Robotics
Introduction:
Students will understand what robotics means and how it is applied in modern manufacturing.
What is Robotics (Really)?
Not Science Fiction
Robotics isn't about distant futures or Hollywood films -it's happening now, in factories, hospitals, and homes across the UK.
Not Just Coding
Whilst programming plays a role, robotics combines engineering, problem-solving, and real-world application in equal measure.
Not Replacing Humans
Robots work alongside people, handling dangerous or repetitive tasks so humans can focus on creativity and decision-making.
Key message: Robotics is the science of creating machines that can sense, decide, and act to help humans to complete tasks more efficiently, safely and continuously.
Robots are transforming how we work and live.
Where do you see robots every day?
Robotics in our everyday lives!
How do Robots work?
Why are they different to a simple machine?
Simple Machines
Simple
Machines
How do Robots work?
What technology is in a robot?
Robot’s come in various types such as Industrial Robots, Mobile Robots, Collaborative Robots, Humanoid Robots & Exploration Robots. However they all contain the same basic connected technology including; sensors, a control system and actuators.
How do Robots work?
What actually makes something a robot?
Structure
The physical body - wheels for movement, arms for reaching, frames for stability. Structure determines what a robot can physically do.
Sensors
The robot's way of perceiving the world - detecting light, measuring distance, sensing touch, or reading lines on the floor.
Control System
The brain of the operation. The micro:bit is an example of a controller that processes sensor data and makes decisions about what the robot should do next.
Actuators
Movement and response - motors turning wheels, arms gripping objects, or mechanisms stopping when obstacles appear.
Main Elements of a Robotic System
The Human Machine Interface
The HMI (Human-Machine Interface) allows a person to monitor, control, and interact with a robotic system through a screen or control panel.
This is an example of the HMI used by AIR in Mullingar to control and monitor a box forming robotic cell. To see the cell in action, click here or scan the QR code.
Main Elements of a Robotic System
End Effector
An end effector is the tool attached to the end of a robotic arm that allows it to perform a specific task, such as gripping, welding, drilling, or lifting.
Soon we will take a look at a robotic cell that uses 2 different types of end effectors.
Main Elements of a robotic system
Work Envelope
The work envelope of a robotic system is the total three-dimensional space within which the robot arm can move and operate.
Click on the image or scan the QR code and take a look in this robotic cell and notice the end effectors and work envelopes of the different robotic arms in the cell.
Robotics in Manufacturing
How do Midland Steel in Portlaoise use Robotics to manufacture reinforcement bar products?
Take a look and see how many robotic systems you can spot.
Click on the image or
Scan the QR Code
Safety, Load & Why Robots Are Used
Real Jobs, Real Reasons!
Carrying Heavy Loads
Robots handle weights that would injure humans or require multiple people, working consistently without fatigue.
Repetitive Tasks
Precise, repeated actions hour after hour - robots excel where human attention might waver.
Unsafe & Hazardous Environments
Extreme temperatures, toxic materials, hazardous spaces - robots can easily go where humans shouldn't.
End of Lesson
Remember to complete Robotics Worksheet - Level 1