MC 4213 – ROBOTICS
MODULE 1
Introduction to Robotics
Learning Objectives
• Define a robot and robotics.
• Explain why robotics is interdisciplinary.
• Describe a basic robotic-system workflow.
• Identify common robotics applications.
1.1 What is a Robot?
A robot is a programmable machine capable of carrying out physical tasks automatically or
semi-autonomously.
1.2 What is Robotics?
Robotics is the field concerned with the design, construction, programming, control, and application of
robots. It combines mechanical engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, computer science,
control systems, mathematics, and increasingly artificial intelligence.
1.3 Basic Robotic System
A simple system can be represented as: Sensors → Controller → Actuators → Mechanical System.
Sensors collect information, the controller processes it and decides what to do, and actuators execute
the command.
Activity 1 – Identification
1. A device that detects distance between a robot and an object: __________
2. The component that processes information and makes decisions: __________
3. A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion: __________
4. The field involving robot design, programming, and control: __________
5. A programmable machine that performs physical tasks: __________
Activity 2 – Short Answer
1. In your own words, define a robot.
2. Give three fields that contribute to robotics.
3. Give two real-world applications of robotics.
4. Explain why sensors are important to autonomous robots.
MODULE 1
Introduction to Robotics
Learning Objectives
• Define a robot and robotics.
• Explain why robotics is interdisciplinary.
• Describe a basic robotic-system workflow.
• Identify common robotics applications.
1.1 What is a Robot?
A robot is a programmable machine capable of carrying out physical tasks automatically or
semi-autonomously.
1.2 What is Robotics?
Robotics is the field concerned with the design, construction, programming, control, and application of
robots. It combines mechanical engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, computer science,
control systems, mathematics, and increasingly artificial intelligence.
1.3 Basic Robotic System
A simple system can be represented as: Sensors → Controller → Actuators → Mechanical System.
Sensors collect information, the controller processes it and decides what to do, and actuators execute
the command.
Activity 1 – Identification
1. A device that detects distance between a robot and an object: __________
2. The component that processes information and makes decisions: __________
3. A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion: __________
4. The field involving robot design, programming, and control: __________
5. A programmable machine that performs physical tasks: __________
Activity 2 – Short Answer
1. In your own words, define a robot.
2. Give three fields that contribute to robotics.
3. Give two real-world applications of robotics.
4. Explain why sensors are important to autonomous robots.
