Robotics Merit Badge – Robots are everywhere these days! In space, they help scientists learn about other planets. Deep in the ocean, they explore places where humans can’t go. On farms, they help plant and pick crops. In mines, they dig and move stuff without getting tired. And guess what? They’re in hospitals too! Robots can help doctors do very careful surgeries.
Factories also love robots because they can do the same job again and again without making mistakes. And robots don’t just work; they can also help in saving people. When someone is lost or stuck, robots can help find and rescue them.
The world of robots is big and exciting. Every day, people think of new ways to use robots to make life better. As time goes on, we’ll see even more robots doing amazing things.
Robotics Merit Badge Requirements
| 1. Safety. Do each of the following: (a) Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while working with robots and what you should do to anticipate, mitigate and prevent, and respond to these hazards. Describe the appropriate safety gear and clothing that should be used when working with robotics. (b) Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries that could occur while participating in robotics activities and competitions, including cuts, eye injuries, and burns (chemical or heat). |
| 2. Robotics industry. Discuss the following with your counselor: (a) The kinds of things robots can do and how robots are best used today. (b) The similarities and differences between remote-control vehicles, telerobots, and autonomous robots. (c) Three different methods robots can use to move themselves other than wheels or tracks. Describe when it would be appropriate to use each method. |
| 3. General knowledge. Discuss with your counselor three of the five major fields of robotics (human-robot interface, mobility, manipulation, programming, sensors) and their importance to robotics development. Discuss either the three fields as they relate to a single robot system OR talk about each field in general. Find pictures or at least one video to aid your discussion. |
| 4. Design, build, program, test. Do each of the following: (a) With your counselor’s approval, choose a task for the robot or robotic subsystem that you plan to build. Include sensor feedback and programming in the task. Document this information in your robot engineering notebook. (b) Design your robot. The robot design should use sensors and programming and have at least 2 degrees of freedom. Document the design in your robot engineering notebook using drawings and a written description. (c) Build a robot or robotic subsystem of your original design to accomplish the task you chose for requirement 4a. (d) Discuss with your counselor the programming options available for your robot. Then do either option 1 OR option 2. (1) Option 1. Program your robot to perform the task you chose for your robot in 4a. Include a sample of your program’s source code in your robot engineering notebook. (2) Option 2. Prepare a flowchart of the desired steps to program your robot for accomplishing the task in 4a. Include procedures that show activities based on sensor inputs. Place this in your robot engineering notebook. (e) Test your robot and record the results in your robot engineering notebook. Include suggestions on how you could improve your robot, as well as pictures or sketches of your finished robot. |
| 5. Demonstrate. Do the following: (a) Demonstrate for your counselor the robot you built in requirement 4. (b) Share your robot engineering notebook with your counselor. Talk about how well your robot accomplished the task, the improvements you would make in your next design, and what you learned about the design process. |
| 6. Competitions. Do ONE of the following. (a) Attend a robotics competition and report to your counselor what you saw and learned about the competition and how teams are organized and managed. (b) Learn about three youth robotics competitions. Tell your counselor about these, including the type of competition, time commitment, age of the participants, and how many teams are involved. |
| 7. Careers. Name three career opportunities in robotics. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you. |
The Four D’s of Robotics
Robots help in four main ways, especially in jobs that people don’t like or can’t do well. We call these the four D’s:
- Dangerous: Robots do jobs that can harm people. Like handling bombs or exploring deep oceans and space. They also help soldiers and rescue teams in risky situations.
- Dirty: Robots work in messy places. They can check sewers, clean big ships, or handle harmful stuff like in nuclear plants.
- Dull: Robots are great for boring jobs. For example, in car factories, they keep doing the same thing, like joining parts, painting, or welding, without getting tired.
- Difficult: Robots can do hard tasks. Some need careful hands, like surgery. Others need a lot of strength, like carrying heavy things in mines.
So, robots are pretty cool helpers!
Five Centuries of Robots
A long time ago, even before they were called “robots”, there were cool mechanical toys. These toys worked with gears and other parts, kind of like how some pianos play music by themselves. For example, in the 1700s, the Japanese had Karakuri ningyo toys, and a guy named Leonardo da Vinci drew a plan for a mechanical knight in the 15th century.
