Pre-Assessment

What is a microcontroller?
You might be asking yourself what is a microcontroller and what does it do? A
microcontroller is a computing device capable of executing a program (i.e. a sequence of

instructions) and is often referred to as the “brain” or “control center” in a robot since it is
usually responsible for all computations, decision making, and communications. In order
to interact with the outside world, a microcontroller possesses a series of pins (electrical
signal connections) that can be turned HIGH (1/ON), or LOW (0/OFF) through
programming instructions. These pins can also be used to read electrical signals (coming
form sensors or other devices) and tell whether they are HIGH or LOW.

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

Most modern microcontrollers can also measure analogue voltage signals (i.e. signals that
can have a full range of values instead of just two well defined states) through the use of
an Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC). By using the ADC, a microcontroller can
assign a numerical value to an analogue voltage that is neither HIGH nor LOW.
What can a microcontroller do?
Although microcontrollers can seem rather limited at first glance, many complex actions
can be achieved by setting the pins HIGH and LOW in a clever way. Nevertheless,
creating very complex algorithms (such as advanced vision processing and intelligent
behaviors) or very large programs may be simply impossible for a microcontroller due to
its inherent resource and speed limitations. For instance, in order to blink a light, one
could program a repeating sequence where the microcontrollers turns a pin HIGH, waits
for a moment, turns it LOW, waits for another moment and starts again. A light
connected to the pin in question would then blink indefinitely. In a similar way,
microcontrollers can be used to control other electrical devices such as actuators (when
connected to motor controllers), storage devices (such as SD cards), WiFi or Bluetooth
interfaces, etc. As a consequence of this incredible versatility, microcontrollers can be
found in everyday products. Practically every home appliance or electronic device uses at
least one (often many) microcontroller. For instance TV sets, washing machines, remote
controls, telephones, watches, microwave ovens, and now robots require these little
devices to operate. Unlike microprocessors (e.g. the CPU in personal computers), a
microcontroller does not require peripherals such as external RAM or external storage
devices to operate. This means that although microcontrollers can be less powerful than
their PC counterpart, developing circuits and products based on microcontrollers is much
simpler and less expensive since very few additional hardware components are required.
It is important to note that a microcontroller can output only a very small amount of
electrical power through its pins; this means that a generic microcontroller will likely not
be able to power electrical motors, solenoids, large lights, or any other large load directly.
Trying to do so may even cause physical damage to the controller.
What are the more specialized features in a microcontroller?
Special hardware built into the microcontrollers means these devices can do more than
the usual digital I/O, basic computations, basic mathematics, and decision taking. Many
microcontrollers readily support the most popular communication protocols such
as UART (a.k.a. serial or RS232), SPI and I2C.This feature is incredibly useful when
communicating with other devices such as computers, advanced sensors, or other
microcontrollers. Although it is possible to manually implement these protocols, it is
always nice to have dedicated hardware built-in that takes care of the details. It allows the

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

microcontroller to focus on other tasks and allows for a cleaner program. Analogue-to-
digital converters (ADC) are used to translate analogue voltage signals to
a digital number proportional to the magnitude of the voltage, this number can then be
used in the microcontroller program. In order to output an intermediate amount of power
different from HIGH and LOW, some microcontrollers are able to use pulse-width
modulation (PWM). For example this method makes it possible to smoothly dim an LED.
Finally, some microcontrollers integrate a voltage regulator in their development boards.
This is rather convenient since it allows the microcontroller to be powered by a wide
range of voltages that do not require you to provide the exact operating voltage required.
This also allows it to readily power sensors and other accessories without requiring an
external regulated power source.

Microcontroller is the advanced version of microprocessors. It contain on chip central

processing unit (CPU), Read only memory (ROM), Random access memory (RAM),
input/output unit, interrupts controller etc.

Therefore a microcontroller is used for high speed signal processing operation inside an
embedded system. It acts as major component used in designing of an embedded system.

Consider the block diagram of microcontroller:

Basic Parts of Microcontroller

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 ● 4x4 Matrix keypad
has 16 built-in pushbutton contacts connected to row and column lines. A
microcontroller can scan these lines for a button-pressed state. In
the keypad library, the Propeller sets all the column lines to input, and all the row
lines to input. Then, it picks a row and sets it high

● ISP connection
ISP. Stands for "Internet Service Provider." An ISP provides access to the
Internet. Whether you're at home or work, each time you connect to the Internet,
your connection is routed through an ISP. Early ISPs provided Internet access
through dial-up modems.
● 8Bit Lead
An 8 bit microcontroller is a self-contained system with memory, a processor
and peripherals that can be used as an embedded system. ... Input and output
devices include relays, solenoids, switches, LCD displays and sensors for data
such as temperature, light level or humidity.
● 8051 controller
The Intel 8051 is an 8-bit microcontroller which means that most available
operations are limited to 8 bits. ... All these things are called 8051 because they
can all be programmed using 8051 assembly language, and they all share certain
features (although the different models all have their own special features).

