
- Cylindrical
- SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm)
- Polar/ Spherical
- Jointed Arm/ Articulated
- Rectangular/Cartesian: Arm moves in 3 linear axes. X,y,z axes
Right: This shows the movements for a cartesian robot. They are linear movements much like in a plotter usually including small gears which will move in these three directions. A large overhead crane would exhibit these movements.
 left: Cylindrical robot
- Cylindrical: Arm rotates about the base, moves in and out, and up and down
Right: This diagram shows the movements for a cylindrical robot
- SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm)used for assembly work. It's a robot which has two parallel rotary joints to provide movement in a single plane.
Left: This shows a Scara Robot. You can see here the movement in a single plane. The robot arm can move left or right but not up and down. In this way it is similar to a cylindrical robot but without the up and down movement.
<>Polar/Spherical : Used for handling at machine tools, spot welding, diecasting, fettling machines, gas welding, arc welding and material handling. It's axes form a polar coordinate system. A spherical robot has one linear axis and two rotary axes . Spherical robots are used in a variety of industrial tasks such as welding
- Jointed-arm or Revolute. This is also called an articulated robot. It has 3 axis of rotation. Articulated robots use rotary joints to access its work space. The joints are usually arranged in a 'chain', so that one joint supports another further in the chain.
Activities
- List the 5 types of Robots and explain how they are categorized.
- The class is to divide into 5 groups. Each group needs to choose one of the types of robots and to make a poster about it. Each group must do different types. Each group will give a brief presentation on their type of robot. You should include and example of your type of robot as well as pictures or drawings where possible. You may use the NASA Rover Ranch link beneath here to help.
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| | | 4 | Function of Robots 1 (degrees of freedom, computer control, software)
Contents
Robotic Controllers (Computer Control)
The controller is the robot's brain and controls the robot's movements. It normally invoves a computer of some type even if it is a PLC or a remote computer and it also requires storage for data about the robot and environmental data the robot acquires from its sensors. The control system will also contain programs which enable the robot to do its work.
Industrial controllers can be non-servos, point-to-point servos or continuous path servos. A non-servo robot usually moves parts from one place to another and is called a "pick and place" robot. The non-servo robot motion is started by the controller and stopped by a mechanical stop switch. The stop switch then sends a signal back to the controller which begins the next motion. A point-to-point servo moves to exact points so only stops in the path require programming. A continous path servo is appropriate when a robot must proceed on a specified path in a smooth, constant motion.
More sophisticated robots have more sophisticated control systems. More sophisticated control systems may require several motherboards performing different functions. For an example see Mars Sojourner pages.
Mobile robots can operate by remote control or autonomously. Remote control robots receive instructions from a human operator. In a remote control scenario, the robot relays information to the operator about the remote environment and the human operator then transmits instructions back based on the information received. On the other hand autonomous robots are programmed to interpret their environment and take independent action. Some autonomous robots are able to "learn" from their past encounters. This means they will respond to their environment based on programmed knowledge as well as previous experience. All of this activity takes place in the controller.
Degrees of freedom refer to the LERT system of classifying robot motion.
The LERT Classification System
The LERT classification system uses the type of motion produced by each robot axis as a basis for classifying the robot.The four basic motions are linear, extensional, rotational, and twisting (LERT).
Left: Here is the linear motion of the type that might be seen on a rack and pinion. Linear motion is produced by a part moving along the outside of another part, as in a gantry or a rack and pinion system.
RIGHT: Here is an extension motion such as that which occurs when one part of a robot arm slides inside another part of the arm. Extensional motion is produced when one part moves inside another part with a telescoping motion.
Left: Here is a rotational motion such as that found when a part turns at something other than its center; something like the arm bending at the elbow. Rotational motion is produced by one part moving about something other than its centre.
 Right: Here is a twisting motion, which may be seen when a part turns about its center; something like the turning of a human neck joint.
Activities
- What is a controller?
- Explain what is meant by "Degrees of Freedom".
- What is the LERT system of classifying robots and what is the link between that and degrees of freedom?
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Sensors are the sensory system of a robot much like the five senses that humans have: touch, sight, sound, smell and taste and measure environmental data like touch, distance, light, sound, strain, rotation, magnetism, smell, temperature, inclination, pressure, or altitude. Sensors provide the raw data that must be processed to provide information to allow the robot to appropriately respond to its environment. Robots are equipped with sensors so they can have an understanding of their surrounding environment and make changes in their behavior based on the information they have gathered.
