Robotics (Copy)
IGCSE / O Level Computer Science Cheat Sheet
Topic: 6.2 Robotics
🤖 What is Robotics?
- Robotics is a field of computer science and engineering that focuses on the design, construction, and operation of robots to perform tasks automatically or semi-autonomously.
🧩 Key Characteristics of a Robot
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Mechanical structure | Physical body (arms, wheels, joints, etc.) |
| Electrical components | Sensors, microprocessors, actuators, motors |
| Programmable control | Code and logic that control robot behavior |
⚙️ Common Features
- Programmable behavior
- Sensors to detect environment
- Actuators to perform movement
- Microprocessor for decision making
- Can operate independently or semi-autonomously
🔁 Roles of Robots
| Sector | Example Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Industry | Assembly lines, welding, painting |
| Transport | Self-driving vehicles, traffic analysis |
| Agriculture | Automated harvesting, pesticide spraying |
| Medicine | Surgical assistance, patient monitoring |
| Domestic | Robotic vacuums, lawnmowers |
| Entertainment | Interactive toys, animatronics, dancing robots |
✅ Advantages of Robots
- Work 24/7 without fatigue
- High precision and repeatability
- Operate in dangerous environments
- Lower long-term labor costs
- Can perform tasks beyond human capability
⚠️ Disadvantages of Robots
- High initial cost
- Replaces human jobs
- Limited flexibility in unexpected situations
- Requires skilled maintenance
- Can malfunction if poorly programmed or damaged
🧠 Robots vs Automated Systems
| Feature | Robot | Automated System |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Often mobile (e.g. wheels, legs, drones) | Usually fixed (e.g. thermostats) |
| Complexity | More complex interaction & decision-making | Usually simpler repetitive tasks |
| Intelligence | Often uses AI or machine learning | Uses rule-based logic only |