Robotics
How robotics can help in preventing and mitigating effects of natural disasters
Start
Introduction
Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, snowstorm, epidemics often create dangerous conditions that are risky for human responders. Robotics technology is transforming disaster response, making search, rescue, and recovery operations faster, safer, and more effective.
Topics
Sensors
What is a robot?
Natural disasters
What is robotics?
Activities
Applications
What is a robot?
A robot is a machine — especially one programmable by a computer — capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within. Robots may be constructed to evoke human form, but most robots are task-performing machines, designed with an emphasis on stark functionality, rather than expressive aesthetics.
The term "robot" was first introduced in 1920 by Karel Čapek, a Czech writer. The Czech word "robota," which means forced labor or drudgery.
source: Wikipedia
What is a robot?
Robots are often imagined as human-like machines, but in reality, they come in many different forms. Robots do not have to look like humans to perform their tasks effectively. In fact, many robots are designed to resemble animals, insects, dogs, snakes, fish or even abstract mechanical structures based on the specific environments they operate in and the tasks they need to perform.
Info
What is a robot?
What is robotics?
Robotics is the interdisciplinary study and practice of the design, construction, operation, and use of robots.
Disciplines in robotics
Mechanical Engineering Design and construction of robot bodies and movement systems
Electrical Engineering Power systems, circuitry, and sensor integration
Computer Science Programming, algorithms, and artificial intelligence for control and decision-making
Control Systems Engineering Regulation of robot motion and behavior
Mathematics Modeling, optimization, and problem-solving
Physics Understanding forces, motion, and energy
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Designing user-friendly interfaces for robot interaction
Cognitive Science Implementing perception, learning, and decision-making
Applications of robotics
1. Info
1. Manufacturing: Automated assembly lines, welding, and material handling.
2. Info
2. Healthcare: Surgical robots, rehabilitation devices, and patient care assistants
3. Info
3. Agriculture: Precision farming, planting, and harvesting automation
4. Info
4. Logistics and Warehousing: Automated storage, sorting, and delivery systems
5. Info
5. Defense and Security: Drones, bomb disposal robots, and surveillance
6. Info
6. Space Exploration: Mars rovers, satellite servicing, and space station maintenance
7. Info
7. Service Industry: Cleaning robots, hotel service robots, and customer assistance
8. Info
8. Education and Research: Interactive learning tools and experimental platforms
9. Info
9. Entertainment: Animatronics, robotic pets, and interactive gaming
10. Info
10. Disaster Response: Search-and-rescue operations and hazardous material handling
Why we use robots?
Robots are used for the following tasks that are:
- dirty
- repetitive or long-duration
- dangerous or in hazardous environment
- impossible
- precise
- serving physically challenge people
Sensors and equipment - part 1
Gyroscopes
Proximity sensors
Touch sensors
Temperature sensors
Vision sensors Cameras
GPS sensors
Magnetic sensors Compass
Distance sensors
Accelerometers
Sensors and equipment - part 2
10
13
Force and torque sensors
16
Light sensors
Humidity sensors
11
14
Electrical sensors
17
Vibration sensors
Gassensors
12
15
Sound sensors Microphones
Position sensors Encoders
Sensors and equipment - part 3
20
18
Frame and chassis
23
Actuators
End effectors
19
21
Machine learning and AI modules
Communication modules
Power supply units
24
22
19
25
Cooling systems
Controllers
Drive systems
Sensors and equipment - part 4
28
30
26
Safety and emergency syst.
Data storage devices
Joints
29
31
27
Springs and dampers
Protective components
Audio systems
There are more other equipment that are designed and used for particular tasks.
So how robots can help humans in natural disaster response and recovery?
Robotic Solutions for Natural Disasters
Wilfires
Earthquakes
Floods
Extreme weather
Epidemics
Earthquakes
Robots in Earthquake Response: Rescue and Recovery Operations
Earthquakes
While it is impossible to prevent earthquakes, the robots can be very useful in mitigating the consequences of such disaster.