Sensors allow robots to detect objects and variations in the environment. A robot will invariably be equiped with a number of sensors which may include: an acoustic sensor to detect sound, motion or location, infrared sensors to detect heat sources, contact sensors, tactile sensors to give a sense of touch, or optical/vision sensors. A robot can also monitor itself with sensors.
Light Sensor
Measures the level of light as a number between 0% (total darkness) and 100% (very bright). Can differentiate light levels reflected from bright and dark surfaces. Inside the light sensor is a photo-transistor. The photo-transistor acts like a valve for electricity. The more light energy it senses, the more electricity flows.
Uses of A Light Sensor
- Navigation - follow a black line on a white surface (or vice versa)
- FireflyBot - find a very bright object in a room or area (light bulb)
- Color sorter - tell the difference between coloured objects
- Input Device - different colors or gray levels
Rotation Sensor
 Rotation sensors (also called encoders) measure the rotation of a shaft or axle. They are used to measure the angle of a robotic arm, or how far a mobile robots wheel has turned. They Measure the rotation of an axle or shaft.
Left: Rotation sensor. The round spindle rotates each rotation measuring a set distance. The wires coming off the right measure the outputs from the rotation of the spindle. The outputs will go to some kind of PLC (programmable logic circuit which is often an old 486 style chip using ladder logic)
The rotation sensor sends out a series of voltage pulses.  There will be a number of pulses per rotation. In the lego robotics kits there are 16 of these pulses per one revolution. These pulses are also referred to as ticks, clicks, or counts.
Right: graph showing inputs from a rotational sensor
Activities
- Define the term 'sensor'.
- List and describe as many different types of sensors as possible. Each sensor is designed to mimic animal senses. What is the human equivalent of each of the senses you listed.
- Explain in as much detail as you can how one of the sensors work.
- Briefly explain the other sensors.
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Actuators allow movement and convert commands into actions. There are 3 main types of actuators: electric, hydraulic and pneumatic.
Contents
 Electric actuator s are simply electro-mechanical devices which allow movement through the use of an alectrically controlled systems of gears. Some common types are stepper motors, solenoids and an electric motor. Electric motors are the most common form of actuator.
Left: shows an electrical linear actuator with serial plugs
Hydraulic actuator s allow a robot to move by the use of fluids moving under pressure through a series of valves by the use of pumps. The hydraulic fluids bused would normally consist of oils which are reasonably non-compressible. They are used where a lot of power is needed to move things. These would commonly be industrial robots possibly used on a car assembly line.  
Left: Hydraulic Actuator in piston down cycle as fluid is pumped in the pressure forces the piston to move down.
Right: Hydraulic Actuator in piston up cycle as hydrailc fluid is removed to create a vacuum to pull the piston back in.
Pneumatic actuator s use compressed gas to force the movement of pistons through the use of pumps and valves and so allow movement of the robotic part. Pneumatic actuator s work on the same principles as hydraulic actuators using a series of valves, pumps and pistons to gnerate movement in the robot. Grippers usually use compressed gas because electrics are too dangerous and hydraulics can become too messy if they were to leak.
The rotary actuator is a pneumatic actuator used to alternate the rotated position of an object. This is common with grippers. Just like the human wrist the actuator enables the rotation of an object. The energy for the rotation is provided by compressed gas (pneumatics). The rotary actuator is then able to convert the air pressure from a linear motion to a rotating motion.
Left: pneumatic actuator showing how a rotary motion is changed to a linear motion
This is done by a rack and pinion. Air pressure is pushes the piston in a linear motion, attached to the piston is a straight set of gears called a "rack". The rack is pushed forward as the piston moves. The rack is meshed with the circular gear teeth of a "pinion" forcing the pinion to rotate. The pinion can be rotated back into the original position by supplying air pressure to the opposite side of the air cylinder pushing in the same manner as discussed earlier for hydraulics. The pinion is connected to a shaft that protrudes from the body of the rotary actuator. This shaft can be connected to various tools or grippers.
What is a Gripper?
A gripper is a type of end effector which enables the holding of an object to be manipulated. The gripper is a lot like a human hand because, similar to the human hand, the gripper allows holding, tightening, handling and releasing of an object. A gripper can be attached to a robot or it can be part of a fixed automation system. Many styles and sizes of grippers exist so that the correct model can be selected for the application.
How Does A Gripper Work?
Compressed air or hydraulic liquid is supplied to the cylinder of the gripper body forcing the piston up and down, which then forces the gripper jaws to open or close. There are 3 basic motions of gripper jaws; parallel, angular and toggle. These terms refer to the motion of the gripper jaws in relation to the gripper body.
