CHAPTER 1:

FUNDAMENTALS
OF ROBOTICS

COMPENG ELEC 2
2nd Sem, SY 2023 -2024
Aubrey Micah C. Dalino
MA. Christina V. Magabilin

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Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1
Objectives .............................................................................................................. 1
Learning Content .................................................................................................... 1
I. What is Robot? .............................................................................................. 1
II. What are the main components of a robot? ............................................... 1
1. Computation ........................................................................................... 2
2. Movement ............................................................................................... 2
3. Sensors .................................................................................................... 2
III. Function of Robots ..................................................................................... 2
IV. What is Robotics? ....................................................................................... 3
V. Laws of Robotics ......................................................................................... 3
VI. Principle for Designers, Builders and Users of Robots ................................. 3
VII. Seven High-Level Messages ..................................................................... 4
VIII. Engineering Design Process ..................................................................... 4
IX. Introduction to Analog Circuits ................................................................... 6
1. Sensor Networks ..................................................................................... 6
2. High Performance Sensing ....................................................................... 6
3. The Processor – The Brain........................................................................ 7
4. Powering the IoT ..................................................................................... 7
5. Security and Surveillance ......................................................................... 8
6. Connecting Data ...................................................................................... 8
X. How to write a project proposal ................................................................. 9
Summary .............................................................................................................. 10
Teaching and Learning Activities........................................................................... 11
Recommended Learning Materials and Resources for Supplementary Reading .... 11

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 CHAPTER 1 – FUNDAMENTALS OF ROBOTICS
COMP ENG ELEC 2 – ROBOTICS/MACHINE LEARNING 2

Introduction
In this chapter, robots and robotics is differentiated. The main components of robots are as well discussed along
with the laws and principles governing robots and robotics presented in different papers and symposiums. The main
purpose of Analog Circuits and its application is further explained. The introduction to creating project proposals
were detailed enabling students to develop solid foundation in creating the subject requirement.

Objectives
At the end of the topic, the student should be able to:

➢ Discuss the basic principles of robots, robotics and engineering design process
➢ Explain the fundamentals of robotics
➢ Understand analog circuits
➢ Differentiate Analog to Digital circuits
➢ Identify the key principles in creating project proposals
➢ Develop an initial project proposal

Learning Content
What is Robot?
➢ The word robot was coined by a Czech novelist Karel Capek in a 1920 play titled Rassum’s Universal
Robots (RUR)
➢ In Czech, Robot means worker or servant.
➢ According to Robot Institute of America, robot is
o “Any machine made by one of our members”
o “A robot is a reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools
or specialized devices through variable programmed motions for the performance of a variety of
tasks.” (1979)
➢ The traditional definition of a robot is a machine that can sense, think, and act. That means it can:
o Tell what’s happening in its physical environment
o Analyze that information and make a decision based on its programming
o Move around, flash lights, sound alarms, or otherwise do something that affects the physical world.
➢ A robot is a device meant to help humans accomplish tasks.

What are the main components of a robot?

➢ Robots come in all shapes and sizes all of which require different parts for construction. These are the three
general categories of robotics:

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1. Computation
o While saying a robot has a “brain” does a disservice to what we have in our own heads, they do
have a central processing unit called a controller that determines the actions they take in a given
situation. These controllers can be programmed to complete tasks as simple as turning a screw or
as complex as emulating human social graces and expressions.

2. Movement
o As autonomous units, robots need specific mechanical parts to allow them to move freely without
direct physical intervention from their human operators. These parts include things like wheels that
allow them to travel and motors that propel them. Other components such as grippers allow them
to interface with the world around them in a direct and targeted way.

3. Sensors
o Sensors are what allow robots to recognize their surroundings. They give them the ability to
determine things like the size and shape of an object or detect heat, cold, or other properties. These
capabilities allow the processors to collect data about the surrounding environment, then move
accordingly.

Function of Robots

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 What is Robotics?
➢ According to NASA, Robotics is simply the study of robots.
➢ Robotics is a subfield of engineering dedicated to the research, development, and operation of robots.
➢ Robotics is an interdisciplinary sector focused on creating machines that efficiently carry out various tasks.
➢ Robotics is the intersection of science, engineering and technology that produces machines, called robots,
that substitute for (or replicate) human actions.

