Subject - Robotics

Class - 10 Ch - 2 From Robots to Cobots Lesson Plan - 4

Topics to be covered in this chapter :
1. What is a Machine ?
2. What is a Robot ?
3. Key Characteristics of Robot
4. Difference between Machine and Robot
5. Cobot
6. Key Characteristics of Cobot
7. Difference between a Cobot and a Robot
8. Importance of Cobots

Machine
Machine is a device that uses energy to perform a task. It can be a simple machine like a screwdriver,
pulley or it can be a complex machine like a car or a computer. Mostly humans operate machines but it
can be automated too.

Robot
A Robot is a machine that can perform tasks autonomously. Robots can be equipped with sensors and
other devices to interact with the environment. Robots are used in various applications including,
healthcare and customer service.

Key Characteristics of Robot

Characteristic Description

Autonomy Ability to perform tasks with little or no human intervention, using

sensors and programming.

Sensors Devices that help robots detect and respond to their environment,
such as cameras or touch sensors.

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 Characteristic Description

Actuators/Motors Components that allow the robot to move or perform actions, like
motors for wheels or arms.

Power Source Energy source that powers the robot, such as batteries or electrical
outlets.

Programming Set of instructions or software that dictates how the robot

performs tasks and responds to inputs.

Task Specificity Robots can be specialized for particular tasks (e.g., industrial
robots) or versatile for many uses.

Adaptability Ability to adjust to changes in the environment or tasks using

algorithms and sensors.

Communication Ability to send or receive data, sometimes through wireless

networks, to coordinate with other robots or systems.

Human Interaction Level of interaction between humans and robots, ranging from
manual control to full autonomy with occasional supervision.

Difference between Machine and Robot

Aspect Robot Machine

Definition A programmable machine that can A device or tool made up of parts to

perform tasks autonomously or perform a specific task, often
semi-autonomously. requiring human control.

Autonomy Can operate on its own, using sensors Generally requires human control or
and software to make decisions. direct input to function.

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 Aspect Robot Machine

Programming Controlled by software or code that May not involve programming; relies
dictates its behavior and response to on mechanical or electrical input to
stimuli. perform tasks.

Task Versatility Can perform a variety of tasks, Usually designed to perform a single,
depending on programming and design. specific function or set of functions.

Sensors and Equipped with sensors (e.g., cameras, Rarely has sensors; typically only
Response touch sensors) to interact with the responds to direct human input or
environment. mechanical triggers.

Human Can work autonomously with minimal Requires regular human control or
Interaction human supervision; some require intervention to operate.
human interaction.

Adaptability Can adapt to changes in the Limited adaptability; performs the

environment or tasks using algorithms same function unless modified by
and sensors. humans.

Complexity More complex, integrating hardware and Can range from simple to complex,
software to perform tasks. but often lacks the intelligent
decision-making capabilities of
robots.

This table highlights the key distinctions between robots and machines, focusing on autonomy, versatility,
and human interaction.

Case Study: Washing Machine vs. Robotic Floor Cleaner

In this case study, we’ll compare a washing machine and a robotic floor cleaner to determine which is a
machine and which is a robot. Answer the following questions to reach your conclusion.

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1. Initial Functionality

● Washing Machine: You load clothes and set it to wash.

○ Does it operate automatically after you start it, without further input?
■ Yes
■ No
● Robotic Floor Cleaner: You place it in a room and press start.
○ Can it navigate around furniture and avoid obstacles?
■ Yes
■ No

2. Decision-Making Capability

● Washing Machine:
○ Does it adjust cycles based on load size or fabric type?
■ Yes
■ No
● Robotic Floor Cleaner:
○ Does it use sensors to map the environment and decide the best cleaning path?
■ Yes
■ No

3. Level of Autonomy

● Washing Machine:
○ Once started, does it require manual intervention until the cycle ends?
■ Yes
■ No
● Robotic Floor Cleaner:
○ Can it operate independently and return to its charging station when done?
■ Yes
■ No

Conclusion

● If you answered “Yes” to the washing machine operating automatically but “No” to it adapting its
cycles or requiring no intervention, it is a machine.
● If you answered “Yes” to the robotic floor cleaner navigating and making decisions based on its
environment, it is a robot.

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 Cobots
A cobot, or collaborative robot, is a type of robot designed to work alongside humans in a shared
space. Unlike traditional robots that often operate in isolation, cobots are safe and easy to use around
people, helping with tasks like assembly, packaging, or even lifting heavy objects. They enhance human
work rather than replace it, making tasks more efficient and safe.

Key Characteristics of Cobot

Characteristic Description

Safety Features Designed with sensors and soft edges to prevent injury, allowing safe
operation alongside humans.

Ease of Use User-friendly interfaces and programming, making them accessible to

non-experts.

Flexibility Easily reconfigurable and programmable for various tasks, adapting to

different workflows.

Intuitive Operation Designed for direct interaction with humans, enabling intuitive control
and collaboration.

Lightweight Design Smaller and lighter than traditional industrial robots, allowing easy
movement and setup.