Parallel Gripper
The gripper jaws move in a parallel motion in relation to the gripper body. Used in a majority of applications, parallel grippers are typically more accurate than other style grippers.
Angular Gripper
The gripper jaws are opened and closed around a central pivot moving in an arcing motion. Angular grippers are often used when limited space is available or when the jaws need to move out of the way.
Toggle Gripper
The toggle gripper is used to lock parts. It provides a very high grip force and will remain locked even if air pressure is lost.
2 Jaw Grippers Vs 3 Jaw Grippers
2-Jaw Gripper
The most popular style of gripper (angular, parallel and toggle)
3-Jaw Gripper:
A more specialized style of gripper (parallel and toggle) 3 Jaws provide more contact with the part to be grasped and more accurate centering than 2 jaw models.
Internal Vs External Gripping
Grippers are used in two different holding positions, External and Internal. The choice is determined by the geometry of the part to be held, the process to be carried out, orientation of the parts to be gripped and the space available.
External:
External gripping is the most common way to hold parts.
Internal:
Internal gripping is used when the process to be performed requires access to the outside surface of the part grasped.
Custom Gripping Fingers
Every application requires different fingers/ tooling requirement as such customisation is necessary for each job. careful design is necessary so that the size and grip force is appropriate to the job.
Activities
- Define the term actuator
- What is the purpose of an actuator?
- What is the most common type of actuator?
- What is a gripper?
- List and describe the different types of grippers.
- Explain how a gripper works.
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Click on http://www.botsandbytes.com/HOW%20TO/GP2D12.htm
This is a Distance detector. Explain how it works. How would it be useful? Does the robot need to collide with anything to work?
http://www.geocities.com/robodave2000/sensors.htm
create a grid to summarise the notes on this page. Include pictures if you like.
http://www.geocities.com/robodave2000/robots.htm
choose one of these projects and try to describe the types of sensors employed as well as any other parts. Do a search for pictures of robot actuators in google.
Check out this site http://robonaut.jsc.nasa.gov/Other_bots.htm
Compare to the actuator here on Mr Alexander’s site http://www.geocities.com/it_khs_2002/robot_research.htm
Note: There are 3 types electric, hydraulic and pneumatic.
Find out what they look like and try to draw them using the draw tools in word. Label the parts.
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| | | 7 | Automated Control (definition, historical perspective) Now this is a topic many people will find interesting: robots that can begin to move and think for themselves; some scientists, " think that, one day, robots could fool us into believing they were human". Automated control may mean CAM (computer assitsed manufacturing) but it can mean a whole lot more. The picture below shows the world's first android. It looks and acts like a real human with artificial intelligence. the creator of Repliqee (the androids name) believes it is a long way off before androids can start to do everyday work. He believes it may be as long as a hundred years. 
left: The world's first android is called Repliee Q1Expo. She has flexible silicone for skin rather than hard plastic, and a number of sensors and motors to allow her to turn and react in a human-like manner. She can flutter her eyelids and move her hands like a human. She even appears to breathe. She is designed to look human and uses 42 actuators in the upper body to allow her to move like a human. She even has micro actuators in her face to make her facial muscles simulate human expressions. The actuators use air compression which at this point is limiting the lower body movement even though bi-pedal motion is now easily achieved. Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University believes that, "one day robots could fool us into believing they are human... Repliee Q1Expo can interact with people. It can respond to people touching it. It's very satisfying, although we obviously have a long way to go yet." http://www.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp/ja/department/pdf/22040102.pdf (pdf brochure about projects being researched) CAM: Computer Assisted Manufacturing Since the dawn of the industrialrevolution many changes have taken place. One of the more recent changes which has radically changed manufacturing is CAD/CAM (computer aided manufacturing) where computers and robots are used to help produce products. Through the use of CAM a factory can become highly automated. Robots and much CAM equipment is expensive but once the outlay has been made many tasks can be automated which were formerly carried out by people. The CAm computer/ controller will control the production process through varying degrees of automation. Once the outlay has been made a high degree of precision can be achieved that is not possible with a human workers. The CAM system will set the toolpath and execute this precisely based on the design which has been entered into the computer. Some CAM systems bring in additional automation by also keeping track of materials and automating the ordering process, as well as tasks such as tool replacement. CADComputer Aided Manufacturing is commonly linked to Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems because the initial designs which need to be entered into the computer will feed off this information. The resulting integrated system will then take the design and turn it into a series of precise processes such as drilling or turning on a lathe and so into a precisely made product. Advantages of CAM A big advantage of Computer Aided Manufacturing is that it can be used to facilitate mass customization: the process of creating small batches of products that are custom designed to suit each particular client. Without CAM, and the CAD process that precedes it, customization would be a time-consuming, manual and costly process. However, CAD software allows for easy customization and rapid design changes: the automatic controls of the CAM system make it possible to adjust the machinery automatically for each different order. Ethical Issues: Job Losses The fear of robots replacing workers is a growing concern. It has been a gradual process which is almost unnoticeable but the reality is that it is happening more and more. At this stage robots are limited in what they are able to do and still require human intervention. Robotic arms and machines are commonly used in factories, but do require human workers. The nature of those workers' jobs change however. Many jobs are being deskilled and jobs that were skilled trades are disappearing in some industries. For instance welding is a skilled trade but in the car manufacturing industry robots have been doing this task for many years.