The most common types of robots used here are:
- search and rescue robots
- aerial drones
- ground robots
- underwater robots
Earthquakes - search and rescue robots
Navigate through rubble to locate survivors.Equipped with (thermal) cameras, (smell/audio) sensors, and communication tools.Examples: Snake robots, tracked robots, drones.
RoboCup Rescue
RoboCup Rescue is a robotics competition focused on developing autonomous robots for search-and-rescue in disaster scenarios.
Official webpage
Earthquakes - aerial drones
Provide aerial views for situational awareness. Use thermocameras or audio sensors (microphone arrays) to locate survivors. Map debris fields and assess structural damage. Restore communication (temporary communication relays).
Earthquakes - ground robots
Deliver supplies (food, water, medicine) to trapped victims. Inspect unstable buildings safely.
Earthquakes - underwater robots
Explore flooded areas caused by tsunamis or broken water systems.
Wildfires
Robots and Wildfires: Firefighting and Disaster Response
Wildfies
Robots are used to detect, monitor, and fight wildfires while reducing risks for human firefighters. We can distinguish reconnaissance robots, delivery and evacuation robots, and firefighting robots.
The most common types of robots used here are:
- aerial drones including swarm robots
- ground robots including amphibious firefighting robots
Wildfires - aerial drones
Monitor wildfire spread in real-time and supporting predictibility of fire movements. Send warning signals and assess damage from above.Look for flare ups, underground fires.Equipped with infrared sensors for visibility through smoke. Help in mission planning, resource planning, evacuation plans.
Wildfires - ground robots
Navigate through burning areas to clear debris, create firebreaks or carry equipment. Spray water or fire retardant to control flames. Amphibious robots can be used to pump water from lakes or rivers directly onto fire zones.
Floods
Robots for Flood Prevention and Rescue
Floods
Robots are used for monitoring, search-and-rescue, damage assessment, and recovery during flood disasters.
The most common types of robots used here are:
- aerial drones
- underwater and amphibious robots
Floods - aerial drones
Monitor rising water levels and identify at-risk areas. Guide rescue operations during floods. Provide vital information to coordinate evacuation efforts. Deliver supplies (food, medicine) to isolated communities.
A very comprehensive info about usage of drones in natural disasters
Floods - underwater and amphibious robots
Navigate submerged regions to search for survivors and inspect infrastructure.Assess damage to bridges, dams, and pipelines. Operate on land and water to perform rescues and deliver aid.Designed to travel through flooded urban and rural areas.
Floods - ground robots
Used for debris clearing and safe navigation in flood-affected zones. Used for building protective walls.Equipped with sensors for detecting survivors.
Extreme weather conditions
Robots in Extreme Weather: Mitigation, Response, Recovery
Extreme weather
In the recent years we have seen more and more natural disasters causes by extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, droughts, heat waves etc.
Depending on the type of the weather condition we can use similar robots as in the previous sections, i.e. aerial drones, water robots, and ground robots.
Extreme weather - aerial drones
The aerial drones are mostly used in search and rescue missions as they can quickly cover larger areas where the ground rescue team has difficulties to reach. Drones can map the area, like temperature, water levels, snow coverage etc. they can also help deliver supplies and medicine to stranded people.
See also previously mentioned applications of drones
Earthquakes
Floods
Extreme weather - water robots
Robots looking for leakages in pipes can prevent droughts.
Water cleaning robots can prevent spreading diseases after cyclones.
See also previously mentioned applications in floods, like search and rescue
Floods
Extreme weather - ground robots 1
In droughts, ground robots can help in forestification work.
In snowstorms ground robots can for example clear snow, inspect power lines, deliver emergency supplies.
Extreme weather - ground robots 2
In hurricanes ground robots can help with clearing debris, structural assessment, recovery operations, hazardous detection (chemical spills, gas leaks).
Earthquakes
See also previousle metnioned applications in
Epidemics
Robots in Epidemics: Transforming Healthcare and Crisis Response
Epidemics
During epidemics, robots can help for example in minimizing human exposure to infectious diseases, speeding up medical processes like disinfection, testing, delivery processes.
