Chapter 2 : Types of Robots

Topics covered in this snack-sized chapter:



Types of Robots arrow_upward


  • There are different types of robots as discussed below:
    • Stationary Robots,
    • Mobile Robots,
    • Autonomous Robots,
    • Under water Robots,
    • Flying Robots,
    • Remote controlled Robots,
    • Virtual Robots,
    • Intelligent Robots,
    • Swarm Robots.

    Stationary Robots arrow_upward


  • Stationary robots are fixed in one position.
  • They are controlled by computer.
  • A computer sends instructions to the circuit placed in the robot arm that derives motor to make the different parts move.


    • Mobile Robots arrow_upward


  • These are robots that navigate around using motorized wheels to propel them.
  • They are categorised into following types:
  • Wheeled Robots
    • Wheeled Robots are robots that navigate around the ground using motorized wheels to propel them.
    • These are the type of robots that can quickly and easily move around.
    •  However they are only useful in flat areas, rocky terrains give them a hard time.

  • Legged Robots
    • They are somewhat a recent innovation in robotics.
    • Most successful legged robots have 4 or 6 legs for further stability.
    • Robots on legs are usually brought in when the terrain is rocky and difficult to enter with wheels.


    Autonomous Robots arrow_upward


  • Autonomous Robots are robots that can perform desired tasks in unstructured environments without continuous human guidance.
  • A fully autonomous robot has the ability to:
    • Gain information about the environment.
    • Work for an extended period without human intervention.
    • Move either all or part of itself throughout its operating environment without human assistance.
    • Avoid situations that are harmful to people, property, or itself unless those are part of its design specifications.
  • Autonomous robots are used in fields such as space exploration, cleaning floors, mowing lawns and waste water treatment.
  • Robot shown below is an autonomous robot used for cleaning floors.


    • Under Water Robots arrow_upward


  • These are the type of robots that can easily swim on or below the surface of the water.
    • Boatbots: Operate on the surface of a liquid.

    • Subbots: Operate under the surface of liquid. They are used to explore seas.


    Flying Robots arrow_upward


  • Flying Robots with Wings like Insects:
    • With a tiny carbon fiber body and wings made up of thin plastic sheets.
    • This robotic fly was inspired by the way real insects move.
    • The wings are controlled by a minuscule flight muscle or ‘actuator’ that drives wing movement when a voltage is applied.

  • Flying Robots with Fans:
    • These are conventional type robots.
    • Electric motors or combustion engines are used to produce thrust for flying.
    • Control of robot motion is achieved by altering the pitch and/or rotation rate of one or more rotor discs, thereby changing its torque load and thrust/lift characteristics.


    Virtual Robots arrow_upward


  • Virtual Robots or Simulators can be used for training and educating people.
  • An important component of these systems is the haptic interface that allows the user/operator to feel the virtual environment and exert forces on it.
  • A virtual reality system is a robot plus high-resolution displays.


    • Intelligent Robot arrow_upward


  • Intelligent Robots are the ones that have relatively highly developed processing which are similar to the ones of human’s brain.
  • The collective attributes of a robot capable of performing functions such as learning, decision making, or other intelligent human behaviors.
  • These robots are capable of doing multiple tasks.

    • Swarm Robots arrow_upward


  • Swarm Robotics is a new approach to the coordination of multi robot systems which consist of large numbers of relatively simple physical robots.



    • Thank You from Kimavi arrow_upward


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