This block has 8 weeks of study covering the following topics:
Robotics study week 1 – Introduction
Robotics study week 2 – Things that think
Robotics study week 3 – Human–robot interaction
Robotics study week 4 – Robots in daily life
Robotics study week 5 – Optimisation
Robotics study week 6 – The Internet of Robotic Things
Robotics study week 7 – Robots, AI and ethics
Robotics study week 8 – Futures
Beyond the most basic of robotic system, a robot needs some form of intelligence to be able to perform tasks effectively. In recent years many leading manufacturers have developed highly sophisticated AI systems that, by using large data sets, are able to predict, say, the likelihood of cancers.
The processing of such large datasets require a programming language that has effective data processing libraries. Python is among the most popular programming languages for AI development due to its rich set of mathematical libraries and an easy learning curve.
We shall be learning some Python with our RoboLab Robot simulation tool. More Python coding can be studies on our TM112 module.
The terms "robots" and "robotics" are related concepts, but they refer to different aspects of the field of automation and technology.
Robotics:
Definition: Robotics is a branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots. It encompasses the study of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and other disciplines to create machines that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously.
Scope: Robotics involves the development of hardware (physical robots), software (programming and control systems), and the integration of sensors and actuators to enable robots to sense their environment and carry out tasks.
Robots:
Definition: A robot is a programmable machine designed to carry out tasks autonomously or under human control. It can be a physical device, like an industrial robot on a factory floor, or a software entity, such as a chatbot or a virtual assistant.
Types: There are various types of robots, including industrial robots used in manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, drones, medical robots, and more. Robots can be designed for specific functions or general-purpose tasks.
In summary, robotics is the broader field that encompasses the study and development of robots. It includes the design, construction, programming, and operation of robots. Robots, on the other hand, are the physical or virtual entities that are created through the application of robotics principles and technologies to perform specific tasks or functions,
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. The goal of AI is to create systems that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. AI involves the development of algorithms and models that enable machines to process information, learn from experience, and adapt to changing inputs.
Key components and concepts within the field of artificial intelligence include:
Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI, machine learning involves the development of algorithms that allow machines to learn patterns and make decisions based on data. It enables systems to improve their performance over time without being explicitly programmed.
Neural Networks: Inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, neural networks are a fundamental component of many machine learning algorithms. Deep learning, a subset of machine learning, often involves deep neural networks with multiple layers.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP focuses on the interaction between computers and human language. It enables machines to understand, interpret, and generate human-like text or speech.
Computer Vision: This field involves enabling machines to interpret and make decisions based on visual data. Computer vision systems can analyze images or videos, enabling applications such as facial recognition, object detection, and autonomous vehicles.
Expert Systems: Expert systems are AI programs that mimic the decision-making ability of a human expert in a specific domain. They use a knowledge base and inference engine to make decisions or provide recommendations.
Robotics: AI plays a crucial role in robotics, enabling robots to perceive their environment, make decisions, and perform tasks autonomously.
Artificial intelligence is applied in various domains, including healthcare, finance, transportation, entertainment, and more. It continues to advance rapidly, leading to the development of increasingly sophisticated systems and applications. AI has the potential to bring about significant improvements in efficiency, automation, and problem-solving across a wide range of industries.