The areas the robots used here are:
- Disinfection and sanitization
- Telemedicine and Patient Monitoring
- Delivery of Medical Supplies
- Screening and Temperature Monitoring
- Quarantine and Containment Support
- Laboratory Automation
Epidemics - disinfection; telemedicine
Disinfection - Robots equipped with UV-C light or chemical sprayers disinfect hospitals, public spaces, and transportation hubs.
Telemedicine and Patient Monitoring -Telepresence robots allow doctors to remotely monitor and consult with patients.Minimizes direct contact and reduces infection risk for healthcare workers.
Epidemics - delivery; temp. screening
Delivery of medical supplies - Drones and ground robots deliver medications, vaccines, and samples to reduce human-to-human contact.
Screening and Temperature Monitoring -Robots equipped with thermal sensors scan temperatures in airports, hospitals, and public spaces.AI-powered robots can also perform symptom checks and log health data.
Epidemics - quarantine; lab. automation
Quarantine and Containment Support -Robots help by delivering food and supplies to isolated individuals.In some cases, robots can be used to patrol public areas to remind people of safety guidelines.
Laboratory Automation -Robots streamline testing and sample processing to increase testing speed and accuracy.Automated systems can handle repetitive tasks like PCR testing with minimal error.
Activities Show what you know!
Activity 2
Activity 1
This activity will immerse us in an interactive activity designed to put into practice the concepts about drones learned during the course.
This activity will immerse us in an interactive activity designed to put into practice the concepts about robots learned during the course.
1/4
2/4
3/4
4/4
Activitet 2
Solution
Which are the main sensors that can be used in drones while
Fighting wildfires?
Looking for survivors?
Thermal cam.
Camera
Thermal cam.
Camera
CO2 sensor
GPS
CO2 sensor
GPS
Microphone array
Gas sensor
Microphone array
Gas sensor
Humidity sens.
LIDAR
Humidity sens.
LIDAR
Practical session
In the next module, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the course in a hands-on robotics session. This practical experience is designed to solidify your understanding of key concepts, such as robot design, programming, and real-world application. You will engage in interactive activities that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to troubleshoot, optimize, and enhance robotic systems. This session aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, ensuring you are well-prepared to tackle challenges in the field of robotics confidently and effectively.
Course completed!
Defense and security
Defense and security robots are autonomous or remotely controlled machines designed for military and security applications, including surveillance, bomb disposal, border patrol, and combat support. They enhance safety by handling dangerous tasks, improving situational awareness, and reducing risks to human personnel.
Measure the distance to objects in the environment.Types: LIDAR - Light Detection and Ranging, ToF - Time-of-Fligh, Infrared, UltrasonicApplications: Collision avoidance, mapping, robotic navigation.
Measure the rotation and orientation of the robot.Applications: Balancing robots, drones, navigation systems.
Shield sensitive parts from external damage or environmental hazards.Types: Shock absorbers, Dust covers, Waterproof casings.Applications: Outdoor robots, underwater drones, industrial applications.
29
Ensure safe operation and emergency shutdown when necessary.Types: Emergency stop buttons, Safety light curtains, Collision detection systems.Applications: Factory automation, collaborative robots, autonomous vehicles.
30
Measure changes in speed (acceleration) and orientation.Applications: Stability control, navigation, gesture recognition.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing robots are automated machines used in production to perform tasks like assembly, welding, and packaging, improving efficiency, precision, and safety in manufacturing processes
Detect the presence of gases or changes in air quality.Applications: Hazard detection, environmental monitoring, safety checks.
11
Mimic the sense of touch to detect pressure, texture, and vibrations.Applications: Robotic hands, manipulation tasks, surface inspection.
Enable communication and interaction with humans.Types: Speakers, Microphones, Voice recognition modules.Applications: Service robots, interactive kiosks, telepresence robots, rescue drones.
31
Monitor electrical currents and voltages in robotic systems.Applications: Battery monitoring, power management, fault detection.
14
Serve as the brain of the robot, processing input from sensors and executing commands.Types: Microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), Embedded Systems.Applications: Motion control, decision-making, sensor integration.