The name “robot” started in 1921 from a play called R.U.R. by a guy from Czech, Karel Capek. “Robota” is a word in his language that means “work done because you have to”.
The story in the play? A man makes robots, but then the robots decide they don’t want to listen to humans anymore. Also, a famous writer named Isaac Asimov talked a lot about robots in his stories and even came up with the word “robotics”. He wrote about smart robots in a book called “I, Robot”. Cool, right?
1. Artificial Intelligence
In the late 1950s, people started studying something called artificial intelligence (AI). It’s all about making computers or machines think and solve problems like humans and animals do.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like teaching computers and machines to think and learn. It’s like giving them a mini-brain! Now, robots are like the body, and AI is like the brain.
When we put AI in robots, it’s like giving robots the ability to think, learn, and make decisions. So instead of just doing the same thing over and over, they can adjust to new situations. For example, a robot with AI can figure out how to pick up a cup it’s never seen before or even chat with you!
2. Human and Robot Teams
Humans and robots working together is like a dream team. Robots are really good at doing tasks fast and without mistakes. They can also work in places that might be too hot or cold for us. But humans have something special. We can think of new ideas, understand how others feel, and easily change our plans if needed.
When humans and robots team up, it’s a win-win. Robots can help with the hard or boring jobs, while humans can guide them and make creative choices. For example, a robot can carry heavy things, but a human decides where to put them.
The cool thing is that both humans and robots can learn from each other. Robots can get better by watching humans, and humans can learn new ways to use robots.
So, together, humans and robots can do amazing things that neither can do alone. It’s like having the best of both worlds!
3. Industrial Robots
Factory robots started making a big splash back in 1961 with the introduction of a robot named Unimate at a car company. Then, more robots like the Puma ones joined in, and factories began to change big time.
These robots are like the superheroes of the workplace. They can handle jobs that are either too boring or too risky for people. What’s even cooler? They work super fast and almost never mess up. This means factories can produce things quicker, better, and at a lower cost.
In short, robots in factories are like the ultimate team players, helping make better products for everyone.
4. Robots as Explorers
Robots are amazing explorers. They’re like our adventure buddies, going to places that might be tough for us. Some places are too cold, too hot, or just too far. But for robots? No problem!
Take the deep blue sea as an example. There are places so deep that we can’t easily go. But robots can! A robot named Jason Jr. went super deep and found the Titanic, an old ship that had sunk long ago. That’s like finding a hidden treasure chest!
But the sea isn’t the only place robots explore. They also go to space! A group of space experts, called NASA, have sent robots far into space to learn about other planets and stars. Two of these space robots, Spirit and Opportunity, went to a place called Mars. People thought they’d only work for a short time, but they lasted years, sending back cool pictures and information.
5. Personal Robots
Imagine having a little machine friend at home that can help you with stuff. That’s what personal robots are all about! These aren’t the big, scary robots you might see in movies. Nope, these are friendly helpers that make our days easier.
One famous robot friend many people have is called Roomba. It’s like a flat circle that moves around and cleans floors. Just turn it on, and it goes around picking up dirt and dust while you can relax.
But that’s not all! Some robots can help in the garden, cutting the grass so we don’t have to. Others can clean our swimming pools, making sure the water is nice and clear. If you’re going on a trip and want to make sure your home is safe, there are robots that can keep an eye on things while you’re gone.
There’s even a robot for our pet cats! It plays with them and checks if they’re doing okay. And if you love techy stuff, there are robots that you can program and teach new tricks.
Having a robot friend is like having an extra set of hands to help out. Whether it’s cleaning, watching the house, or just being a cool toy to play with, these robots are there to make life a little more fun and easy!
Major Fields of Robotics
Building advanced robots usually involves teams of skilled engineers. There are five main areas of expertise in robotics:
- Operator Interface: This involves how a robot communicates with its human controller. It’s like the link between a person and the robot. Think of it as the way you use a joystick to communicate with a video game.
- Mobility or Locomotion: This is about how a robot moves around in its environment. It includes methods like using wheels, legs, fins, propellers, and more to get from one place to another.
- Manipulators and Effectors: These are the parts of the robot that interact with objects, like touching, picking up, placing, or spraying things. Examples include claws, pushers, mechanical arms, and fingers.
- Programming: This is how we give instructions to a machine, like telling a robot what to do. Some advanced forms of programming even allow robots to learn and adapt to changes in their surroundings.
