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What Is a Robot?
A robot is a programmable machine that can complete a task, while the term robotics
describes the field of study focused on developing robots and automation. Each robot
has a different level of autonomy. These levels range from human-controlled bots that
carry out tasks to fully-autonomous bots that perform tasks without any external
influences.

In terms of etymology, the word ‘robot’ is derived from the Czech word robota,
which means “forced labor.” The word first appeared in the 1920 play R.U.R., in
reference to the play’s characters who were mass-produced workers incapable of
creative thinking.

Robotics Aspects

Mechanical Construction
The mechanical aspect of a robot helps it complete tasks in the environment for
which it’s designed. For example, the Mars 2020 Rover’s wheels are individually
motorized and made of titanium tubing that help it firmly grip the harsh terrain of the
red planet.

Electrical Components
Robots need electrical components that control and power the machinery. Essentially,
an electric current — a battery, for example — is needed to power a large majority of
robots.

Software Program
Robots contain at least some level of computer programming. Without a set of code
telling it what to do, a robot would just be another piece of simple machinery.
Inserting a program into a robot gives it the ability to know when and how to carry
out a task.

What Are the Main Components of a Robot?

Control System
Computation includes all of the components that make up a robot’s central processing
unit, often referred to as its control system. Control systems are programmed to tell a
robot how to utilize its specific components, similar in some ways to how the human
brain sends signals throughout the body, in order to complete a specific task. These
robotic tasks could comprise anything from minimally invasive surgery to assembly
line packing.

Sensors
Sensors provide a robot with stimuli in the form of electrical signals that are
processed by the controller and allow the robot to interact with the outside world.
Common sensors found within robots include video cameras that function as eyes,
photoresistors that react to light and microphones that operate like ears. These sensors
allow the robot to capture its surroundings and process the most logical conclusion
based on the current moment and allows the controller to relay commands to the
additional components

Actuators
A device can only be considered to be a robot if it has a movable frame or body.
Actuators are the components that are responsible for this movement. These
components are made up of motors that receive signals from the control system and
move in tandem to carry out the movement necessary to complete the assigned task.
Actuators can be made of a variety of materials, such as metal or elastic, and are
commonly operated by use of compressed air (pneumatic actuators) or oil (hydraulic
actuators) but come in a variety of formats to best fulfill their specialized roles.

Power Supply
Like the human body requires food in order to function, robots require power.
Stationary robots, such as those found in a factory, may run on AC power through a
wall outlet but more commonly, robots operate via an internal battery. Most robots
utilize lead-acid batteries for their safe qualities and long shelf life while others may
utilize the more compact but also more expensive silver-cadmium variety. Safety,
weight, replaceability and lifecycle are all important factors to consider when
designing a robot’s power supply.

Some potential power sources for future robotic development also include pneumatic
power from compressed gasses, solar power, hydraulic power, flywheel energy
storage organic garbage through anaerobic digestion and nuclear power.

End Effectors
End effectors are the physical, typically external components that allow robots to
finish carrying out their tasks. Robots in factories often have interchangeable tools
like paint sprayers and drills, surgical robots may be equipped with scalpels and other
kinds of robots can be built with gripping claws or even hands for tasks like
deliveries, packing, bomb diffusion and much more.

How Do Robots Work?

Some robots are pre-programmed to perform specific functions, meaning they operate
in a controlled environment where they do simple, monotonous tasks — like a
mechanical arm on an automotive assembly line.

Other robots are autonomous, operating independently of human operators to carry

out tasks in open environments. In order to work, they use sensors to perceive the
world around them, and then employ decision-making structures (usually a computer)
to take the optimal next step based on their data and mission.

Robots may also work by using wireless networks to enable human control from a
safe distance. These teleoperated robots usually work in extreme geographical
conditions, weather and circumstances.

ACTIVIDADES
1- Da una mirada al texto aplicando la técnica del Vistazo (Scanning) y
responde las siguientes preguntas.
a- Primeramente, presta atención a las ilustraciones o fotos, números y signos de
puntuación que acompañen al texto. Antes de una lectura del texto responde.
¿En qué tiempo verbal está escrito el texto?
b- Luego de una lectura interpretativa del texto. Extrae tres FRASES
NOMINALES.
2- Lee nuevamente el texto y selecciona 4 palabras estructurales, 4 palabras
conceptuales, y 4 palabras técnicas.
3- Selecciona 2 verbos y escribe oraciones utilizando adverbios.
4- Coloca la función gramatical a las siguientes palabras, (en Ingles).

PALABRA FUNCION GRAMTICAL

WINDOW

BOTS

SOFTWARE
PROGRAM

PAMTOP

5- Con tus palabras, proporciona una interpretación del texto en solo tres
renglones.
6- Traduce la parte del texto que esta subrayada.