19
Detect light intensity and changes.Types: Photodiodes, Phototransistors, LDRs (Light Dependent Resistors).Applications: Line-following robots, solar tracking, ambient light detection.
10
Space explorations
Entertainment
Robots are widely used in entertainment for interactive experiences: animatronics in theme parks, robotic pets and realistic characters in movies and games.
source: https://www.ul.com/news/safety-testing-healthcare-robotics
Detect the presence of objects nearby without physical contact.Types: Infrared (IR), Ultrasonic, Capacitive, Inductive.Applications: Obstacle avoidance, object detection, collision prevention.
Enable data exchange between robots, controllers, and external systems.Types: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Ethernet, 5G modules.Applications: Remote control, fleet coordination, data transmission.
21
Provide location tracking for outdoor navigation.Applications: Autonomous vehicles, delivery robots, agricultural robots.
Detect magnetic fields to determine direction.Applications: Autonomous navigation, drone stabilization, mapping.
Logistics
Provide the necessary energy for the robot's operation.Types: Batteries (Li-ion, NiMH), Supercapacitors, Fuel cells.Applications: Mobile robots, drones, autonomous vehicles.
19
Detect vibrations or movements in mechanical parts.Applications: Fault detection, structural health monitoring, predictive maintenance.
17
Sevice industry
Agriculture
Capture sound waves for processing.Applications: Voice commands, sound localization, noise monitoring.
12
Prevent overheating of sensitive electronic components.Types: Fans, Liquid cooling, Heat sinks.Applications: High-performance robotic arms, industrial robots, data processing units.
25
Capture visual information for analysis and decision-making.Types: RGB cameras, Stereo visionApplications: Object recognition, navigation, quality inspection, surveillance.
Search and rescue robots
Navigate through rubble to locate survivors.Equipped with cameras, sensors, and communication tools. Examples: Snake robots, tracked robots.
Measure the amount of force and torque applied during robotic tasks.Applications: Assembly operations, robotic surgery, gripping delicate objects.
16
Connects two or more parts of a robot's body or manipulator arm and provides a specific type of motion.Types: Revolute, prismatic, spherical, cylindrical.Applications: Industrial robot arms, CNC machines and 3D printers, drones, and more
18
Store data collected from sensors and processed by controllers.Types: SD Cards, Solid-State Drives (SSD), Cloud Storage.Applications: Path history, sensor data logs, program storage.
28
Close
Camera
Thermal cam.
Camera
Thermal cam.
CO2 sensor
Gas sensor
Microphone
Humidity sens.
Disaster response
See more here
Tools or devices attached to the end of a robotic arm to interact with the environment.Types: Grippers (mechanical, suction, magnetic), Welding torches, Painting nozzles, Surgical tools.Applications: Picking and placing objects, welding, painting, medical procedures.
20
Education and research
Educational and research robots are used to teach programming, engineering, and robotics concepts, as well as to explore new technologies. They help students learn through hands-on experience and support scientific research in areas like artificial intelligence and automation.
Advanced software components for decision-making and pattern recognition.Types: Neural networks, Image recognition software, Pathfinding algorithms.Applications: Autonomous driving, object detection, speech recognition.
24
Measure the position, speed, and direction of a motor shaft or robotic limb.Types: Incremental, Absolute.Applications: Motor control, robotic arms, CNC machines.
15
Provide structural support and housing for robotic components.Materials: Aluminum, Steel, Carbon Fiber, Plastic.Applications: Industrial robots, drones, robotic arms.
23
Measure moisture in the air.Applications: Agricultural robots, climate control, environmental monitoring.
13
source: https://www.ul.com/news/safety-testing-healthcare-robotics
Absorb shocks and control movement precision.Applications: Legged robots, robotic arms, industrial manipulators.
27
Measure temperature changes in the environment or robotic components. Types: e.g. FLIR - Forward Looking Infrared Applications: Industrial automation, fire detection, equipment monitoring.
Devices that convert energy (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic) into mechanical motion.Types: Electric motors, Hydraulic cylinders, Pneumatic actuators, Linear actuators.Applications: Moving robotic arms, opening grippers, driving wheels.
