1 Characteristics

                                                Robot or Not

There are six characteristics of robots that can be used to discuss whether a specific example appears to be a robot.  Because is it hard for experts to agree on one definition of robot, it is easier to identify a robot by looking for these six characteristics.  If it meets all 6 characteristics we can say that it is a robot.  If it meets most of the characteristics we can say it is similar to a robot, or not quite a robot. 

6 Characteristics of Robots

Body - Robots have physical parts. They have a structure that holds it together and mechanical parts that allow it to move.  Without a body a robot would just be software (program).

Brain - Robots have a control unit on-board that receives information from sensors and sends out commands to actuators.  This part of the robot uses the program to know what to do.  Without an on-board control unit (brain) it would just be a remote controlled machine.

Sensors - Robots have sensors that can gather information about the environment and sent that information to the control unit (brain).  Typically sensors have circuits either produces voltage or varies voltage depending on its environment.  Digital sensors will return an 'on' (5 volts) or 'off' (0 volts) signal to the brain.  For example a touch sensor will be off unless something pushes the button.  Analog sensors return information with regards to intensity (low, medium, high) and this information is converted into a value on a scale (ex. 0 - 100).  Light sensors, temperature sensors, and speed sensors all return analog information.

Actuators - Robots have the ability to move.  The parts of the robot the creates the motion is called the actuators (also known as Prime Movers).  Examples of actuators are motors, servos, solenoids, pumps and compressors.  The control unit tells these parts when and how to move, typically by controlling how much electricity is sent to it. 

Program - Robots follow the instructions provided to it in a program.  The program tells the brain when to turn on motors, lights, or make sound.  The program also tells the brain with to do with the sensor information it is receiving.  The program will tell the robot how to use sensor data to make decisions.  For example, the program might instruct the robot to drive forward until the touch sensor is pressed and then stop.

Behavior - Robots will exhibit behavior that is directed by its program.  Because robots are mechanical, their behavior will include movement.  By watching how the robot moves the observer can begin guessing what its program is.