Understanding Robotics

Understanding Robotics is an introductory text on robotics and covers topics ranging from from the components of a robotic system, including sensors, to the industrial applications of robotics. The major factors justifying the use of robots for manufacturing are also discussed, along with the use of robots as a manufacturing tool, their impact on people, and the future of robotics. This book is comprised of eight chapters and begins with an overview of the roots of robotics and the use of robots in the manufacturing environment; advances in robot technology and typical applications of robots; reasons for using robots in the manufacturing environment; and the different manufacturing functions they perform, including visual inspection and intricate welding operations. A definition of the word ""robot"" is presented, and the impact of robots on jobs is considered. Subsequent chapters focus on the elements of a robot system, including the computer/controller, actuator power drive, and sensors; sensor applications in robotics; robotic usage by industry; economic justification of robotics; manufacturing technology and the role robotics can play in improving the United States' competitive manufacturing position; and the impact of robots on people and vice versa. The final chapter is devoted to market trends and competitiveness of the U.S. robotics industry and assesses the future prospects of robotics. This monograph should be a valuable resource for technologists and researchers interested in robots and robotics.

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acronyms And Abbreviations

1. Robotics Comes of Age

Introduction to Robotics

Why Use Robots?

Robots Defined

Roots of Robotics

Robot Technology

Typical Applications

The Robot Industry

Impact on Jobs

Safety

International Leadership

Now and the Future

2. Components of a Robotic System

Elements of a Robot System

Manipulator System

Computer/Controller

Actuator Power Drive

End-Effector Tooling

Fixtures and Tooling Accessories

Robot Sensors

System Characteristics

3. Sensors for Robotic Systems

Introduction to Sensors

Sensor Applications in Robotics

Sensor Integration

General Purpose Sensors

Machine Vision Sensors

Summary

4. Application of Robotics

Evolution of Robotic Application

Robotic Usage by Industry

Robot Applications

Implementation Factors

Systematic Approach to Robot Application

5. Justification of Robotics

Background

Economic Factors

Economic Analysis Methods

RobotJustification Analysis

RobotJustification Basic Program

6. Robots—A Manufacturing Tool

The Role of Manufacturing

Competitive Manufacturing

Historical Perspective on United States Manufacturing

Current Role of the Manufacturing Function

Recent Performance of United States Manufacturing

Impact on the United States Economy

World Class Competitiveness

Competitive Robotics

7. Robots and People

Impact of Robotics

8. A Glimpse of the Future

Market Trends and Competitiveness

Key Market Impact Issues

International Interdependence

Technology Trends

The Future of Robotics

Appendix A: Glossary of Terminology

Appendix B: Points of Contact

Bibliography

Index