18
Mechanisms that allow robots to move and navigate.Types: Wheels, Tracks, Legs, Propellers (for drones).Applications: Autonomous vehicles, mobile robots, robotic vacuums.
22
Healthcare
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Transcript
Robotics
How robotics can help in preventing and mitigating effects of natural disasters
Start
Introduction
Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, snowstorm, epidemics often create dangerous conditions that are risky for human responders. Robotics technology is transforming disaster response, making search, rescue, and recovery operations faster, safer, and more effective.
Topics
Sensors
What is a robot?
Natural disasters
What is robotics?
Activities
Applications
What is a robot?
A robot is a machine — especially one programmable by a computer — capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within. Robots may be constructed to evoke human form, but most robots are task-performing machines, designed with an emphasis on stark functionality, rather than expressive aesthetics.
The term "robot" was first introduced in 1920 by Karel Čapek, a Czech writer. The Czech word "robota," which means forced labor or drudgery.
source: Wikipedia
What is a robot?
Robots are often imagined as human-like machines, but in reality, they come in many different forms. Robots do not have to look like humans to perform their tasks effectively. In fact, many robots are designed to resemble animals, insects, dogs, snakes, fish or even abstract mechanical structures based on the specific environments they operate in and the tasks they need to perform.
Info
What is a robot?
What is robotics?
Robotics is the interdisciplinary study and practice of the design, construction, operation, and use of robots.
Disciplines in robotics
Mechanical Engineering Design and construction of robot bodies and movement systems
Electrical Engineering Power systems, circuitry, and sensor integration
Computer Science Programming, algorithms, and artificial intelligence for control and decision-making
Control Systems Engineering Regulation of robot motion and behavior
Mathematics Modeling, optimization, and problem-solving
Physics Understanding forces, motion, and energy
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Designing user-friendly interfaces for robot interaction
Cognitive Science Implementing perception, learning, and decision-making
Applications of robotics
1. Info
1. Manufacturing: Automated assembly lines, welding, and material handling.
2. Info
2. Healthcare: Surgical robots, rehabilitation devices, and patient care assistants
3. Info
3. Agriculture: Precision farming, planting, and harvesting automation
4. Info
4. Logistics and Warehousing: Automated storage, sorting, and delivery systems
5. Info
5. Defense and Security: Drones, bomb disposal robots, and surveillance
6. Info
6. Space Exploration: Mars rovers, satellite servicing, and space station maintenance
7. Info
7. Service Industry: Cleaning robots, hotel service robots, and customer assistance
8. Info
8. Education and Research: Interactive learning tools and experimental platforms
9. Info
9. Entertainment: Animatronics, robotic pets, and interactive gaming
10. Info
10. Disaster Response: Search-and-rescue operations and hazardous material handling
Why we use robots?
Robots are used for the following tasks that are:
Sensors and equipment - part 1
Gyroscopes
Proximity sensors
Touch sensors
Temperature sensors
Vision sensors Cameras
GPS sensors
Magnetic sensors Compass
Distance sensors
Accelerometers
Sensors and equipment - part 2
10
13
Force and torque sensors
16
Light sensors
Humidity sensors
11
14
Electrical sensors
17
Vibration sensors
Gassensors
12
15
Sound sensors Microphones
Position sensors Encoders
Sensors and equipment - part 3
20
18
Frame and chassis
23
Actuators
End effectors
19
21
Machine learning and AI modules
Communication modules
Power supply units
24
22
19
25
Cooling systems
Controllers
Drive systems
Sensors and equipment - part 4
28
30
26
Safety and emergency syst.
Data storage devices
Joints
29
31
27
Springs and dampers
Protective components
Audio systems
There are more other equipment that are designed and used for particular tasks.
So how robots can help humans in natural disaster response and recovery?
Robotic Solutions for Natural Disasters
Wilfires
Earthquakes
Floods
Extreme weather
Epidemics
Earthquakes
Robots in Earthquake Response: Rescue and Recovery Operations
Earthquakes
While it is impossible to prevent earthquakes, the robots can be very useful in mitigating the consequences of such disaster.
