Robotics

Robotic systems
A robotic system in reality is  a complex system functionally represented by multiple sub-systems.  Most commonly known sub-systems are:

1. Mechanical system: Most essential component of robotic system, endowed with locomotion apparatus (wheels,crawlers , mechanical legs ) and manipulation apparatus(mechanical arms,end-effectors, artificial hands).
2. Actuation system: A system capable of exerting an action , both locomotion and manipulation to animate the mechanical components of the robot. This can be done through servomotors, drivers , transmissions ...
3. Sensory system: A system with a capability of perception. this system  can acquire data on internal status of  a mechanical system(
   proprioceptive sensors ,such as position transducers ) as well as on the external status of the environment(exteroceptive sensors ,like force sensors , vision systems(cameras))
4. Control system: A robotic system capable of connecting action to perception in an intelligent fashion. 

   

   Components of  typical robotic system

Robot

 A robot is a machine that gathers information about its environment (senses) and uses that information (thinks) to follow instructions to do work (acts). 

Robot is  programmable, self-controlled device consisting of electronic, electrical, or mechanical units.

Robotics
Branch of technology dealing with design ,construction and use of robots  as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.

Classification of robots 
According to their mobility attributes ,robots can be classified as fixed and mobile robots.
Fixed robots: Largest class of robots which does repetitive but often precise mechanical and physical tasks. Fixed robots are also called robotic manipulators. A robot manipulator consists of sequence of rigid bodies (links) interconnected by means of articulation(joints).
A manipulator is characterized by the following parts

• Arm : ensures mobility
• Wrist: confers dexterity
• End-effector : performs the required task
  

  

  Robot manipulators

Mobile  robots : Robots  with the capability to move around in their environment and are not fixed to one physical location. 

Source:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/TOPIO_3.jpg

source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1195112/Meet-Kobian--emotional-humanoid-robot-joy-disgust.htm