- Sensing and Perception: Robots need information from sensors to understand where they are, where they need to go, and how to avoid obstacles in their path.
1. Operator Interface
Controlling robots involves two main ways:
- Autonomous Control: Imagine robots like our bodies’ automatic systems. These robots have their own internal computer that runs the show. It’s kind of like our autonomic system that manages things like our heartbeat without us thinking about it. These robots run on their own and don’t need our constant input. To talk to them, we often use a keyboard, and the program we type in guides the robot’s actions. It’s like giving them a set of instructions.
- Teleoperation: This is when humans control robots from far away. Think of it like using a remote control for a toy car, but on a much bigger scale. These robots are controlled by a person using a special device from a distance. They can also sense their surroundings and tell the person controlling them what’s happening. Sometimes, these robots can even make decisions based on what they sense in their environment.
2. Mobility or Locomotion
Robots need to move to get their tasks done. Some robots might just move their arms, while others can go from one spot to another.
The parts that help robots move are called actuators. Let’s break down the different kinds:
Electric Motors: Think of these like the engines in toys or cars. They help parts of the robot turn or spin. Some robots use battery-operated motors to move around, while bigger robots in factories might use other types.
Servos: These are a bit like motors, but they move to a certain spot and then stop. Imagine a robot arm moving to a specific point to grab something. That’s what servos help with. They can be tiny, like in toy planes, or very big for heavy-duty tasks.
Linear Actuators: These push or pull things in a straight line. Instead of turning or spinning something, they might push a part of the robot forward or backward. They can be very strong and fast. Some use air, while others use liquid to get moving.
Rotary Actuators: These make parts of the robot move in circles. It’s like if you keep turning a door handle in a circle. They work a bit like the linear ones but move things in a round way instead of straight.
3. Manipulators and Effectors
Robots not only move around but also need to handle things, like lifting or changing items. The tools they use for this are called manipulators and effectors.
Think of the robot’s arm as the “manipulator” and its hand as the “effector” or “end-effector”. Some robots can swap out their “hands” for different jobs. For instance, in a car factory, the same robot arm might be used for both welding parts and painting cars, but it would switch its hand for each task.
Mechanical Grippers: This is like a robot’s claw or hand. Some are simple with just two parts that pinch, while others might look more like a human hand.
Vacuum Grippers: These work like mini vacuum cleaners. They suck onto things to pick them up. They’re great for picking up flat items like computer chips or car windows. They need a smooth surface to stick to.
Magnetic Grippers: They’re like magnets. They’re handy for lifting heavy metal things, but the item needs to be something a magnet likes, like iron.
Ingressive Effector: This is a tool that uses tiny pins or needles to grab things. It’s good for handling softer materials, like fabrics or delicate glass threads.
4. Programming
Just like a computer needs instructions to work, a robot needs instructions too. This set of instructions is called a program. You might know programs as the tools we use on computers, like typing documents or making slideshows.
Making these programs, or teaching the computer what to do, is called programming. It’s like giving the computer a list of things to do in a language it understands.
For robots, there are many languages programmers can use. One cool language is called LISP. It’s special because it can help robots learn from what’s happening around them, which is a part of artificial intelligence.
Also Read: Programming Merit Badge
5. Sensing and Perception (Sensors)
Robots need to know where they are, where they’re going, and what’s around them. Just like we use our eyes, ears, and skin to understand our world, robots use special tools called sensors.
- Cameras: Robots use these like we use our eyes to see things.
- Microphones: These work like our ears, helping robots hear.
- Bump sensors: These let robots feel when they touch or bump into something.
- Temperature sensors: Robots can tell if something is warm or cold with these.
Robots also have some extra tools to help them:
- GPS: It’s like a map inside the robot. It tells the robot exactly where it is.
- Radar: This tool sends out signals that bounce back after hitting something. It helps the robot figure out where things are and how fast they’re moving.
- LIDAR: This is another way robots can see things around them. It uses light to spot and measure many things quickly.
- Infrared sensors: These let robots see heat, which is helpful in the dark.
In simple words, robots have their own special ways to see, hear, and feel their surroundings. These tools help them move around and do their tasks safely.