The most common types of robots used here are:
Earthquakes - search and rescue robots
Navigate through rubble to locate survivors.Equipped with (thermal) cameras, (smell/audio) sensors, and communication tools.Examples: Snake robots, tracked robots, drones.
RoboCup Rescue
RoboCup Rescue is a robotics competition focused on developing autonomous robots for search-and-rescue in disaster scenarios.
Official webpage
Earthquakes - aerial drones
Provide aerial views for situational awareness. Use thermocameras or audio sensors (microphone arrays) to locate survivors. Map debris fields and assess structural damage. Restore communication (temporary communication relays).
Earthquakes - ground robots
Deliver supplies (food, water, medicine) to trapped victims. Inspect unstable buildings safely.
Earthquakes - underwater robots
Explore flooded areas caused by tsunamis or broken water systems.
Wildfires
Robots and Wildfires: Firefighting and Disaster Response
Wildfies
Robots are used to detect, monitor, and fight wildfires while reducing risks for human firefighters. We can distinguish reconnaissance robots, delivery and evacuation robots, and firefighting robots.
The most common types of robots used here are:
Wildfires - aerial drones
Monitor wildfire spread in real-time and supporting predictibility of fire movements. Send warning signals and assess damage from above.Look for flare ups, underground fires.Equipped with infrared sensors for visibility through smoke. Help in mission planning, resource planning, evacuation plans.
Wildfires - ground robots
Navigate through burning areas to clear debris, create firebreaks or carry equipment. Spray water or fire retardant to control flames. Amphibious robots can be used to pump water from lakes or rivers directly onto fire zones.
Floods
Robots for Flood Prevention and Rescue
Floods
Robots are used for monitoring, search-and-rescue, damage assessment, and recovery during flood disasters.
The most common types of robots used here are:
Floods - aerial drones
Monitor rising water levels and identify at-risk areas. Guide rescue operations during floods. Provide vital information to coordinate evacuation efforts. Deliver supplies (food, medicine) to isolated communities.
A very comprehensive info about usage of drones in natural disasters
Floods - underwater and amphibious robots
Navigate submerged regions to search for survivors and inspect infrastructure.Assess damage to bridges, dams, and pipelines. Operate on land and water to perform rescues and deliver aid.Designed to travel through flooded urban and rural areas.
Floods - ground robots
Used for debris clearing and safe navigation in flood-affected zones. Used for building protective walls.Equipped with sensors for detecting survivors.
Extreme weather conditions
Robots in Extreme Weather: Mitigation, Response, Recovery
Extreme weather
In the recent years we have seen more and more natural disasters causes by extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, droughts, heat waves etc.
Depending on the type of the weather condition we can use similar robots as in the previous sections, i.e. aerial drones, water robots, and ground robots.
Extreme weather - aerial drones
The aerial drones are mostly used in search and rescue missions as they can quickly cover larger areas where the ground rescue team has difficulties to reach. Drones can map the area, like temperature, water levels, snow coverage etc. they can also help deliver supplies and medicine to stranded people.
See also previously mentioned applications of drones
Earthquakes
Floods
Extreme weather - water robots
Robots looking for leakages in pipes can prevent droughts.
Water cleaning robots can prevent spreading diseases after cyclones.
See also previously mentioned applications in floods, like search and rescue
Floods
Extreme weather - ground robots 1
In droughts, ground robots can help in forestification work.
In snowstorms ground robots can for example clear snow, inspect power lines, deliver emergency supplies.
Extreme weather - ground robots 2
In hurricanes ground robots can help with clearing debris, structural assessment, recovery operations, hazardous detection (chemical spills, gas leaks).
Earthquakes
See also previousle metnioned applications in
Epidemics
Robots in Epidemics: Transforming Healthcare and Crisis Response
Epidemics
During epidemics, robots can help for example in minimizing human exposure to infectious diseases, speeding up medical processes like disinfection, testing, delivery processes.
