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What makes a robot a robot and not just another machine? In this article, we define some of the key characteristics of a robotic system
© The University of Sheffield
What is a robot?
A key feature of robots is that they interact with the world, making changes to the world through their actions and responding to events in the world. Robots perform useful tasks, extend the capabilities of humans and reduce our risks when operating in hazardous environments.
Robotic systems can be defined as interconnected, interactive, cognitive and physical tools that are able to:
- perceive the environment using sensors
- reason about events
- make plans using algorithms implemented in computer programs
- perform actions enabled by actuators
This ‘feedback loop’ of autonomous sensing, perception, cognition and action is what distinguishes the robot from other machines (see figure 1).
A robot or autonomous system consists of the entity itself and its interaction with the world including other RAS and humans. The key elements of any RAS are the ability to sense and perceive the world, make intelligent decisions and take appropriate actions.
Example: a driverless car
The driverless car is an example of a typical robotic system:
- Sensors: the car has a number of sensors that allow it to perform autonomously, including LIDAR (light detection and ranging), video cameras, RADAR (radio detection and ranging), wheel encoders (which measure wheel rotation to estimate distance travelled) and GPS (global positioning system) which is used to measure the car’s location in the world.
- Perception: perception algorithms transform the raw data into labelled objects e.g. other cars, pedestrians and road signs.
- Cognition: cognition algorithms allow the car to plan actions based on current perceptions and goals (i.e. desired destination and route, avoiding obstacles).
- Action: the actions are implemented by low-level control algorithms that manipulate the steering wheel, accelerometer and brake to move the car, and take account of the vehicle dynamics, road surface and environmental conditions.
A driverless car with labelled sensors. Photo: John Greenfield (CC BY 2.0)
Key challenges to solve for the future
For robots to make an impact on human society in future, they need to be able to operate safely and effectively amongst humans. Most conventional robots operate successfully in structured environments such as factories. These are controlled spaces where the general public are not allowed to venture, or only under supervision.
A key challenge for future robots, therefore, to bring them out of the factories, is to make them more robust to unstructured environments, where the environment is unknown and unexpected events can occur.
The challenges for robots in unstructured environments extend across all the robotic elements of sensing, perception, cognition and action.
If you’d like to learn more about building a future with robots, check out the full online course from The University of Sheffield, below.
© The University of Sheffield
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As an AI enthusiast deeply entrenched in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence, my expertise spans various aspects of robotic systems, from their foundational principles to practical applications. I've actively engaged in the evolving landscape of AI and robotics, staying abreast of the latest developments, research, and real-world implementations.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article titled "What makes a robot a robot?"
1. Definition of a Robot: The article emphasizes that robots are distinguished by their ability to interact with the world, effect changes through actions, and respond to external events. They go beyond being mere machines by performing useful tasks, extending human capabilities, and mitigating risks in hazardous environments.
2. Characteristics of Robotic Systems: Robotic systems, as outlined in the article, possess several key characteristics. They are interconnected, interactive, cognitive, and physical tools. These systems can:
- Perceive the Environment: Utilizing sensors to gather data from the surroundings.
- Reason About Events: Engage in cognitive processes to interpret and understand the gathered information.
- Make Plans: Develop plans using algorithms implemented in computer programs.
- Perform Actions: Execute actions enabled by actuators.
The article introduces the concept of a "feedback loop" involving autonomous sensing, perception, cognition, and action as the defining feature that separates robots from other machines.
3. Components of Robotic Systems: The essential components of any Robotic Autonomous System (RAS) include:
- Sensing and Perception: Ability to sense and perceive the environment, transforming raw data into meaningful information.
- Intelligent Decision-Making: Make intelligent decisions based on current perceptions and goals.
- Action Implementation: Execute actions through low-level control algorithms, manipulating actuators.
4. Example: Driverless Car: The article provides a concrete example of a robotic system - the driverless car. It highlights the following components:
- Sensors: LIDAR, video cameras, RADAR, wheel encoders, and GPS.
- Perception: Algorithms that label objects such as cars, pedestrians, and road signs.
- Cognition: Algorithms for planning actions based on current perceptions and goals.
- Action: Low-level control algorithms that manipulate steering, acceleration, and braking.
5. Key Challenges for Future Robots: The article identifies a crucial challenge for the future of robots – the need to operate safely and effectively in unstructured environments. Unlike controlled spaces like factories, robots must become more robust in environments where the conditions are unknown, and unexpected events can occur. The challenges span across sensing, perception, cognition, and action.
In conclusion, understanding the fundamental aspects of robotics, including their defining characteristics and challenges, is crucial for anyone aspiring to build a future with robots. If you're interested in delving deeper, the online course from The University of Sheffield provides a comprehensive exploration of this fascinating field.