 The chart shows that surprisingly the expected growth of robots in some industries is not set to rise over the coming year while in some there is a moderate growth.
 Chart 2 shows the four main countries employing robots and the increase in robots in manufacturing over the years 2001-2003. At this stage the rise has been quite gradual but constant.
Chart 3 shows the number of industrial robots employed per 10000 employees and shows a breakdown between manufacturing and automotive. It can be seen that the automotive industry remains very dependent on robots. Historically the automotive sector moved into robots very early during the late 1970s.
The last chart shows the expectd growth up to 2008 by region. There is a dynamic growth forecast for the Asian region (World Robotics 2006, Internation Federation of Robotics Statistical Department)
Robot age is still some way offRobots may one day rule the world, but don't expect a super-race of androids to step up to the challenge anytime soon, says a Sydney University robotics professor. The reason is that in spite of some remarkable scientific developments, they still lack fundamental intelligence, said Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, a research director at the ARC Centre Excellence for Autonomous systems. The Age
September 14, 2006
http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/robot-age-is-still-some-way-off/2006/09/13/1157827009383.html |
| | | 8 | Examples examples from a variety of places
Worm-inspired robot crawls through intestines
- 13:06 06 June 2006
- NewScientist.com news service
- Tom Simonite
Left: The robot (shown on top of pig gut) modelled on a polychaete, or "paddle worm" (Image: BIOLOCH project). You can click on this image to go to the original article
Related Articles
Web Links
A robot designed to crawl through the human gut by mimicking the wriggling motion of an undersea worm has been developed by European scientists. It could one day help doctors diagnose disease by carrying tiny cameras through patients' bodies.
The team behind the robot includes scientists from Italy, Germany, Greece and the UK. They modelled it on polychaetes, or "paddle worms", which use tiny paddles on their body segments to push through sand, mud or water.
"We turned to biological inspiration because, in the peculiar environment of the gut, traditional forms of robotic locomotion don't work," says Arianna Menciassi, a roboticist from the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy.
"Worms have locomotion systems suited to such unstructured, slippery environments."
The team studied the way real worms use their paddles to crawl and developed computer models to simulate the motion. The Italian scientists then put together two prototype robots that move in the same way.
Pig gut
 The robot above was based on a cockroach. Click on the image to visit the site
Right:  The actuators on its legs and elsewhere are called braided actuators and are actually modelled on a cockroach
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Design-A-Robot
Have students design their own robots using the knowledge they have now acquired. This may be a virtual robot using online design tools, an animation in powerpoint or maybe simply just an annotatted drawing. It may also be a real one using kist from Tandy. Dick Smith or another source.
Boston Online Museum's: Design Your Own Robot
Design Your Own Robot allows you to design and construct robots to accomplish six tasks. As you engage with this interactive, you will learn something about the elements of robot design. When you are finished building each robot, you can link to a Web site showing a robot similar to the one you've built but operating in a real-world setting. There are two ways to run the interactive:
1. You can run the online interactive (this requires the Shockwave plug-in).
2. You can download an executable file and run it locally on own computer.
Windows version (2406 KB)
Mac version (1042 KB)
Click Here to start Online design
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Some useful references and sites.