Cooperative Able to share tasks with humans, enhancing productivity without the
Functionality need for safety cages.

Integration Can be integrated into existing systems and workflows with minimal
Capability disruption.

Cost-Effective Generally less expensive to implement and maintain than traditional

robots, making them accessible for many businesses.

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 Difference between a Cobot and a Robot
Aspect Robot Cobot

Collaboration with Typically operates independently Designed to work alongside

Humans and may require a safety barrier. humans in a shared space.

Safety Often has limited safety Built with safety features to

features; may pose risks without prevent injury, allowing close
barriers. human interaction.

Complexity Can be complex and require Generally user-friendly and easy

specialized training to operate. for non-experts to program and
use.

Task Specificity Usually programmed for specific, Flexible and can be adapted for a
repetitive tasks. variety of tasks as needed.

Environment Often found in industrial Commonly used in workplaces,

settings, isolated from human homes, and collaborative
workers. environments.

Purpose Often designed to replace Aims to assist and enhance human

human labor in specific tasks. capabilities rather than replace
them.

Cost and Can be expensive to implement Typically more cost-effective and

Maintenance and maintain. easier to maintain.

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 Importance of Cobots

Importance Description

Enhanced Cobots have built-in safety features, such as sensors and force limits, allowing
Safety them to operate safely alongside humans.

Increased By working collaboratively with humans, cobots enhance productivity by

Productivity automating repetitive tasks while allowing human workers to focus on more
complex tasks.

Flexibility Cobots are easily reprogrammable and adaptable, making them suitable for a
wide variety of tasks across different industries.

Cost-Effective Cobots are generally less expensive than traditional industrial robots, making
them accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.

Improved Cobots perform repetitive tasks with high precision, reducing the likelihood
Accuracy of human error and improving product quality.

Reduced Cobots can take over physically demanding tasks, minimizing worker fatigue
Worker and the risk of injuries from manual labor.
Fatigue

Ease of Cobots are designed to integrate smoothly into existing workflows without
Integration major disruptions, often requiring minimal setup time.

Human Unlike traditional robots, cobots are designed to complement human

Collaboration abilities, enhancing collaboration between machines and people.

Skill Workers operating cobots can develop new skills in robotics and automation,
Enhancement increasing their technical proficiency.

Workplace By handling monotonous tasks, cobots allow human workers to focus on

Efficiency more strategic activities, improving overall workplace efficiency.

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 Exercise MCQ Questions
1) What is the primary difference between a traditional machine and a robot?
● A) Robots require human control, while machines do not.
● B) Robots can operate autonomously, while machines typically require human input.
● C) Machines use software, but robots do not.
● D) Robots can only perform one task, while machines are versatile.
2) Which of the following is a key feature of robots that differentiates them from regular
machines?
● A) They are manually operated.
● B) They require constant human supervision.
● C) They can sense their environment and make decisions based on input.
● D) They do not use any electronic components.

3) What type of robot is designed to work directly with humans in a shared space?
● A) Industrial Robot
● B) Automated Machine
● C) Cobot (Collaborative Robot)
● D) Humanoid Robot

4) Which of the following best describes how cobots differ from traditional industrial robots?
● A) Cobots work in isolation from humans.
● B) Cobots are heavier and more dangerous than traditional robots.
● C) Cobots work alongside humans and are designed to be safe.
● D) Cobots do not require any programming.

5) How do cobots ensure safety when working with humans?

● A) They operate at high speeds.
● B) They are equipped with sensors and safety mechanisms.
● C) They require a human operator at all times.
● D) They perform tasks without any movement.

6) Which of the following is an example of a machine, not a robot?

● A) CNC machine that cuts metal based on a program
● B) Robotic vacuum cleaner that navigates rooms
● C) Automated assembly line robot that welds car parts
● D) A manual screwdriver

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7) What characteristics of robots allow them to perform tasks without human intervention?
● A) Human-like appearance
● B) Pre-set manual controls
● C) Autonomy through sensors and programming
● D) Mechanical arms and gears

8) What is a common use of cobots in manufacturing?

● A) Replacing human workers entirely.
● B) Helping humans by sharing physical tasks like lifting and assembly.
● C) Performing tasks with no interaction from humans.
● D) Working faster than any human-operated machines.

9) Why are robots typically more expensive than simple machines?

● A) They are made from heavier materials.
● B) They require software programming, sensors, and complex components.
● C) They are only used in large factories.
● D) They are easier to maintain than machines.

10)Which of the following is a major advantage of using robots in repetitive tasks?

● A) They always need human supervision.
● B) They improve precision and consistency, reducing errors.
● C) They reduce flexibility in production.
● D) They work slower than traditional machines.

Answers of MCQs

1. B) Robots can operate autonomously, while machines typically require human input.
2. C) They can sense their environment and make decisions based on input.
3. C) Cobot (Collaborative Robot)
4. C) Cobots work alongside humans and are designed to be safe.
5. B) They are equipped with sensors and safety mechanisms.
6. D) A manual screwdriver
7. C) Autonomy through sensors and programming
8. B) Helping humans by sharing physical tasks like lifting and assembly.
9. B) They require software programming, sensors, and complex components.
10. B) They improve precision and consistency, reducing errors.