Careers in Robotics
Robots are everywhere! In the oceans, in space, and even in our homes. Let’s talk about how you can make robots your job.
If you’re thinking about working with robots, start learning now! Dive into subjects like math, science, and computer stuff at school. Join clubs or groups that are about robots or building things; this will give you a real feel for it.
If you finish high school and still want to work with robots, there’s more to learn. Some local colleges have courses that teach you how to work with robots. By doing this, you can become a “robotics technician.” This means you’ll know how to use and take care of robots.
But what if you want to make your own robots? For that, you’ll need to study even more and become an engineer. Engineers think of how robots should look and work.
Most folks who want to work in robotics go to college and study things like machine design, electrical stuff, computer science, or even medical robot design.
If you really get into it, you can study robot design in detail at some special colleges. Here, you’ll learn about many areas of making robots, because making a full robot needs knowledge in more than just one subject.
1. Exploration
Robots are great for exploring areas that are too dangerous for people. There are some places where it’s really risky for us to go, like the deep parts of the ocean or far into space. In these places, robots can help us learn more without putting anyone in danger.
Space: Space is a tough place. There’s no air, and it can get super hot in the sunlight and freezing cold in the shade. NASA, the space people, need folks who can make robots for space. Robots don’t need to breathe and can handle the wild temperatures. This makes them perfect for space jobs that would be too dangerous for astronauts.
Deep Oceans: Most of the deep parts of our oceans are mysteries because it’s too hard and dangerous for people to go there. But robots can help! The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency, or NOAA for short, uses special underwater robots to look around deep down in the oceans. These robots help us learn about what’s at the bottom, like sunken treasures or special fish. Even big companies that look for oil under the sea use these robots. Remember the big oil spill some time ago? Robots were the heroes that helped stop the leak.
Also Read: Space Exploration Merit Badge
2. The Military or Law Enforcement
In places where there’s danger, robots can help keep people safe. They can see and listen in areas where it might be risky for a person to go.
Bomb and Fire Robots: There are special robots that help police and firefighters. These robots can get close to dangerous things like bombs, big fires, or broken buildings, so people don’t have to. This way, the experts can see what’s going on from a safe distance.
As more firefighters and police learn about these robots and how helpful they are, more of them will want to use them.
Robots in the Army: Robots are changing the way soldiers do their jobs. There are robots that can fly, swim, or drive on the ground. They help soldiers see what’s happening in places that might be too dangerous to go.
Because these robots are becoming so important, the army will need more people who know how to use them and make them. So, there will be more jobs for robot experts in the future.
3. Medicine
Robots are becoming big helpers in the world of medicine. They’re helping doctors in many ways.
Testing and Data: Robots can quickly look at medical tests and spot problems. They can even check our DNA super-fast, which helps doctors understand our health better.
Better Prosthetics: Robots are helping people who have lost an arm or leg. Thanks to new materials and designs, these robot arms or legs are lighter and work more like real ones. This means people can live more comfortably.
Robots During Surgery: Robots are even helping in surgeries! They help doctors be really precise. Imagine a robot helping a doctor do a super careful surgery on an eye or another tiny part of the body. These robots are so good that a doctor in one city could use a robot to do surgery on someone far away, like in another state!
Tiny Robot Helpers: There are very, very small machines called nanotechnology. They’re so tiny you can’t see them! These mini machines can help treat people without needing big surgeries. It’s like having invisible robot helpers inside the body.
In short, robots in medicine are like special assistants for doctors, making treatments better and surgeries safer.
4. Industry
Robots are super helpful in big places where things are made or built.
Assembly Lines: Think of a place where cars or toys are made. Robots in these places do the same job over and over again, like putting on a car door or painting a toy. This helps make things faster and every item looks just right.
Big Jobs: Robots also help in big outdoor jobs. They can help build tall buildings, dig in mines, or help in farms. Some robots are used to carry dangerous stuff in big storage places or factories.
Moving Around Safely: Sometimes robots need to move around without bumping into things. This is super important, especially when carrying dangerous stuff. If there’s a job that’s too risky or boring for people, robots can do it. This way, people can focus on other important tasks.
So, in big places where things are made or big outdoor jobs, robots are like the ultimate helpers, making work safer and faster.
5. Personal Robots
Robots aren’t just for big jobs or factories; they’re coming to our homes too! We now have robots that help with chores we might not like, such as cleaning our floors or trimming our lawns.