Robotics Online: http://www.roboticsonline.com/index.cfm
RobotCafe
People who are just getting started with robotics can find useful links to stores, competitions, organizations and clubs, toys, robotics cartoons, and hardware and software.
http://www.robotcafe.com/
The FIRST Robotics Competition
The FIRST Robotics Competition is a national engineering contest for high school students. The site provides information on the six-week program concludes with tournaments held in fifteen locations. The competition fosters partnerships between schools, businesses, and universities and encourages young people's interest in science and engineering.
http://www.usfirst.org/2001comp/
FIRST LEGO League
Each year the FIRST LEGO League announces a new challenge highlighting a current scientific or technological problem facing the world. Students are invited to work in tams to build, program, and test their own fully-autonomous robots. The site provides all the information needed to participate in the competition which is based on the belief that kids learn best when they work together to construct something that they find personnally meaningful.
http://www.legomindstorms.com/fll/
KISS Institute for Practical Robotics
The KISS Institute of Practical Robotics is a non-profit organization that provides learning and skill development through the application of technology, particularly robotics. The site features the High School Botball Robotics Tournament, robotics courses for students, and educational resources.
http://www.kipr.org/
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers offers information on robotics for students on their site. Activities include national robotics challenges with a division for middle school students.
http://www.sme.org/
National Engineering Design Challenge
The National Engineering Design Challenge encourages teams of high school students to work in teams with engineering advisors to design, fabricate, and demonstrate working solutions to a social need. The site is sponsored by JETS, the Junior Engineering Technical Society, with the goal of guiding high school students towards college and careers in engineering.
http://www.jets.org/nedc/nedc.htm
GoRobotics
This site provides resources for robotics, including projects, books, and links to other robotics sites.
http://www.gorobotics.net/
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There are a range of sites with information which will allow you to build your own robot.
Try building a real one using a PIC
 "Microcontrollers are exciting new electronic ‘single chip computers’ that are rapidly being introduced into industry and education. The ‘PICAXE’ system is an extremely powerful, yet low cost, microcontroller programming system designed to simplify educational and hobbyist use of microcontrollers.
The unique feature of the PICAXE system is that programs are downloaded via a direct cable link straight into the microcontroller, so no expensive programmers or erasers are required. The easy to use software is free, and so this low cost approach also means that students can use the whole programming system at home. 
Programs can be created graphically using flowcharts, or programmatically using a simple BASIC style language, within the free ‘Programming Editor’ software. "
quoted from "Rev-Ed.uk"
Picaxe Starter Packs
Oatley Electronics
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| | | 13 | Robots In Movies 
Robots have appeared in movies since the early days of film. They reflect society, developments in technology and our expectations for the future. They are society's ID, our hidden selves. 
Right: Here you can see a press release for the movie. Walter Pidegeon as Dr Morbius is preparing Robbie for some kind of nefarious act. "In 1954 "Metro Goldwyn Mayer" began a magnificent project, destined to set a new standard for Science-fiction and Fantasy films. Originally called "Fatal Planet" the project was retitled "FORBIDDEN PLANET" which was felt to have more box-office appeal. Lavishly expending time, money and effort, the film makers determined to make it the super-production of this neglected genre, with beautiful sets, intricated miniatures, startling special effects, and an outstanding cast headed by a notable new star. He wasn't born, he was Built! His name was "ROBBY the ROBOT". " quoted from http://www.geocities.com/theforbiddenplanet/index.htm 
Left: Lost in Space was a major television series during the 1960s and produced the iconic "robot". In this picture you can see Dr Smith and the robot early in the first episode. |
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Animatronics is the animation of life like puppets using computer technology. This will incorporate many aspects of robotics. In a sense animatronics are somewhere in between robots and animated puppets.
Make a Talking Yoda Head
 This site has all the instructions necessary for building a talking Yoda Head like in Star Wars. http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/8877/yoda_project.html
Left: This is Yoda from Star Wars.
Your talking Yoda Head may not look like the real thing but it will be a lot of fun trying to build it.
ANIMATRONIC / SPECIAL EFFECTS (COMPANIES / PEOPLE)
Garner Holt Productions - (Largest Manufacturer of Animatronics?) Theme parks, Gaming, Retail, Restaurants, Trade shows etc.( in the top 3 animatronic companies)
Advanced Animations - Animatronics, Theme Park Attractions, Edutainment Attractions, Dark Ride Attractions, Retail, Casino, Corp, etc.(Large Animatronics company from Connecticut)
SARCOS
Sally Corporation: Animatronics and Dark Rides
Jim Henson's Creature Shop (London)
The Jim Henson Company - Henson.com(overall site includes the muppets etc.)
LifeFormations - Animatronics for Theme-parks etc.,Chroma characters, Interactive Exhibits, Sculpted Objects etc. etc.
Hofmann - Figuren -natürlich, dynamisch.
