Understand what is meant by robotics

Robotics – Understanding Robots (Topic 6 of Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478)

Scope of this document: This note covers the Robotics sub‑topic of Topic 6 (Automated & emerging technologies). Topics 1‑5 of the syllabus (Data representation, Hardware, Software, Internet, Cyber‑security) are dealt with elsewhere.

1. Automated Systems (≈150 words)

An automated system is any arrangement of sensors, a controller and actuators that performs a task without continuous human control. Sensors monitor the environment (e.g., temperature, light, pressure) and send data to a micro‑processor or micro‑controller. The controller runs a program that decides what action is required and commands the actuators (motors, valves, relays) to carry it out. Examples include:

• Thermostats that switch heating on/off based on temperature readings.
• Traffic‑light controllers that change signals according to vehicle detectors.
• Smart‑home lighting that reacts to ambient light levels.

Robots are a specialised form of automated system that also possesses an end‑effector and often exhibits higher levels of autonomy.

2. What Is a Robot?

In the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus a robot is defined by three core characteristics:

• Sensing – perceiving the environment via sensors.
• Processing – a micro‑processor/micro‑controller that interprets sensor data and decides what to do.
• Actuation – mechanisms (motors, servos, pneumatic/hydraulic cylinders) that produce movement.

3. Key Components of a Robot (Cambridge Syllabus)

1. Sensors – detect light, distance, temperature, touch, sound, etc.
2. Micro‑processor / Micro‑controller – the “brain” that runs the control program (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, dedicated robot controller).
3. Actuators – motors, servos, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders that create motion.
4. Power Supply – batteries, fuel cells or mains electricity.
5. End‑effector – tool, gripper or other device that interacts with objects.
6. Communication Interface – wired (USB, serial) or wireless (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi) link for programming and data exchange.

4. Types of Robots and Typical Roles

5. How Robots Are Controlled

• Direct (Tele‑operated) Control – an operator sends real‑time commands via a joystick, remote console or tablet.
• Pre‑programmed Control – a fixed sequence of instructions stored in memory; ideal for highly repetitive tasks.
• Autonomous Control – the robot uses sensor feedback and algorithms to decide actions without human input.

6. Common Robotics Algorithms (exam‑friendly)

• Path‑finding (e.g., A* algorithm)
• Obstacle avoidance (e.g., Braitenberg‑vehicle logic)
• PID control – combines proportional, integral and derivative actions to minimise the error between the desired and actual position of a motor or actuator.

7. Advantages and Disadvantages (single‑clause statements)

8. Safety Considerations (required by the syllabus)

• Emergency stop buttons must be easily accessible.
• Physical barriers or light curtains protect users from moving parts.
• Force and speed limits are set to reduce injury risk.
• Regular risk assessments and maintenance checks ensure safe operation.

9. Emerging Trends in Robotics

• Artificial Intelligence Integration – machine‑learning techniques enable robots to improve performance from experience.
• Collaborative Robots (Cobots) – designed to work safely alongside human operators.
• Soft Robotics – use flexible, compliant materials for delicate handling tasks.
• Swarm Robotics – large numbers of simple robots cooperate to achieve complex objectives.

10. Artificial Intelligence – A Brief Overview (Topic 6.3)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field that enables computers to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. In the IGCSE context the following basics are sufficient:

• Expert systems – use a knowledge base (facts) and an inference engine (rules) to give advice or make decisions (e.g., medical diagnosis).
• Simple machine‑learning idea – a program can improve its performance by adjusting parameters based on examples, such as recognising handwritten digits after being shown many samples.

AI techniques are increasingly combined with robotics to produce more adaptable and intelligent machines.

11. Suggested Diagram

12. Summary

Robotics blends hardware (sensors, actuators, power, end‑effector, communication) with software (control algorithms, programming) to create machines that can perform tasks autonomously or semi‑autonomously. Understanding the core characteristics, key components, robot types, control methods, safety issues, advantages/disadvantages and emerging trends equips students to answer IGCSE Computer Science questions on robotics and to appreciate its impact on modern technology.

13. Quick Revision Questions

1. List the three core characteristics that define a robot.
2. Explain the difference between pre‑programmed control and autonomous control.
3. Give two examples of industrial robots and the specific tasks they perform.
4. What is PID control and what do the terms proportional, integral and derivative refer to?
5. Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of using collaborative robots in a manufacturing setting.

Further Reading (optional)

PID formula (not required for the exam):
Output = Kp·e(t) + Ki·∫e(t)dt + Kd·de(t)/dt
where e(t) = desired – actual position.