Automation
History of Automation, Reasons for automation, Disadvantages of automation, Automation systems, Types of automation – Fixed, Programmable and Flexible automation, Automation strategies
Automated Manufacturing Systems: Components, classification and overview of manufacturing Systems, Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), Types of FMS, Applications and benefits of FMS.
Robotics
Definition of Robot, History of robotics, Robotics market and the future prospects, Robot Anatomy, Robot configurations: Polar, Cartesian, cylindrical and Jointed-arm configuration.
Robot motions, Joints, Work volume, Robot drive systems, Precision of movement – Spatial resolution, Accuracy, Repeatability, End effectors – Tools and grippers.
Controllers and Actuators
Basic Control System concepts and Models, Transfer functions, Block diagrams, characteristic equation, Types of Controllers: on-off, Proportional, Integral, Differential, P-I, P-D, P-I-D controllers. Control system and analysis.
Robot actuation and feedback components
Position sensors – Potentiometers, resolvers, encoders, velocity sensors. Actuators - Pneumatic and Hydraulic Actuators, Electric Motors, Stepper motors, Servomotors, Power Transmission systems.
Robot Sensors and Machine vision system
Sensors in Robotics - Tactile sensors, Proximity and Range sensors, use of sensors in robotics.
Machine Vision System: Introduction to Machine vision, the sensing and digitizing function in Machine vision, Image processing and analysis, Training and Vision systems.
Robots Technology of the future: Robot Intelligence, Advanced Sensor capabilities, Telepresence and related technologies, Mechanical design features, Mobility, locomotion and navigation, the universal hand, system integration and networking.
Artificial Intelligence: Goals of AI research, AI techniques – Knowledge representation, Problem representation and problem solving, LISP programming, AI and Robotics, LISP in the factory.