The Character Shop - Main Entrance(check out their FAQ )
MANNETRON-Specialized Technologies for Serious Business
TurtleWorks - ( hoH MaN! the Rhino from this guy is within the TOP 3 most amzing pieces of work i`ve seen! ) (and they`ve done alot of other cooool stuff too)
ChiodoBros.(did Killer Klownes movie) (one of the Wierdest Sites I've ever seen)
Enchanting Forest UK - Animatronics, Props, Displays, Effects...
STAN WINSTON Studio - ( Movie Animatronics - Jurrassaic Park, Preditor, Terminator, more) (branching into action-figures and comics?)
stanwinstonstudio .com
stanwinstoncreatures .com
stanwinstonproductions .com
Steve Johnson's XFX - now in business as 'Edge Effects'
FLORIDAROBOTICS- Enter the World of Robots and Animatronics !(lots of radio-controlled robots)
VP Productions - full service animation company with over 21 years of combined experience in the animatronic industry. - (Watertown Connecticut)
V.P. Productions - your animation headquarters(older site)
Dorfman Museum Figures - Custom Figures
Hutch'sHome Page(EffectsTechnician wi /Gallery
Clostermann Design Consulting - animatronics, scenery ,theming and special effects germany
Bould Productions - Amazing, realistic puppetry &animals for Film, Television, Internet Entertainment, and Commercial Film Production
DAVIDPERTEET -( Concept Drawing, Makeup Effects . .Amazing resume(portfolio shows Really good work and Really good moulds)
Ozlab, animatronics, sculptures and design for theme parks
International Robotics - Pioneers of Techno-Marketing.Leased or Custom designed advanced Robotics and Special Effects for Marketing, Communication and Entertainment.- NY(NY agency for ALOT of different high-tech Robot Companies, Entertainers, Gadgets for trade-shows, exhibits etc.! .. diverse catalog!)
CALLICO Special Effects, live action effects and props (Big props ..trains etc.)
TECHNICREATIONS-(Animatronics,Sculpting,Spfx,propsetc
WONDERWORKS - Displays &Exhibits, Models &Miniatures, Props, Spaceships, Space suits etc. (CA)
SFXMAN/ japanese special-fx &animatronics co.
R2XLFiles- (Web Site of TONY DYSON ! (the guy who built R2D2 ! -) ( i love r2d2 -)
BunkHouse Studios - Jim Randall - ( REALLY good sculpting - does work for Advanced Animations ) - Vermont
Sticks and Stones FX Studio
Robotopia .com - A UNIQUE COMPANY SPECIALISING IN PROMOTIONAL ROBOT HIRE
Animax Designs, premium quality custom puppets, creatures, and animatronics for television, film, advertising, and theme parks
BNT Studios - Toys, Prototypes, Make-up effects, Mold-making etc. etc. (wide range portfolio) ( BILL BARSCHDORF )
C.M. Vision SFZ - ( MARIA BERMEJO and CESAR ALONSO, 2 spanish guys that came to London to work as sfx.)
Life.maker
AllEffects Company, Inc.(OO BOY ! This is the guy who built JOHNNY 5 !)man ..somebody tell Eric to finish the website or send mE money and I`LL do it! : ) (i wanna see pics!)
(originally worked at advanced animations long ago)
Creegans Animation and Audio Animatronics
Total Fabrication Home Page
Italian Magic Artists (IMA)
Mechanical Pieces from TurtleWorks
John Cox's Creature Workshop Pty Ltd : Design and Fabrication of Static and Articulated Characters
AnimalMakers Characters for Television Commercials, Shows, and Films
Robots,Rocketsand More!
CFX-(Spfx in Uk-) Prosthetics, Creatures, Special Makeup Effects
Dan Perez Studios
Special Makeup Effects by Lars Carlsson - (original site)
Special Makeup Effects by Lars Carlsson - www.Makeup-FX.com
Special Effects by Creative Effects .inc (camera cars, large set-dressing etc.)
Christina's and Martin's Web Site(Prop building and Acting duo in Canada ..built a very complex R2 too ... ...also)
CC's &MH's Casual space
WelcomeTo YFXStudios- Enter Page
Flix FX - (CooL lookin site!!) - Animatronics, Props, Displays, MOdels, VEhicles etc. etc. !
Komodo - the extraordinary, cutting-edge art, animation and innovations of BILL FLEMING
EvanStrikes Back -( star wars link )
CORESystems,Inc. -( sound - video - lighting -)
TheUnofficial ILMHome Page - www.ILMfan.com
x MASS.ILLUSION Visual Effects Co - Lenox, Massachusetts (merged with Manex of England and website`s gone now)
Mad Scientist Creations
DigitalArts- special effects . . . ( - NEW ! - )
CAMmotion Industries - Was FXMECH
VampiresandWerewolves - Fangs, Masks, Costu...
