Robot Programming and Applications: Questions and Answers

List various generations of Robot programming languages.

1. First Generation: These robots were manually programmed and could perform only
simple, repetitive tasks. They used basic command languages.
2. Second Generation: These robots introduced some feedback control and basic sensors,
allowing them to react slightly to their environment.
3. Third Generation: More advanced programming languages were introduced, with
capabilities to respond to sensor inputs and perform complex tasks.
4. Fourth Generation: Robots now incorporate AI and machine learning, enabling adaptive
learning, complex decision-making, and autonomy.

State any four End Effector commands.

1. Grasp: Command to close the gripper or robotic hand to securely hold an object.
2. Release: Opens the gripper to let go of the held object.
3. Rotate: Turns the end effector to a specific angle, useful for positioning.
4. Align: Adjusts the end effector's orientation to accurately engage with objects.

State any four sensor commands.

1. Detect: Recognizes the presence of an object or changes in the environment.
2. Measure: Quantifies variables such as distance, temperature, or force.
3. Sense: Feels environmental conditions, like touch or pressure.
4. Track: Follows a moving object or maintains a position relative to a target.

Explain any four end effector commands.

 Grasp: This command instructs the robot's end effector (such as a gripper or robotic
hand) to close around an object. This is essential in pick-and-place operations, allowing
the robot to securely hold an item for transportation or assembly.
 Release: This command opens the gripper, letting go of the held object. It’s typically
used after the robot moves an object to a target location, completing the “place” phase in
pick-and-place tasks.
 Rotate: This command allows the robot to turn the end effector to a specific angle.
Rotation is crucial when the robot needs to orient objects in a particular way, such as
aligning a part for assembly.
 Align: This command helps position the end effector accurately, enabling it to engage
with objects precisely. Aligning is especially useful in tasks that require high accuracy,
such as electronic assembly, where components need exact placement.

Define Subroutines.
Subroutines are specific sections of code within a robot program that perform tasks.
They’re reusable and modular, meaning they can be called multiple times within a program,
improving efficiency and organization in coding.
Explain various capabilities and limitations of lead-through programming
method.
Capabilities: Lead-through programming is a method where the operator manually guides
the robot through the desired path or sequence of movements. The robot "learns" by
recording these movements. This method is intuitive and doesn’t require extensive
programming skills, making it accessible for operators. It’s suitable for simple and repetitive
tasks, like basic pick-and-place operations or painting.

Limitations: However, lead-through programming has several limitations. It can be time-

consuming for complex tasks, as each movement must be manually demonstrated. It also
lacks flexibility, meaning any change in the task or environment often requires
reprogramming. Precision and accuracy are limited, as the operator may struggle to guide
the robot in exact movements, making this method less suitable for high-precision tasks or
those involving variability.

List any 6 VAL commands with functions used in programming.

1. MOVE: Tells the robot to go to a specified position.
2. GRASP: Activates the end effector to hold an object.
3. RELEASE: Deactivates the gripper, releasing the object.
4. WAIT: Pauses the robot’s actions for a set duration.
5. OPEN: Opens the gripper or end effector.
6. CLOSE: Closes the gripper, often used in conjunction with GRASP.

Robot program to perform pick and place operation.

State the types of robot maintenance.
1. Preventive Maintenance: Routine checks and servicing to avoid breakdowns.
2. Predictive Maintenance: Uses sensors and monitoring to predict when maintenance is
needed.
3. Reactive Maintenance: Repairs done after a fault has occurred.
4. Condition-Based Maintenance: Only performed when specific conditions indicate
maintenance is needed.

List various future technologies of robot.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enhances robot decision-making and adaptability.
2. Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Robots designed to work safely alongside humans.
3. Quantum Computing: Could significantly improve robots' processing power for complex
tasks.
4. Soft Robotics: Robots with flexible structures that can handle delicate objects and
perform tasks in dynamic environments.

Explain System Integration.

System integration in robotics is about connecting various subsystems (software, hardware,
sensors, etc.) so they work as a cohesive unit. This allows robots to perform complex tasks
by coordinating their actions with other systems, like conveyor belts or automated storage.

Explain applications of robot in spot welding.

Robots are widely used in spot welding, especially in the automotive industry, where they
weld together sheet metal to form car bodies. Spot welding involves fusing two or more
metal surfaces by applying pressure and an electric current at small "spots" where the
metals touch.

Applications:

 Automotive Manufacturing: Robots perform spot welding on car body

components like doors, frames, and panels. The precision and speed of robots
improve production efficiency and ensure high-quality, consistent welds.

 Industrial Fabrication: Robots also perform spot welding in heavy machinery and
equipment manufacturing. They can handle large, repetitive welding tasks that
would be challenging for humans.

