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Components of a Mechatronic System
Components of a Mechatronic System
Every robot or mechatronic system, no matter how complex, has four main components:
Controller
The "brain" of the robot (like a computer's CPU)
Sensors
Components that gather information about the environment
Actuators
Parts that allow the robot to move or manipulate objects
Mechanical Components
The physical structure that holds everything together
Example - Robotic Vaccum Cleaner
Example - Robotic Vaccum Cleaner
Purpose:
Purpose:
A robotic vacuum cleaner autonomously cleans floors in homes or offices, saving time and effort for users. It navigates around obstacles, detects dirt, and returns to its charging station when needed.
Component Analysis:
Component Analysis:
You can think of the way that sensors, controllers and actutaors work in the same way we think about programming in general. E.g. Turning inputs into outputs:
Input (Sensors) --> Process (Controller) --> Output (Actuators)
SENSORS
SENSORS
Bump sensors: Detect collisions with obstacles
Cliff sensors: Prevent the robot from falling down stairs
Camera: Provides visual data for navigation and obstacle recognition
LIDAR: Creates a detailed map of the room layout
Battery level sensor: Monitor power status
CONTROLLER
CONTROLLER
Analyzes LIDAR data to map the room and plan cleaning path
Adjusts motor direction when bump sensors detect obstacles
Monitors battery level and initiates recharging when necessary
Stops drive motors when cliff sensors detect a drop-off
ACTUATORS
ACTUATORS
Drive motors: Control the wheels for movement
Brush motor: Operates the main cleaning brush
Suction motor: Powers the vacuum
Speaker: Provides audible status updates to users
Lights: Provides illumination in dark spaces
MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
Chassis: Provides structure and houses components
Wheels: Allow movement and turning
Brushes: Agitate dirt and debris for collection
Dust bin: Collects and stores dirt
Battery: Powers the entire system
Activity - Research Mechatronic System
Activity - Research Mechatronic System
📖 In your workbook, you'll analyse one of the systems on the right to explore how the key parts of a mechatronic system work together:
1. System Purpose and Benefits
1. System Purpose and Benefits
Describe the main purpose of the mechatronic system. Explain how it functions and discuss the benefits it provides to users or society. (2-3 sentences)
2. Component Identification
2. Component Identification
Identify and list the key components of the system, categorizing them as follows:
a) Sensors: List 2-3 main sensors used in the system. Briefly explain what each sensor detects or measures.
b) Actuators: Identify 2-3 primary actuators. Describe what action each actuator performs in the system.
c) Mechanical Components: List the major mechanical parts that make up the physical structure of the system.
d) Processing: Explain how the system works as an integrated whole. Describe how sensor data might be processed by the system's controller and how this could lead to specific actuator responses.
Choose one of the following:
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
Automatic Car Wash
Elevator
Self-Driving Car
Air Conditioning System
Robot Lawnmower
Digital Camera with Autofocus
Smart Thermostat
Electric Toothbrush
Vending Machine
Quadcopter Drone
3D Printer
Robotic Prosthetic Limb
Automated Warehouse Robot
Modern Dishwasher
Traffic Light System
Robotic Lawn Mower
Automated Parking System
Smartwatch
Industrial Robot Arm
Activity Notes:
Activity Notes:
You may work individually or in pairs.
If you can't find specific technical details, make educated guesses based on the system's known functions.
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