CreativeDesign and Engineering
Roboskins Inc. - Professional hollywood special effects, fake body parts, and animatronics. - Making Imagination Come to Life!
Stampede Entertainment (was Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. ???)
Vince Backeberg's Make-up EFX work
Bimmini Special Effects....Creature Effects and Animatronics (Austrailia)
CINEFFECTS PRODUCTIONS INC. - physical/mechanical effects, pyro, rigging etc.
ArtEffectsin Sun Valley-Custom Props - Fiberglass - VacuForming more.
BoneYard Effects Home Page
SetDesigners,Costumers, Others, Art, Doll, ...
CREATUROIDES-Robótica Fantástica - Animatronics - Robots ( - NEW -
DreamlandFXhomepage - Steve Neill's alien special effects etc.
MASSFX--- (haunted house)
special effects stunt rigging capsule launcher pyrotechnic equipment
TheTruly DangerousCompany
SplittingImageHome Page
V &W Animatronics - Covering everything from the smallest mammal, to a full blown Dinosaur. Guaranteed to amaze all.(London)
TheSyd Mead IncPage(coool ..the guy who designed all in TRON and BladeRunner etc. etc. etc.)
ToniBuffa- SPFX Makeup etc. - (original page on chris-hillmans site)
Toni Buffa - NEWER page on makeup.net(went to the Art Inst. of Philadelphia)
Film Illusions Inc. - ANimatronics for Themed Attraction Services, Fil and TV (TankGirl, ?Stargate, ?Budwieser frogs
JohnStuart'sSPFX Makeup etc.(friend in Philadephia, teaches spfx at the Art Institute of Philadelphia)
Nimba Creations Special Effects home page
CRIATURASMECANICAS- ( Spanish Animatronics Co. ! - )
x RodHavrickAltschul's Animatronics Head! (site`s gone ..now he`s doing computer-graphics?)
ANIMATED FX ! - design, creation, rental and puppeteering of animatronics and sophisticated puppets for film, television and commercials.
Absolute FX - Singapore - SPECIAL EFFECTS &ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY - film, tv, exhibits etc.
http://members.aol.com/yfxstudio7/index.html
StageFrightStudios - (Haunted House - Animatronics etc. -Good
FarmerStudios -Themed Attraction Design Co. - UK
Life Like 3D Portrait made by Special Effects Make-up Artist - Kazuhiro Tsuji - ( The Most AMAZING link I have possibly)
Mascots,Soup to Nutz!The Mascot Organization
JVIIIShop(in Long Island City NY ! ) ( actually general listings for shops around NY)
BlueSkyStudios, Inc.
x PrehistoricGiants- Dinamation Australasia-(OUT OF BUSINESS ...awww ...all those lonely animated dinosaurs roaming the malls without a home : (
WebcomFX
Robotic Entertainers Inc.(big robot costumes etc. for sale and rental by Jeff Leininger) (Orlando FL)
MagicFXWebCenter
Alex-My First Animatronic Creation-(T-Rex creation on top of
AndreasFX'spage
DissidentFilmsCurrent Project
SpecialMakeupEffects artwork of Tim Northon - ( Good stuff )
GEMS-Animatronics (uk)
Chicago Animatronics Homepage
RPWProductions-Sculpture for the Entertainment Industry- -
BruceMiller'sHOUSE OF EFFECTS - creatures puppets masks makeup props
TheRobot Factory
Buffington Effects - (Jack Buffington- animatronic eye and mechanism 'how-to' etc. info)
TEXA: Animatronics &Puppets
The Robot Factory .com - (Fuzzy Cute characters riding tricycles and more .. (Colorado)
RobotronicScandinavia >oskar ( bicycling fluffy robotic animal )distributes robotfactory.com robots? (oskar looks familiar )
Ron'sHomepage (animatronic fiberglass dinosaur on roof of theater)
-->WELCOMETO:IMAGINATION PLANTATION -( Don't have the slightest idea 
flixFX-(AutomotiveFX,Puppets,TurntableRentals,Vacuform,Weld,RC,etc.etc)
NealScanlan profile, Animatronics expert
AnimaFX Efectos Especiales para Cine, Teatro, FotografÌa y TelevisiÛn
Propguy'sHome Page (Steve Gostelow .. the guy who built the Daleks !)