Assertion-Reason Questions
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1. Assertion (A): Cobots are safer than traditional industrial robots. Reason (R): Cobots are equipped
with sensors and safety mechanisms that allow them to operate in close proximity to humans.
○ A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
○ B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
○ C) A is true, but R is false.
○ D) A is false, but R is true.

2. Assertion (A): Traditional machines cannot perform tasks autonomously. Reason (R): Traditional
machines require constant human input to function, whereas robots can operate based on
pre-programmed instructions.
○ A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
○ B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
○ C) A is true, but R is false.
○ D) A is false, but R is true.

3. Assertion (A): Robots are more flexible than simple machines. Reason (R): Robots can be
reprogrammed for different tasks, whereas simple machines are usually designed for one specific
function.
○ A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
○ B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
○ C) A is true, but R is false.
○ D) A is false, but R is true.

4. Assertion (A): Cobots can work in isolation from humans. Reason (R): Cobots are designed to
collaborate with humans in a shared workspace, performing tasks that complement human
abilities.
○ A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
○ B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
○ C) A is true, but R is false.
○ D) A is false, but R is true.

5. Assertion (A): Cobots are typically more cost-effective than traditional industrial robots. Reason
(R): Cobots are lighter, easier to program, and require less maintenance than traditional robots,
making them more affordable for smaller businesses.
○ A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
○ B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
○ C) A is true, but R is false.
○ D) A is false, but R is true.
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Answers for assertion reason questions:

1. A
2. A
3. A
4. D
5. A

Case Study Questions

Case Study 1:

Scenario: A car manufacturing company is looking to automate its assembly line. They are considering two
options: traditional industrial robots and collaborative robots (cobots). The industrial robots can handle
tasks like welding and painting at high speeds but need to operate in isolation for safety. Cobots, on the
other hand, are slower but can work alongside human workers, assisting with tasks like part assembly and
material handling.

Question:

1. Based on this scenario, which type of robot (industrial robot or cobot) would be better suited for
tasks requiring high speed and precision? Justify your choice.
2. For tasks that require flexibility and close interaction with human workers, which option would be
more appropriate? Explain why.

Case Study 2:

Scenario: A small electronics manufacturing company is experiencing rapid growth. The company
currently uses manual machines operated by skilled workers to assemble electronic components. They are
now exploring the use of robots or cobots to improve efficiency. The budget is limited, so they need to
choose a cost-effective solution that integrates well with their existing workforce. The workers will
continue to perform complex tasks, but repetitive and physically tiring tasks need to be automated.

Question:

1. Should the company invest in robots or cobots for their production line? Provide reasons
considering cost, safety, and human-robot interaction.
2. What would be the impact of choosing cobots on the existing workforce’s productivity and job
satisfaction?

Answers for Case Study 1:

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1. Which type of robot (industrial robot or cobot) would be better suited for tasks requiring high speed
and precision? Justify your choice.

● Answer: An industrial robot would be better suited for tasks requiring high speed and precision,
such as welding and painting. Industrial robots are designed for repetitive, high-precision tasks and
can operate at faster speeds than cobots. However, they typically require isolation from human
workers due to safety concerns, allowing them to work without interruption.

2. For tasks that require flexibility and close interaction with human workers, which option would be
more appropriate? Explain why.

● Answer: A cobot (collaborative robot) would be more appropriate for tasks requiring flexibility and
close interaction with human workers. Cobots are designed to safely work alongside humans,
sharing tasks such as part assembly and material handling. They have built-in safety features like
sensors, allowing them to collaborate with workers without the need for safety cages or barriers.
While slower than industrial robots, their adaptability and ability to enhance human productivity
make them ideal for this type of work.

Answers for Case Study 2:

1. Should the company invest in robots or cobots for their production line? Provide reasons considering
cost, safety, and human-robot interaction.

● Answer: The company should invest in cobots for their production line. Given their limited budget
and the need for integration with human workers, cobots are a cost-effective solution. Cobots are
generally more affordable and easier to maintain than traditional robots. They also provide safety
features like sensors, allowing them to work alongside humans without the need for extensive
safety measures. Cobots can handle repetitive and physically tiring tasks, freeing up skilled workers
for more complex tasks, which would improve overall efficiency.

2. What would be the impact of choosing cobots on the existing workforce’s productivity and job
satisfaction?

● Answer: Choosing cobots would likely have a positive impact on the workforce’s productivity and
job satisfaction. By automating repetitive and physically demanding tasks, cobots would reduce
worker fatigue, allowing employees to focus on more complex and engaging tasks. This could
enhance their sense of accomplishment and job satisfaction. Additionally, working with cobots
would likely improve productivity as workers and cobots collaborate to complete tasks more
efficiently, without the risk of injury or burnout from physically strenuous work.

Video Reference

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1. Comparison of Industrial Robots and Cobots
2. Introduction to Cobots : Understanding the Basics of Collaborative Robot Technology and
Operation
3. How are collaborative robots trained?

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