Laws of Robotics
➢ Isaac Asimov proposed three “Laws of Robotics” and later added the “zeroth law”.
o Law 0: A robot may not inquire humanity or though inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.
o Law 1: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to
harm.
o Law 2: A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict
with the First Law.
o Law 3: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the
First or Second Law.

Principle for Designers, Builders and Users of Robots

Note: The rules are presented in a semi-legal version; a looser, but easier to express, version that captures
the sense for a non-specialist audience and a commentary of the issues being addressed and why the rule
is important.

LEGAL GENERAL AUDIENCE

1 Robots are multi-use tools. Robots should not Robots should not be designed as weapons, except
be designed solely or primarily to kill or harm for national security reasons.
humans, except in the interests of national
security.

2 Humans, not robots, are responsible agents. Robots should be designed and operated to comply
Robots should be designed; operated as far asis with existing law, including privacy.
practicable to comply with existing laws &
fundamental rights & freedoms, including
privacy.

3 Robots are products. They should be designed Robots are products: as with other products, they
using processes which assure their safety and should be designed to be safe and secure.
security.

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 4 Robots are manufactured artefacts. They should Robots are manufactured artefacts: the illusion of
not be designed in a deceptive way to exploit emotions and intent should not be used to exploit
vulnerable users; instead their machine nature vulnerable users.
should be transparent.

5 The person with legal responsibility for a robot It should be possible to find out who is responsible
should be attributed. for any robot.

Seven High-Level Messages

In addition to the above principles the group also developed an overarching set of messages designed to
encourage responsibility within the robotics research and industrial community, and thereby gain trust in the
work it does. The spirit of responsible innovation is, for the most part, already out there but we felt it worthwhile
to make this explicit. The following commentary explains the principles.

PRINCIPLE

1 We believe robots have the potential to provide immense positive impact to society. We want to encourage
responsible robot research.

2 Bad practice hurts us all.

3 Addressing obvious public concerns will help us all make progress.

4 It is important to demonstrate that we, as roboticists, are committed to the best possible standards of
practice.

5 To understand the context and consequences of our research we should work with experts from other
disciplines including: social sciences, law, philosophy and the arts.

6 We should consider the ethics of transparency: are there limits to what should be openly available

7 When we see erroneous accounts in the press, we commit to take the time to contact the reporting
journalists.

Engineering Design Process

1. Define the Problem
➢ What is the problem or need?
➢ Who has the problem or need?
➢ Why is it important to solve?

2. Do Background Research
Learn from the experiences of others — this can help you find out about existing solutions to similar problems, and
avoid mistakes that were made in the past.

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3. Specify Requirements
Design requirements state the important characteristics that your solution must meet to succeed. One of the best ways
to identify the design requirements for your solution is to analyze the concrete example of a similar, existing product,
noting each of its key features.

4. Brainstorm Solutions
There are always many good
possibilities for solving design
problems. If you focus on just one
before looking at the alternatives, it is
almost certain that you are overlookinga
better solution. Good designers try to
generate as many possible solutions as
they can.

5. Choose the Best Solution

Look at whether each possible solution
meets your design requirements. Some
solutions probably meet more
requirements than others. Reject
solutions that do not meet the
requirements.

6. Develop the Solution

Development involves the refinement
and improvement of a solution, and it
continues throughout the design
process, often even after a product
ships to customers.

7. Build a Prototype
A prototype is an operating version of a
solution. Often it is made with different
materials than the final version, and
generally it is not as polished. Prototypes are a key step in the development of a final solution, allowing the designer to
test how the solution will work.

8. Test and Redesign

The design process involves multiple iterations and redesigns of your final solution. You will likely test your solution,
find new problems, make changes, and test new solutions before settling on a final design.

9. Communicate Results
To complete your project, communicate your results to others in a final report and/or a display board. Professional
engineers always do the same, thoroughly documenting their solutions so that they can be manufactured and
supported.