The areas the robots used here are:
Epidemics - disinfection; telemedicine
Disinfection - Robots equipped with UV-C light or chemical sprayers disinfect hospitals, public spaces, and transportation hubs.
Telemedicine and Patient Monitoring -Telepresence robots allow doctors to remotely monitor and consult with patients.Minimizes direct contact and reduces infection risk for healthcare workers.
Epidemics - delivery; temp. screening
Delivery of medical supplies - Drones and ground robots deliver medications, vaccines, and samples to reduce human-to-human contact.
Screening and Temperature Monitoring -Robots equipped with thermal sensors scan temperatures in airports, hospitals, and public spaces.AI-powered robots can also perform symptom checks and log health data.
Epidemics - quarantine; lab. automation
Quarantine and Containment Support -Robots help by delivering food and supplies to isolated individuals.In some cases, robots can be used to patrol public areas to remind people of safety guidelines.
Laboratory Automation -Robots streamline testing and sample processing to increase testing speed and accuracy.Automated systems can handle repetitive tasks like PCR testing with minimal error.
Activities Show what you know!
Activity 2
Activity 1
This activity will immerse us in an interactive activity designed to put into practice the concepts about drones learned during the course.
This activity will immerse us in an interactive activity designed to put into practice the concepts about robots learned during the course.
1/4
2/4
3/4
4/4
Activitet 2
Solution
Which are the main sensors that can be used in drones while
Fighting wildfires?
Looking for survivors?
Thermal cam.
Camera
Thermal cam.
Camera
CO2 sensor
GPS
CO2 sensor
GPS
Microphone array
Gas sensor
Microphone array
Gas sensor
Humidity sens.
LIDAR
Humidity sens.
LIDAR
Practical session
In the next module, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the course in a hands-on robotics session. This practical experience is designed to solidify your understanding of key concepts, such as robot design, programming, and real-world application. You will engage in interactive activities that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to troubleshoot, optimize, and enhance robotic systems. This session aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, ensuring you are well-prepared to tackle challenges in the field of robotics confidently and effectively.
Course completed!
Defense and security
Defense and security robots are autonomous or remotely controlled machines designed for military and security applications, including surveillance, bomb disposal, border patrol, and combat support. They enhance safety by handling dangerous tasks, improving situational awareness, and reducing risks to human personnel.
Measure the distance to objects in the environment.Types: LIDAR - Light Detection and Ranging, ToF - Time-of-Fligh, Infrared, UltrasonicApplications: Collision avoidance, mapping, robotic navigation.
Measure the rotation and orientation of the robot.Applications: Balancing robots, drones, navigation systems.
Shield sensitive parts from external damage or environmental hazards.Types: Shock absorbers, Dust covers, Waterproof casings.Applications: Outdoor robots, underwater drones, industrial applications.
29
Ensure safe operation and emergency shutdown when necessary.Types: Emergency stop buttons, Safety light curtains, Collision detection systems.Applications: Factory automation, collaborative robots, autonomous vehicles.
30
Measure changes in speed (acceleration) and orientation.Applications: Stability control, navigation, gesture recognition.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing robots are automated machines used in production to perform tasks like assembly, welding, and packaging, improving efficiency, precision, and safety in manufacturing processes
Detect the presence of gases or changes in air quality.Applications: Hazard detection, environmental monitoring, safety checks.
11
Mimic the sense of touch to detect pressure, texture, and vibrations.Applications: Robotic hands, manipulation tasks, surface inspection.
Enable communication and interaction with humans.Types: Speakers, Microphones, Voice recognition modules.Applications: Service robots, interactive kiosks, telepresence robots, rescue drones.
31
Monitor electrical currents and voltages in robotic systems.Applications: Battery monitoring, power management, fault detection.
14
Serve as the brain of the robot, processing input from sensors and executing commands.Types: Microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), Embedded Systems.Applications: Motion control, decision-making, sensor integration.
19
Detect light intensity and changes.Types: Photodiodes, Phototransistors, LDRs (Light Dependent Resistors).Applications: Line-following robots, solar tracking, ambient light detection.