RandoProductions Inc., Mechanical Special Effects (for theme parks etc)
AmusementPark Game - Boxerjocks
EdgeInnovations - (neat .. did the whale in Star-Trek, the
TheHarry Thomas Web Page - ( Makeup Artist .. wow .. biiiig resume !)
x ShortCircuit ( JOHNNY 5 site including Clips, Sounds Pics etc. etc. !!)
x TheShort Circuit Home Page
ROBOTOPIA .com- entertainment robots etc.in the uk
ROBOMEDIA(NJ) Entertainment Robots for Special Events, Marketing, PR Education
Welcometo AVG, an Industry leading Animatronic's company.
Roboskins Inc. - Professional hollywood special effects, fake body parts, and animatronics. - Making Imagination Come to Life!
Mold1- ( Now "THIS" is how you do a Mold ! ! ! ) (from David Perteet's
http://www.geocities.com/~fxman/
Sturm'sSpecial Effects-(Mostly BIG Pyro,
Stage-6 Productions (Rick Stern) - (wow..Animatronics Designer/Fabricator/ Instructor forMonsterMakers.com!)(..and more)
ArticoleStudios Home Page - ( Mouldmaking casting in the UK )
EspecialEffects Company UK
~BSF/X~ (animatronics etc. site on GeoCities)
Hutch'sHome Page(EffectsTechnician wi /Gallery wi/BehindTheScenesPics!)
Sarner'sWeb Site (AudioVisualDes.ConultInstallation(&Animatronics??)
x wyverne'sRealm - (www.goblinart.com/ non-animatronic-address
EspecialEffects Company UK
Chris Hillman Creative
FANTA X VISUAL EFFECTS è una ditta di effetti speciali tradizionali per cinema, tv e teatro(rome)
x Station X studios - website gone (domain bought)
BBCResources - (Interesting! .. "in house"effects-crews and facilities)
leisuremanagement ( McAndroids page - a company in Tunbrige Wells )
LASERTRONICS- Special Effects Productions, South Africa
Walter Klassen FX and Animatronics - (Ontario)
Savini.Com- The Official Tom Savini Homepage - spfx makeup
TerrorBy Design
DonBertino's Home Page -(info etc. for HauntedHouse / Christmas decor)
BLUEWHALE STUDIOS - PORTFOLIO - (spfx make-up studio - Florida? )
xx AFXStudios -(special Make-up effects &Sculpture)
TrulyDangerous Links
xxSpecialEffects &Working Life Size Models ,(Strange Vehicles)
garthpatil -(just a personal pg-in school forMech.Eng.helped onAnaconda
MIBImages - ( low budget spfx / modelling etc. in Winnepeg Canada )
StarLight &Magic-(Stage / Special Effects lighting &smoke / fog etc.)
AppliedMagic, Inc.
Altered Anatomy Inc.
Special Effect Supply Home Page
THESTUDIO MAKEUP ACADEMY
AnimatedObjects, Inc. - 4 legged mini robot
VirtuallyFurry Productions &Houston FX (SpfxMakeUp/costuming)
Killer Props - ( mostly costumes )
Foam Props .com - foam props, props, custom props, fiberglass props, foam sculpture
Leo Cahn / Moving Models Special Effects
Sticks and Stones FX Studio- make up, costume design, props, animatronics, armor
The Prop Werx
FreaX FX
Zung Studio - Created the foam animation character for MTVs Celebrity Death Match! ( NY )
Farmer Studios Themed Entertainment for Shows, Animatronics, Interactives, Costumes...
JJAMB Productions
Molds,Moldmaking, lifecasting &Special Effects of Northwest Special Effects.
Welcome to Shawcraft Robotics
The Making of Creatures Monsters Aliens Apes and Dinosaurs
Creative Contraptions - (forget what`s here ..just a title at the moment)
FX Illusions - Special Effects, Theme Park and Computer Design Facility
DigitalDomain:
Tecnoefectos
Entrance FX Factory
illusiontribe
raul_electronics
:: EXHIBIT FORMS COMPANY - PRODUCTS ::
Edge Innovations
Dave Downes New Site - http://www.legendforge.com
WonderWorks
http://www.wetafx.co.nz/workshop/index2.html
TWO FISH
boneclones.com - Good reproductions of various skulls and skeletons etc.
Nimba Creations Special Effects home page
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| | | 16 | Cyborgs (topic still under construction)
Cyborgs are an amalgam of machine and human. Until recently it was very much the precint of Science Fiction but recently it is becoming more Science fact. However while saying this super human powers and such is still way off in the future. |
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