Companies like iRobot are making these helpful home robots. They need smart people to come up with new ideas for robots that can make our day-to-day lives even easier.
Right now, we still need to tell these robots what to do and look after them. And as we find more things for robots to help with, we’ll need even more people who know how to create and take care of them.
In simple words, there’s a big future in making and looking after robots, both for big jobs and for helping around the house.
1. (a) Robotics Safety: Anticipating and Responding to Hazards
1. Likely Hazards in Robotics
| Hazards | Anticipate & Mitigate | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical shocks | Always turn off power when working on robots. Avoid touching exposed wires. | Turn off the power source. If someone is shocked, call for medical assistance. |
| Mechanical injuries | Be cautious around moving parts. Avoid placing hands near gears or motors when they’re operational. | Stop the robot. Treat any injuries immediately. Seek medical attention if severe. |
| Chemical exposure | Work in well-ventilated areas. Know the chemicals used in batteries or other parts. | If exposed, rinse immediately with water and seek medical attention. |
| Cuts from sharp parts | Handle components with care. Store tools properly. | Clean the cut, apply antiseptic, and cover with a bandage. Seek medical attention if deep. |
| Burns (heat or chemical) | Use gloves and protective wear. Be cautious when soldering or handling hot components. | Cool the burn with cold water. For chemical burns, rinse thoroughly. Seek medical attention. |
| Eye injuries | Always wear safety goggles. Avoid pointing lasers or bright lights towards the eyes. | Avoid rubbing the eyes. Flush with water if a foreign object enters. Seek medical attention. |
2. Appropriate Safety Gear and Clothing
| Activity | Safety Gear/Clothing |
|---|---|
| Soldering or handling hot parts | Heat-resistant gloves, safety goggles, long-sleeved shirt |
| Using chemicals | Lab coat or apron, gloves, safety goggles, and face mask |
| Working with moving parts | Safety goggles, gloves, and fitted clothing (to avoid getting caught) |
| Working with lasers or lights | Safety goggles with appropriate filters |
| General robotics work | Closed-toed shoes, no dangling jewelry, hair tied back if long |
1. (b) Robotics Safety: First Aid and Prevention
Cuts
| Prevention | First Aid |
|---|---|
| Use protective gloves when handling sharp objects. | Clean the cut with soap and water. Cover with a sterile bandage. |
| Store tools safely when not in use. | If deep, seek medical attention. |
| Handle robotic components with care. | Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date. |
Eye Injuries
| Prevention | First Aid |
|---|---|
| Always wear safety goggles when working on robotics. | Do not rub the eye. |
| Ensure work area is well-lit to avoid mishaps. | Flush the eye with plenty of clean water if debris is present. |
| Keep sharp and small components away from the face. | Seek medical attention immediately. |
Burns (Chemical or Heat)
| Prevention | First Aid |
|---|---|
| Wear protective clothing, such as lab coats or aprons. | For chemical burns, rinse with plenty of cold water. |
| Use gloves when handling hot objects or chemicals. | Remove any clothing or jewelry near the burn. |
| Work in well-ventilated areas when using chemicals. | For minor heat burns, run cold water over the burn. |
| Store chemicals properly and away from heat sources. | Do not apply ice directly. Seek medical attention if needed. |
2. (a) Understanding Robots: Capabilities and Modern Uses
Things Robots Can Do
| Capabilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Repetitive tasks | Robots can do the same task over and over without getting tired. |
| Precision operations | Robots can make very exact movements, perfect for tasks like surgeries or assembling tiny parts. |
| Hazardous environment tasks | Robots can work in places that are dangerous for humans, like deep under the ocean, in space, or in areas with harmful chemicals. |
| Data collection & analysis | Robots can gather lots of information quickly and use it to make decisions or help humans make decisions. |
| Movement & transportation | Robots can move things around, like in warehouses, or even drive cars! |
How Robots are Best Used Today
| Industry | Use of Robots |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Robots help build cars, electronics, and many other things. They can do repetitive tasks super quickly and with great precision. |
| Healthcare | Robots can assist in surgeries, help people walk again, or deliver medicine in hospitals. |
| Agriculture | Robots help plant seeds, harvest crops, and take care of animals. They make farming faster and more efficient. |
| Space exploration | Robots can go to places in space where humans can’t. They send back pictures and information to Earth. |
