Robot Logic Systems
Communicating with the
Hardware
Programming Functions
Storage
Onboard Computer
Our technology is not nearly advanced enough to enable robots to think
for themselves and make decisions solely on preprogrammed logic, so
most robots technically don't "think" at all. No matter how the
robot will be controlled (by a human remotely, or autonomous) some
programming will be involved. Without programming there would be
no way for humans to communicate with the hardware, and therefore robots
would be useless.
Communicating with the Hardware
Many different programming languages can be used to
create the interface between the hardware and the software. The
most basic would be a series of many switches and relays that open and close
different circuits. When a certain combination of these circuits
are opened, the robot would perform certain functions. Other low
level programming languages that could be used are FORTRAN, BASIC,
PBASIC, and assembly code. Going a step up, high level languages
such as C, C++ and Java could be adapted for use in a robot.
Programming Functions
Besides just communicating with the hardware, programming robots
consists of writing a lot of code to deal with the main robot
activities, such as going forward and backward, turning, and moving arms
or other extremities that the robot might have. Once all those are
programmed sensors can be added. (see the Optical
Systems section for more information on sensors) With most robots
that are controlled by humans, loops are employed to enable the
interaction with the robot. The loop is constantly running, and
whenever data is inputted, the robot decides where to send it and what
to do with it, based on preprogrammed conditions using If-Then
statements.
Storage
Most robots programmed to execute redundant tasks will
have very limited memory, since they do not have to think, and simply
follow preprogrammed code over and over. These kinds of robots
often have permanent ROM, which cannot be changed once written.
More versatile robots have "programmable" ROM, that can be overwritten
many times. Usually the robot main circuit board is connected to a
computer, and the compiled program is transferred over a cable to the
onboard memory. Onboard Computer
On most lower end robots the processor, main board,
memory controller, ROM, and I/O ports are on a self contained unit,
about half an inch high. Concerning Input and Output, there is either
digital or analog. Analog is used mostly for controlling the speed
and direction of the robot. The analog outputs are connected to a
wireless receiver, which connects to a set of two joysticks.
Source: www.innovationfirst.com
The Mini ERD Robot Controller
Source: www.innovationfirst.com
The main 2004 ERD Robot Contoller
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