A Textbook of Robotics 1: Basic Concepts

One Introduction to Robotics.- Two What is a Robot?.- Background.- Definitions.- Types of Automation.- Classification of Robots.- Cost Limitations.- Social Implications.- Three The Mechanical Arm.- Overview.- Types of Joints.- Classification of Robots by Type of Joint.- Comparison of Robot Work Envelopes.- Suitability for Particular Tasks.- Link Construction.- Robot Arm Drive Units.- Four The Robot Controller.- Robot Control Levels.- Off-Line Programming Control and Real-Time Control.- Controller Programming.- Five Robot Teaching Methods.- Preview.- Teaching Methods.- Programming Methods.- Comparison of Teaching and Programming Methods.- Six The End Effector.- Two-Finger Grippers.- Three-Finger Grippers.- Cylindrical Object Grippers.- Fragile Object Grippers.- Jointed Grippers.- Vacuum and Electromagnetic Grippers.- Automatic Gripper Changers.- Seven Integration and Operation of Robot Subsystems.- A Robot Task.- Eight Industrial Applications of Robots.- Industrial Applications.- Adapting Robots to Work Stations.- Stages in Selecting Robots for Industrial Application.- Nine Sensors and Sensing.- Artificial Intelligence.- Human Versus Artificial Senses.- Sensor Types.- Ten Future Developments.- Preview.- Unmanned Factories.- Personal Robots.- Man-Machine Communications.- Artificial Bodies.- Conclusion.