| Entertainment | Robots can be movie stars, dancers, or even musicians. They entertain people in many cool ways. |
2. (b) Types of Robots: Remote-Control, Telerobots, and Autonomous
Definitions
| Robot Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Remote-control vehicles | These are machines that humans control directly, like toy cars. The human decides every movement. |
| Telerobots | These are robots that humans control from a distance. But unlike toy cars, these robots can send back information, like video or sensor data. They’re often used for jobs that are too dangerous or far away for humans. |
| Autonomous robots | These robots make decisions on their own! They use sensors and computer brains to figure out what to do. No human control is needed once they start working. |
Similarities and Differences
| Feature | Remote-Control Vehicles | Telerobots | Autonomous Robots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human control | Direct control by humans. | Controlled by humans from a distance. | Operate on their own after programming. |
| Decision-making | No independent decisions. | No independent decisions. | Makes decisions based on surroundings. |
| Feedback to humans | Usually one-way control. | Provides feedback (e.g., video). | Can provide feedback but can operate without constant human monitoring. |
| Use case | Toys, simple tasks. | Dangerous or distant tasks, like deep-sea exploration or bomb disposal. | Self-driving cars, vacuum robots, farming robots. |
| Complexity | Generally simple. | More complex due to feedback systems. | Highly complex with sensors and decision-making abilities. |
2. (c) Robot Movements: Beyond Wheels and Tracks
Methods Robots Use to Move
| Method | Description | Appropriate Use |
|---|---|---|
| Legs (Bipedal or Multipedal) | Robots with legs, like humans or spiders. They can walk, run, or even jump! | Places with rough terrain or obstacles, like mountains or forests. Great for rescue missions or exploration. |
| Flippers or Fins | Robots that move like fish or sea turtles. They use fins or flippers to swim through water. | Underwater exploration, like studying ocean animals or shipwrecks. |
| Propellers or Jets | Robots that fly in the air or swim in water by pushing air or water behind them. | Flying robots (drones) for aerial views or fast underwater robots. Good for deliveries or taking pictures from the sky. |
3. Core Elements of Robotics
(Note: I cannot directly provide pictures or videos, I will suggest topics you can search for to find relevant visuals.)
1. Human-Robot Interface
- Description: This is all about how humans and robots “talk” to each other. It can be through touch screens, voice commands, gestures, or even brain signals!
- Importance: A good interface makes it easy for humans to tell robots what to do and understand what robots are trying to tell them.
- Visual Aid Suggestion: Search for videos on “advanced robot voice commands” or “robot gesture control.”
2. Mobility
- Description: Mobility is all about how robots move. This can be on legs, wheels, tracks, wings, or even propellers.
- Importance: Depending on where a robot needs to work (like in water, sky, or rocky mountains), it needs the right kind of mobility. The better a robot can move, the more tasks it can do.
- Visual Aid Suggestion: Search for videos or images of “robots with unique mobility” or “walking robots.”
3. Sensors
- Description: Sensors are like the robot’s eyes, ears, and nose. They help robots understand what’s happening around them. There are sensors that can “see” light, “hear” sounds, “smell” chemicals, and even “feel” touch!
- Importance: Just like our senses help us understand our world, a robot’s sensors help it know what’s going on. With good sensors, a robot can make smart decisions.
- Visual Aid Suggestion: Search for videos on “robot sensors in action” or images of “different types of robot sensors.”
4. Manipulation
- Description: This deals with how robots interact physically with objects. It’s about hands, claws, arms, or any part that grabs, lifts, pushes, or otherwise moves things.
- Importance: Many tasks require physical interaction, like picking up items in a warehouse or performing surgery. Manipulation tools make these tasks possible.
- Visual Aid Recommendation: Look for videos of robotic arms in manufacturing settings or medical robots performing tasks.
5. Programming
- Description: Programming is the robot’s ‘brain’. It’s the code or instructions that tell the robot what to do and how to react.
- Importance: Without programming, a robot is just a pile of metal and wires. The software brings it to life, letting it perform tasks, make decisions, and interact with its environment.
- Visual Aid Recommendation: Search for demonstrations of robot programming, like coding a robot to follow a path or react to specific commands.