● 7 segment multiplexed display

A seven-segment display is a form of electronic display device for
displaying decimal numerals that is an alternative to the more complex dot matrix
displays.
Seven-segment displays are widely used in digital clocks, electronic meters, basic
calculators, and other electronic devices that display numerical information.
● 7805 Voltage regulator
IC 7805 is a 5V Voltage Regulator that restricts the output voltage to 5V output
for various ranges of input voltage. It acts as an excellent component against
input voltage fluctuations for circuits, and adds an additional safety to your
circuitry. ... The maximum value for input to the voltage regulator is 35V.
● LCD header 16x2
16×2 Character LCD is a very basic LCD module which is commonly used in
electronics projects and products. It contains 2 rows that can display 16
characters. Each character is displayed using 5×8 or 5×10 dot matrix. It can be
easily interfaced with a microcontroller. In this tutorial we will see how to write
data to an LCD with PIC Microcontroller using Hi-Tech C Compiler. Hi-Tech C
has no built in LCD libraries so we require the hardware knowledge of LCD to
control it. Commonly used LCD Displays uses HD44780 compliant controllers.

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 ● ULN 2803
The IC ULN2003A comprises of 7-NPN Darlington pairs as shown in the internal
schematic diagram and is typically used to switch inductive loads (dissipates
voltage spikes if any using suppression diode) and to drive stepper motors.
● ADC0804
ADC0804 is an IC(integrated circuit) which converts the input analog voltage to
its equivalent digital output. It is a stand alone analog to digital converter. ... Its
not only limited to measuring temperature it can be use anywhere where analog
signal is required to be measured.
● 24 CZXX EEPROM
EEPROM (also E2PROM) stands for electrically erasable programmable read-
only memory and is a type of non-volatile memory used in computers, integrated
in microcontrollers for smart cards and remote keyless systems, and other
electronic devices to store relatively small amounts of data but allowing
individual bytes to .

● DS130X RTC
Real Time Clock (RTC) The purpose of an RTC or a real time clock is to
provide precise time and date which can be used for various applications. RTC is
an electronic device in the form of an Integrated Chip (IC) available in various
packaging options. It is powered by an internal lithium battery.

● DB9 FEMALE CONNECTOR

DB9 connector, a common type of electrical connector. The term “DB9” refers
to a common connector type, one of the D-Subminiature or D-Sub types
of connectors. DB9 has the smallest “footprint” of the D-
Subminiature connectors, and houses 9 pins (for the male connector) or 9 holes
(for the female connector).
● MAX232 IC
Working of MAX232 IC. MAX232 is a widely known IC used for establishing
serial communication between Microcontrollers and Personal Computers (PC).
This IC is used to convert TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS232 Logic levels during
the process of serial communication.
● SEGMENT IMPUT
Its operating principle is to input a four-bit BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) value
and energize the proper output lines to form the corresponding decimal digit on
the 7-segment LED display. The BCD inputs are designated A, B, C, and D in
order from least-significant to most-significant.
● DISPLAY SELECT

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 Display Select” keywords (formally known as Search Companion Marketing)
allows advertisers to show text and image ads on the Google Display Network to
users based on their search intent during their search session.

Basic Components of Microcontroller

o Arithmetic and Logic unit (ALU) - ALU inside a microcontroller used to
perform the arithmetic and logic operation. It performs the logic operation on the
data stored inside a register.
o Accumulator -Accumulator is the register inside which the intermediate
arithmetic and logical operation data is stored.
o Working registers - Registers are the storage device used to store the data inside
a microcontroller in different address location.
o Program counter - Program counter is used for counting the number of program
executed inside a microcontroller.
o Stack pointer - Stack pointer act as a pointer to the certain address. It is a register
used to store the address of the last program request made by the processor inside
a stack.
o Clock circuit - Clock circuit is used for generate the clock pulse required as a
reference signal for the microcontroller.
o Interrupt circuit - Interrupt circuit is used for generating the interrupt signal
when the higher priority process required to be served first on basis of priority by
microcontroller.
o Internal ROM - Internal ROM is read only memory used to store the information
in embedded system. It acts as a main memory for storing the instruction and data
inside a microcontroller.
o I/O ports - I/O ports are used for connecting input devices like sensor, keyboard
etc with input ports and output devices like LCD, buzzer etc with output ports
available in microcontroller.

https://robots.net/robotics/how-to-program-a-robot/

There are many programming languages which can be used to program microcontrollers,
the most common of which are:

