Robotic Systems: Controllers

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.