10
Space explorations
Entertainment
Robots are widely used in entertainment for interactive experiences: animatronics in theme parks, robotic pets and realistic characters in movies and games.
source: https://www.ul.com/news/safety-testing-healthcare-robotics
Detect the presence of objects nearby without physical contact.Types: Infrared (IR), Ultrasonic, Capacitive, Inductive.Applications: Obstacle avoidance, object detection, collision prevention.
Enable data exchange between robots, controllers, and external systems.Types: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Ethernet, 5G modules.Applications: Remote control, fleet coordination, data transmission.
21
Provide location tracking for outdoor navigation.Applications: Autonomous vehicles, delivery robots, agricultural robots.
Detect magnetic fields to determine direction.Applications: Autonomous navigation, drone stabilization, mapping.
Logistics
Provide the necessary energy for the robot's operation.Types: Batteries (Li-ion, NiMH), Supercapacitors, Fuel cells.Applications: Mobile robots, drones, autonomous vehicles.
19
Detect vibrations or movements in mechanical parts.Applications: Fault detection, structural health monitoring, predictive maintenance.
17
Sevice industry
Agriculture
Capture sound waves for processing.Applications: Voice commands, sound localization, noise monitoring.
12
Prevent overheating of sensitive electronic components.Types: Fans, Liquid cooling, Heat sinks.Applications: High-performance robotic arms, industrial robots, data processing units.
25
Capture visual information for analysis and decision-making.Types: RGB cameras, Stereo visionApplications: Object recognition, navigation, quality inspection, surveillance.
Search and rescue robots
Navigate through rubble to locate survivors.Equipped with cameras, sensors, and communication tools. Examples: Snake robots, tracked robots.
Measure the amount of force and torque applied during robotic tasks.Applications: Assembly operations, robotic surgery, gripping delicate objects.
16
Connects two or more parts of a robot's body or manipulator arm and provides a specific type of motion.Types: Revolute, prismatic, spherical, cylindrical.Applications: Industrial robot arms, CNC machines and 3D printers, drones, and more
18
Store data collected from sensors and processed by controllers.Types: SD Cards, Solid-State Drives (SSD), Cloud Storage.Applications: Path history, sensor data logs, program storage.
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Close
Camera
Thermal cam.
Camera
Thermal cam.
CO2 sensor
Gas sensor
Microphone
Humidity sens.
Disaster response
See more here
Tools or devices attached to the end of a robotic arm to interact with the environment.Types: Grippers (mechanical, suction, magnetic), Welding torches, Painting nozzles, Surgical tools.Applications: Picking and placing objects, welding, painting, medical procedures.
20
Education and research
Educational and research robots are used to teach programming, engineering, and robotics concepts, as well as to explore new technologies. They help students learn through hands-on experience and support scientific research in areas like artificial intelligence and automation.
Advanced software components for decision-making and pattern recognition.Types: Neural networks, Image recognition software, Pathfinding algorithms.Applications: Autonomous driving, object detection, speech recognition.
24
Measure the position, speed, and direction of a motor shaft or robotic limb.Types: Incremental, Absolute.Applications: Motor control, robotic arms, CNC machines.
15
Provide structural support and housing for robotic components.Materials: Aluminum, Steel, Carbon Fiber, Plastic.Applications: Industrial robots, drones, robotic arms.
23
Measure moisture in the air.Applications: Agricultural robots, climate control, environmental monitoring.
13
source: https://www.ul.com/news/safety-testing-healthcare-robotics
Absorb shocks and control movement precision.Applications: Legged robots, robotic arms, industrial manipulators.
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Measure temperature changes in the environment or robotic components. Types: e.g. FLIR - Forward Looking Infrared Applications: Industrial automation, fire detection, equipment monitoring.
Devices that convert energy (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic) into mechanical motion.Types: Electric motors, Hydraulic cylinders, Pneumatic actuators, Linear actuators.Applications: Moving robotic arms, opening grippers, driving wheels.
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Mechanisms that allow robots to move and navigate.Types: Wheels, Tracks, Legs, Propellers (for drones).Applications: Autonomous vehicles, mobile robots, robotic vacuums.
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Healthcare