Automated Systems

Lesson 4: Stationary v Mobile Robots

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

1. Identify what the initials AGV stand for.

2. Identify 2 guidance systems for AGVs.

3. Suggest a suitable guidance system for an AGV working in a dirty environment.

4. Suggest a suitable guidance system for an AGV working in a clean environment.

5. Explain the term ROM software.

6. Give 2 advantages of using ROM softare.

7. Give 2 disadvantages of using ROM software.

8. Explain why real time processing is essential for AGVs.

9. Explain what it means to be an intelligent robot.

10. Explain the impact automation has had on the design of the workplace.

Lesson 4: Automated Systems

Lesson 3: Automated Systems

Stationary v Mobile Robots

A stationary robot is fixed in one location in a workplace.

A mobile robot is a robot that can move around a workplace.

Mobile robots are some times called AGVs: Autonomous

Guided Vehicles.

AGVs are often used in workplaces to fetch and carry parts

from a warehouse to where they are needed

Mobile Robot Guidance Systems

Lesson 4: Automated Systems

AGVs need to be have a guidance system to tell them how to get from A to B.

There are 2 types of guidance systems:

1. light guidance systems

2. magnetic guidance systems.

OR

Which is best?

Which system is used depends on the:

• how messy the workplace is and

• how often the system might need to be changed.

OR

Interface

Lesson 3: Automated Systems

An interface is needed between a sensor and the controlling computer.

The interface is required because sensors are analogue yet the controlling computer understands digital data only. The interface converts the signals.

Analogue signals vary in strength:

eg temperature goes gradually up and downpressure gradually builds and fades.

Digital signals are either 0 or 1:

00001110001100110

Sensor

Interface

data

feedback

Contr

ol p

rogra

m

inst

ruct

ion

AD and DA Converters

An AD converter is the interface that translates analogue data into digital data.

AD Converter

A DA converter is the interface that translates digital data into analogue data.

DA Converter

01100100digital

100oCanalogue

Lesson 3: Automated Systems

OFFanalogue

0digital

Questions

Answer the following questions in your jotter.

1) Name the part of the automated system that control the action.

2) Why is a sensor needed?

3) List 3 types of sensors and explain what each could be used for.

4) Explain the term feedback.

5) Why is feedback necessary?

6) What happens as a result of feedback?

7) Explain why a interface is required.

8) Draw a diagram of where an interface will be positioned in system.

9) What is an AD converter?

10)What does a DA converter do and why?

Lesson 3: Automated Systems

Fun Things To Do

Robots with a sense of touchhttp://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/08/0817_050817_robotskin.html

Beetles & Sensorshttp://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/03/0314_030314_secretweapons3.html

Robot Carshttp://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/10/1006_051006_robot_car_2.html

Smart Carshttp://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/05/0521_040521_smartcars.html

Try programming the Picobot using it’s sensor.

Try programming Lego Robot cars.