What Is An Embedded System?
All embedded systems have a particular predefined function in a larger mechanical setup or electrical system. They consume little energy, are small in size and also pretty cheap. Modern embedded systems are often based on micro-controllers. A microcontroller is a tiny computer on a single integrated circuit which is designed with its own processor core, memory, as well as programmable input and output devices. Because of the fact that embedded systems are dedicated to performing specific tasks, it is possible to optimize them to reduce the size and cost of the product, while at the same time increase their reliability and performance.
The Importance Of Embedded Systems
The applications of embedded systems are virtually limitless as new products making use of embedded systems are introduced every single day into the market. These new products make use of embedded systems in different ways, according to their functionality. Embedded systems have revolutionized science, in that they have become a critical part of modern technological advancements including the Internet of Things (IoT), which is a technology in which objects, animals or people receive unique identifiers as well as the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring any additional human assistance.
What Is Robotics?
Robotics is a branch of technology dealing with the building of robots for use in very specific applications. Robots is now becoming increasingly employed to perform high-precision work and also in certain special situations that could be dangerous for humans, such as working in toxic environments, sweeping for mines/bombs, in radioactive environments such as nuclear reactors/plants, etc.
Every robot is comprised of three main components -
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A mechanical device that can interact with the environment,
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Sensors that provide feedback from the environment, and
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An embedded system which is responsible for communication between the mechanical and sensory devices.
It is also important to know the three laws of robotics popularly referred to as ‘Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics’. They are as follows
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Robots must never harm humans,
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Robots must follow the orders of humans as long as it doesn’t break the first rule,
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Robots must protect themselves as long as they do not break the first two rules.
Robots, therefore, need considerable intelligence in order to operate efficiently and make decisions without breaking the three prescribed laws. This can be facilitated by embedded systems.
Applications Of Embedded Systems In Robotics
Embedded systems can be used in many real-time applications including automobiles, robotics, electrical equipment, manufacturing, and a whole lot more. The following real-time projects are related to robotic technology.
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Speech-Driven Robotic Vehicles Featuring Long-Range Voice Recognition Capabilities
The main purpose of such a project is to construct a voice-operated robotic vehicle that can be controlled using voice commands for remote use. Such a robot would make use of an 8051 microcontroller, a voice recognition module as well as other miscellaneous components.
Vehicle movements such as left, right, up and down can be performed using push buttons or voice commands via a voice recognition module that is interfaced with the microcontroller. Here, an encoder is used to encode the commands given to the microcontroller using the RF transmitter to transmit the signals at a frequency of about 433 MHz.
Upon receiving these signals, an RF receiver transfers these signals to a decoder circuit in which the binary data is converted to a microcontroller level signal. Therefore, the microcontroller performs the desired movement from the transmitter circuit. The laser module is interfaced with the microcontroller to be able to effectively operate the robot in dark places with little to no visibility
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Remote Control Robotic Vehicle With Touch Screen For Store Management
This project involves controlling a robotic vehicle using a touch screen display unit for remote use. A touch screen panel is placed at the end of the transmitter and a selector robot is placed at the end of the receiver to perform tasks. This project also makes use of the 8051 microcontroller.
A touch screen module sends the microcontroller control signals corresponding to the movement of the vehicle. The controller then sends these signals to the encoder, after which it goes to the transmitter which ultimately transmits them to the receiver circuit.
The antenna at the end of the receiver receives RF signals from the transmitting antenna, upon which it decodes the data and sends them to the microcontroller. This configuration comprises of four motors driven by an engine control IC that continuously receives commands from the 8051 controller which in turn receives commands from the touch screen.
Conclusion
It is important now more than ever before, for robotics and electronics engineers to gain a concrete understanding of how they work, so they may be able to efficiently optimize them to create more efficient, effective and innovative products.