lunes, 30 de noviembre de 2009

Robotics

Definition

Robotics is the branch of technology that involves the integration of engineering and science with the aim of designing, manufacturing and operating programmable devices or robots, capable of executing tasks typically performed by humans. Robotics combines varied disciplines such as mechanics, electronics, among others.
Activities
I.- Watch this video and pay attention to the vocabulary that appears on it. Write down the words you do NOT know.
II.- Read the text paying attention to the words hightlighted.
Nao listens: Nao has four microphones fitted into his head and a voice recognition and artificial intelligence. He recognizes a set of predefined words that you can supplement with your own expressions. These words trigger any behavior you choose. Available so far in English and French, Nao is also capable of detecting the source of a sound or voice to deal with that source and start interacting.

Listening to Nao: Nao can express himself by reading out any file stored locally in his storage space or captured from a web site of RSS flow. Fitted with two speakers placed on either side of the head, his vocal synthesis system can be configured, allowing for voice alterations such as speed or tone. Naturally, you can send a music file to Nao and have him play it.

Nao sees: Nao sees by means of two CMOS 640 x 480 cameras, which can capture up to 30 images per second. The first is on the forehead, while the second camera is placed at mouth level to scan the immediate environment. The software lets you recover photos that Nao sees and video streams. Nao contains a set of algorithms to detect and recognize faces and shapes, so he can recognize the person talking to him, find a ball, and ultimately much more complex objects.

Nao reacts to touch: Nao is fitted with tactile sensors placed on the top of his head, divided into three sections. You can therefore give Nao information through touch: pressing once to tell him to turn off or using this sensor as a series of buttons to trigger an associated action. The system comes with LED, indicating the type of contact.

Nao is connected: Nao can communicate in several ways. For local connections, infrared senders/receivers placed in his eyes allow him to connect to the objects in his environment, serving as a remote control. Nao can also browse the Internet and interface with any website to send or retrieve data.

Always upright!: Nao is equipped with an inertial central unit. The values sent by the central unit are retrieved and used to give Nao a sense of balance. The analysis of the data from the central unit also lets him know whether he is upright or lying on his back or front. He can also adjust the angle of his hips if he is operating on an incline.

Nao avoids obstacles: Equipped with two pairs of ultra-sound senders/receivers on the torso, Nao receives feedback on several echoes. As a result, Nao is aware of whether or not obstacles are close. The values returned by these sensors can also be used to detect a movement or an object passing in front of him, whether to his right or left. If an obstacle is too low to be detected a torso level, bumpers sensors placed at the tip of the feet give him absolute data on the contact with the obstacle, which allows him to commence an avoidance behaviour.

III.- Match the concepts with their respective meanings.
CONCEPTS

1. Artificial Intelligence

2. RSS flow

3. CMOS cameras

4. Algorithms

5. Tactile sensors

6. LED

7. Ultra-sound senders/receivers

8. Infrared senders/receivers

9. Inertial central unit

10. Bumper

MEANINGS



____Physical force that keeps a robot moving in the same direction (in a straight line) or in the same position.

____A device which produces a light especially on electronic equipment.
____Devices that send and receive infrared communication (data) between a remote station and a robot.

____Devices which measure the parameters of a contact between the sensor and an object. This interaction obtained is confined to a small defined region.

____(Complementary metal oxide semiconductor) cameras that use image sensors which operate at lower voltages.

____A device that generates pulses in a particular direction. If there is an object in the path of this pulse, part or all of the pulse will be reflected back to the transmitter as an echo and can be detected through the receiver path.

____The ability of a computer or other machine to perform those activities that are normally thought to require human intelligence.

____Devices that act like sensors in order to avoid obstacles as well as the impact of a collision.

____(Really Simple Syndication) flow, or RSS link, is used for issuing any new information associated with a website in real time.

____Sequences of specific instructions that a robot should perform to carry out a specified task.
IV.- Choose three words from the reading (only the ones that are highlighted), and provide an oral definition for each of them.
1.-_________________
2.-_________________
3.-_________________
V.- In groups of 4-5 students, create your own robot using at least four of the ten key words. Write down its name, the main characteristics, parts and functions. Then, present your project to the class.
- Karol Alarcón
- Alejandra Colima
- Mauricio Quiroz

2 comentarios:

  1. Este comentario ha sido eliminado por el autor.

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  2. I like your lesson because you were able to include all the skills. It is also important to mention that students will probably enjoy it because of the variety of sources (video, text, oral reports) you included.

    Amilka-Pablo

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