This is an introduction to robotics, assuming no previous knowledge, with exercises and interactive animated graphics.
Course requirements are any I.B.M. or IBM-compatible personal computer, a 3.5 inch HD disk drive, and an EGA or VGA or SVGA monitor. The course runs in EGA.
Any screen in the course may be printed out at any time as a graphic print-out. The print-out driver is suitable for Epson 9 pin, 24 pin, IBM Proprinter, Canon Bubble-Jet and Hewlett-Packard (PCL3) laser printers.
The course starts with a description of what is meant by robotics. Why robots need control programs and the uses of robots in industrial situations. We see examples of Pick and Place, Gantry and Arm type Robots in typical set-ups.
The question of robot positioning is dealt with in some depth with lessons and exercises in Cartesian, Cylindrical, Polar and Revolute systems with Working Envelopes and Datums.
Explains why the Robot Arm is most commonly used in industry. What are the Axes, their ranges, what an Off-set and In-line Wrist is and what Roll, Pitch and Yaw means in robot terms.
This section first explains what End Effectors are and the support they require and then goes on to give a wide range of types explaining their uses.
The range and use of Sensors is a most complex part of Robotics. Here we deal with Micro-switches, Resistance Transducers, Piezo-electric, Infra-red, Laser and Vidicon Tubes all in animated graphic simulation.
This section takes the use of Sensors a stage further by showing them in use. We have Reed Switches, Ultra Sonic, Bar Code Readers and Arc sensing in graphic animation.
Hydraulic and electrical system units are covered including pumps, valves, solenoids, cylinders, stepper motors, encoders and AC motors.
This section does not limit itself to the programming language of one make of robot. It uses a general form of programming which provides a basis for further study of any language.
Here we cover the safe handling and set-ups of robot systems.
Robotics is a new technology with a language which is increasing daily. This Glossary has a unique presentation to suit the student's existing engineering vocabulary.
The following features are available in most sections:-
The course is made up of ten sections any one of which is available from a Drop Down menu. This is accessible at any time so you can interrupt any section to look at the menu and if necessary you may cancel the menu and carry on with the section. You may move forward or back from the menu although initially we recommend you to start at the beginning and work your way through as the sections are progressive.
As the course is in EGA mode and use is made of colour shades, we have added a very small on-screen contrast check.
The course is well-supported by Animated Graphics and is in EGA mode.
No specific entry level is required other than a basic general engineering background. The course is aimed at newcomers to robotics, a rapidly expanding technology.