 Robots improve workplace safety by performing welding tasks in hazardous

conditions, reducing the risk of burns and exposure to harmful fumes for human
workers.
Explain procedure of robot maintenance.
1. Inspection: Check for wear and tear on parts.
2. Cleaning: Remove dust, dirt, and other contaminants.
3. Lubrication: Apply lubricants to joints and moving parts to reduce friction.
4. Parts Replacement: Swap out any parts showing signs of wear or damage.
5. Calibration: Adjust the robot to ensure accurate movements and positioning.
Regular maintenance ensures the robot operates efficiently, prevents unexpected
downtime, and extends the lifespan of the equipment.

Explain short note on interlocking of robot.

Interlocking is a safety feature in robotic systems that prevents the robot from performing
unsafe operations. Interlocks are typically designed to restrict access to certain areas or
functions unless certain conditions are met, ensuring operator safety and preventing
damage to the robot.

For example, if a safety gate around the robot is open, the interlock will stop the robot from
moving until the gate is securely closed. This prevents accidental exposure to moving parts
and ensures the robot operates only in a controlled environment. Interlocking can be
mechanical, electrical, or software-based, and is crucial in automated manufacturing to
maintain a safe working environment.

Explain the concept of universal hand.

 A universal hand in robotics is an end effector designed to mimic the versatility
and flexibility of a human hand. It can perform a wide range of grasping and
manipulation tasks with various types of objects, much like a human can pick up,
hold, and interact with items of different shapes and sizes.

 Universal hands are often equipped with multiple fingers or adaptive grippers that
can conform to different objects, allowing robots to handle tasks requiring more
dexterity. This concept is valuable in applications like assembly, packaging, and
service robots, where a single gripper type might not be suitable for all objects the
robot needs to handle.
Explain wrist assembly with neat sketch.
 The wrist assembly in a robotic arm provides additional degrees of freedom for
movement, typically allowing for pitch, yaw, and roll. These movements help the
end effector to orient itself precisely in different directions. The wrist is usually
located just before the end effector, and its flexibility enables the robot to perform
complex tasks requiring specific orientations.

 In a typical wrist assembly, there are three rotational axes:

o Pitch: Up-and-down movement.

o Yaw: Side-to-side movement.

o Roll: Rotational movement around the arm’s length.

Explain the application of robot in continuous arc welding.

 In continuous arc welding, robots are used to perform long, uninterrupted welding
passes, which is beneficial in metal fabrication tasks that require consistent welds over
extended sections.

 Applications:

 Construction of Metal Structures: Robots are employed in industries like

shipbuilding and pipeline construction, where continuous and consistent welding
is necessary for structural integrity.
 Manufacturing of Large Components: In sectors like aerospace or heavy
machinery, continuous arc welding robots can produce smooth, defect-free welds
for components that are exposed to high stress.
  Continuous arc welding robots improve efficiency, reduce human exposure to
high temperatures and fumes, and produce high-quality welds that are difficult to
achieve manually.

Explain advanced sensor capabilities technology used in robotics.

Advanced sensor capabilities in robotics enable robots to perceive and interact with their
environment more effectively. Key technologies include:

1. Vision Sensors: Cameras and 3D vision help robots recognize and locate objects for
tasks like sorting and assembly.

2. LIDAR: Creates 3D maps for navigation, crucial for autonomous robots in avoiding
obstacles.

3. Force and Torque Sensors: Allow precise control of force, essential for delicate
tasks like assembly.

4. Proximity Sensors: Detect nearby objects to prevent collisions, improving safety in

collaborative environments.

5. Environmental Sensors: Monitor temperature, humidity, and gases, useful in

specialized fields like agriculture and hazardous material handling.

These sensors make robots more adaptable and precise in complex tasks.

Explain mobility, locomotion and navigation technology may use in robots.

Mobility and Locomotion: Robotics mobility refers to the robot’s ability to move within its
environment, which can be achieved through various locomotion methods such as wheels,
tracks, or legs, depending on the terrain and requirements. For example, wheeled robots are
common in factories, while legged robots are used for uneven terrains.

Navigation Technology: Robots use a combination of sensors, mapping algorithms, and

positioning systems to navigate autonomously. Common technologies include:

 GPS: Provides global positioning information for outdoor navigation.

 LIDAR: Uses laser-based sensing to create a 3D map of the surroundings, helping

the robot detect obstacles and navigate safely.

 SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping): Allows the robot to create a

map of an unknown environment while tracking its own position within that map,
crucial for autonomous indoor navigation.

These technologies enable robots to move and perform tasks without human guidance,
which is essential for applications like warehouse logistics, autonomous vehicles, and field
exploration.