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 Introduction to Analog Circuits
In a world enamored with all things digital, analog just refuses to die. After all, everything we have and use
today is digital. Our cameras, telephones, television, communications systems, and everything else seems to have
gone digital. For instances, in electronics it is convenient to represent numbers like 1, 2, 3 etc. using the binary
system because ‘1’ and ‘0’ can be conveniently related to “ON” and “OFF”. All digital equipment – starting right from
a microwave oven, washing machines, and traffic lights to calculators and computers use the binary system.
Here are some of the distinct areas of technology focusing on applications and IoT products emerging from
analog electronics:

1. Sensor Networks
Analog Devices offers the wireless sensor network kit, which is designed as a stand-alone solution for sensing in
industrial IoT environments. Sensor networks are extremely valuable in large IoT applications, as they allow scalable
design depending on the number of nodes required in design.

2. High Performance Sensing

To correctly interpret signals, signal conditioning is imperative, especially in the Internet of Things where inaccurate
data has nearly immediate consequences. This design can be optimized for noise, power, or data rate, which makes
it suitable for home or clinical ECG machines, all of which require extremely important signal interpretation as the
patient’s life could depend on those signals.

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 3. The Processor – The Brain
As true for almost all connected solutions, IoT data tends to actually influence the eventual output of a system, which
is often done with a microcontroller. Microcontrollers can range from high capability with high power demands to lower
capability with extremely low power demands. Analog Devices has focused on making ultra-low power
microcontrollers, just like ADuCM4050, which is an ARM Cortex M4 with 512 KB of embedded flash memory that
supports a whole slew of exciting features to process your digital or Analog sensor inputs.

4. Powering the IoT

Obviously, nearly every category focus up to this point has at least mentioned the ability to be low power. Even in a
design where every component is ultra-low power, the integration of an effective power management device is
crucial. Every day, new designs feature innovative ways of collecting non-standard power. To handle this power,
Analog Devices has created an Energy harvesting PMU with ULP boost and charge management that supports a PV
or TEG harvest. Best of all, Analog Devices has unmatched design expertise around low power systems and this
product is living proof.

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 5. Security and Surveillance
Analog Devices offers innovative technologies which enable differentiated features and functionality in the full suiteof
security and surveillance end applications. Since the turn of the century, demands of security and surveillance system
deployments have increased dramatically. This was brought on by the movement into the mainstream ofwhat
were traditionally viewed as high-end or government-related functions. With a broad portfolio of data converters,
amplifiers, DSP, and power management devices, analog devices offers signal chain coverage for a number of
independent end applications as well as integrated system solutions.

6. Connecting Data
Once data has become executable, sharing the data is what makes the IoT so definitive and ground-breaking. Analog
Devices supports a wide array of radio bands across a number of wireless protocols and range requirements.

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 How to write a project proposal
Remember that the reason you’re writing a proposal is to obtain executive buy-in. You want key people to
support your project. You need decision-makers on your side to turn a vision into reality.
You want the proposal to speak to them, and then motivate them to take the next step, which is to greenlight
the project.

Step 1: Define the problem

➢ What’s the problem your project is trying to address? Why is it a problem? Why is it worth solving? Make
your audience see the problem the way you see it.
➢ Tips for defining the problem:
o Start strong. Decision-makers usually don’t allot much time to look over a proposal, so make sure
that the pain point is succinctly described and in a manner that resonates with them.
o Use facts, not opinion. Although you want your audience to understand the severity of a problem,
you don’t want to exaggerate. Instead, use data from your research to back up your assertions.

Step 2: Present your solution

➢ How will your project solve the problem? Why is your solution the better option over other similar solutions?
Discuss why other solutions won’t work for the situation.
➢ Tips for presenting your solution:
o Anticipate questions and objections. Be prepared to defend your solution from all angles. Be
ready to explain why your more expensive solution is better than a less expensive one, for example.
o Present the solution’s larger impact. Stakeholders generally get more excited about projects with
wide-ranging effects than those with limited impact.
o Again, facts over opinion. Provide as many research-backed examples as you can.

Step 3: Define your deliverables and success criteria

➢ This section provides a picture of the functions and attributes of the deliverable, plus how to know if the
project is successful.
➢ Tips for defining deliverables:
o Include a delivery date. Define what your project will deliver and what users can expect from it, such
as a cloud-based phone system that’s accessible 24/7 from anywhere if it’s a customer service project
you’re proposing. Also, indicate when you plan to complete each deliverable.
o Your solution must be SMART. Your success criteria will signal whether the project has been
successful. Remember to keep your solution SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and
time-bound.)

Step 4: State your plan or approach

➢ This is the most critical section of the proposal and discusses how to achieve the project’s objectives. It
starts with an explanation of the approach and why it’s relevant and effective. It also explains how problems
will be managed.
➢ Tips for planning:
o Introduce project strategies. Will you be using the traditional waterfall approach? Why? Will you
be using third-party contractors, in-house staff, or consultants? What will their objectives and

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 responsibilities be? This is your opportunity to discuss the "why" behind the decisions you're making
to get the project completed.
o Explain how problems will be addressed. This explains your project management plan's risk
mitigation strategies.

Step 5: Outline your schedule and budget

➢ This is the section where you break down project costs and detail how you will meet deadlines.
➢ Tips for defining a schedule and budget:
o Provide as much detail as possible. Break your budget down into categories, such as supplies,
tools, salary, etc. Include all overhead and indirect costs. A detailed financial breakdown will signal
to stakeholders that you’ve done your research and don’t intend to waste their money. Note that certain
projects may require financial statements and funding sources.
o Be concrete. Don’t guess. Provide project start and end times, and if certain sections of the project
can be done simultaneously.

Step 6: Tie it all together

➢ End your proposal with a conclusion that briefly summarizes the problem, solution, and benefits. Emphasize
the significant parts, and make your proposal stand out by restating ideas or facts you want your audience
to remember.
➢ Check your proposal for consistency of ideas and whether the elements support each other.
➢ Tips for tying everything together:
o Your proposal should read like a book. Your proposal should tell a story. Every section and element
must work together to form a cohesive whole.
o Refrain from introducing anything that doesn’t fit. Be careful not to introduce anything that
seems off or doesn’t contribute to the overall objectives of the project.
o Make sure all project proposal elements are present. Check your document and ensure all the
necessary elements have been addressed.

Step 7: Edit/proofread your proposal

➢ Rewrite your proposal as necessary to make it interesting, helpful, clear, and persuasive. Ask for feedback,
and ensure the proposal is organized and visually appealing.
➢ Tips for editing:
o Check the tone and language. Your proposal is intended for a certain audience type, so make
sure the tone and language used are reflective of that. Don’t forget to proofread for grammar,
punctuation, or spelling mistakes. You want your proposal to look professional.

Summary
In this chapter, you were reviewed on the fundamentals of robots and robotics including the laws and principles
governing it. We can also learn that though we are living in digital era, analog circuits or analog electronics plays a very
significant part in technological development including in robotics. Understanding the concepts on how analog circuits
are applied helps us consider the bigger future of the analogs. Project Proposal Preparation was also presented
in this module aiming to provide you, students, the necessary knowledge to prepare a unique and strong project
requirement for the subject.

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Teaching and Learning Activities

Quiz 1: SKETCHNOTING

➢ In a clean sheet of paper, sketch a picture that represents what you have learned in
this module.
➢ Take a picture of it.
➢ Submit it until February __, 202_, 5PM.

Recommended Learning Materials and Resources for Supplementary Reading

Books:
➢ Ceceri, Kathy (2012). Making Simple Robots. Maker Media, Inc.
➢ Joseph, Lentin (2018). Robot Operating System for Absolute Beginners: Robotics Programming Made
Easy. New York: Springer Science + Business Media Finance Inc(SSBM Finance Inc)

Online Resources:
➢ https://epsrc.ukri.org/research/ourportfolio/themes/engineering/activities/principlesofrobotics/
➢ https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/engineering-design-process/engineering-
design-process-steps
➢ https://builtin.com/robotics
➢ https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what_is_robotics_58.html
➢ https://learn.g2.com/what-is-robotics
➢ https://www.eletimes.com/the-perennial-role-of-analog-electronics
➢ https://www.fool.com/the-blueprint/project-proposal/

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