● Assembly; its just one step away from machine code and as such it is very tedious
to use. Assembly should only be used when you need absolute instruction-level
control of your code.
● Basic; one of the first widely used programming languages, it is still used by
some microcontrollers (Basic Micro, BasicX, Parallax) for educational robots.
● C/C++; one of the most popular languages, C provides high
level functionality while keeping a good low-level control.
● Java; it is more modern than C and provides lots of safety features to the
detriment of low-level control. Some manufacturers like Parallax make
microcontrollers specifically for use with Java.
● .NET/C#; Microsoft's proprietary language used to develop applications in Visual
Studio. Examples include Netduino, FEZ Rhino and others).
● Processing (Arduino); a variant of C++ that includes some simplifications in
order to make the programming for easier.
● Python, one of the most popular scripting languages. It is very simple to learn and
can be used to put programs together very fast and efficiently.

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

There are additional, important software tools used in robotics, in particular:

● Robot Operating System (ROS) is a set of software libraries and tools that helps
you build robot applications. You can also write your own programs for ROS e.g.
in C/C++ or Python.
● Matlab which is used for data analysis and interfaces with ROS (also, Octave is a
free, open-source equivalent to Matlab available here.)
Software

● Google SketchUp is a free program which can be used to create your robot in 3D,
to the proper scale, complete with texture. This can help you ensure that parts are
not overlapping, check dimensions for holes and change the design before it is
built. Autodesk 123D is another free 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design)
software aimed at hobbyists. While it shares many of the same features as Google
Sketchup, it has some interesting features such as solid-based part design,
assemblies, parametrized transforms and other functionalities that are usually seen
in higher end CAD programs.
● Programming software Your first programming software should correspond to
whichever microcontroller you selected. If you chose an Arduino microcontroller,
you should choose the Arduino software; if you chose a Basic Stamp from
Parallax, you should choose PBasic and so forth. In order to use a variety of
microcontrollers, you may want to learn a more fundamental programming
language such as BASIC or C.
● Schematics and PCBs There are many free programs available on the market,
and CadSoft's EAGLE is one of the more popular. It includes an extensive library
of parts and helps you convert your schematic to a PCB.

Ultimate
● CAD SolidWorks is the CAD program of choice for many when doing
mechanical design but it is certainly not the only one available. Whet working at
this level (i.e. using programs worth several thousands of dollars) you should have
a good idea of your needs in order to choose the right tool (Unigraphics, Catia,
ProE etc.).

● CAM If you are using a CNC machine, you will need a proper 3D CAD program
such as ProE, AutoCAD, SolidWorks or other similar program. In order to
convert your CAD model to useable code to send to the CNC machine, you need
a CAM program. Often you can purchase a CAM program specifically for the
CAD software you selected, or find a third-party supplier.

Best Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Software

● What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Software?

Robotic process automation (RPA) software utilizes bots to automate routine tasks within
software applications normally performed by a company’s employees. These products are
used to save time and eliminate the need for human employees to conduct time-
consuming, repetitive, and tedious tasks.

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

To develop these automations, RPA solutions provide development environments for
building workflows that the agents then follow. These development environments are
usually codeless, drag-and-drop systems, so they are accessible enough that non-
developers can build necessary processes. As an alternative method of building
workflows manually, many tools also provide the ability to record actions performed by a
human within a software tool that can be translated into workflows within the RPA
product. The virtual agents perform actions following these workflows both with and
without human supervision or intervention.
It is common for RPA solutions to contain some form of cognitive or artificial
intelligence, usually computer vision for training the bot agents in virtual environments
or general machine learning to improve bot decision-making. Additionally, products
within the RPA category often contain analytics features and a central platform for
maintaining and controlling all the bots deployed across a company. RPA software can be
implemented in any facet of an organization where manual processes are in place, but are
most commonly used in finance and operations, sales, and supply chain departments.

Top 10 Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Software

● Automation Anywhere
allows organizations to automate the processes which are performed by the
humans. It is a Web-Based Management System which uses a Control Room to
run the Automated Tasks. Automation Anywhere tool can automate ends to end
business operations for companies.

● UiPath RPA | Robotic Process Automation

is the technology that allows anyone today to configure computer software, or a
“robot” to emulate and integrate the actions of a human interacting within digital
systems to execute a business process.

● Pega Platform
allows you to quickly and easily build applications. Complete visual-driven
application development lets you deliver apps faster, with no coding required. If
you are completely new to Pega, this platform free trial is the fastest way to
experience the simplicity and power of the Pega Platform

⮚ Blue Prism
Blue Prism is an RPA Tool which holds the capability of virtual workforce
powered by software robots. This helps the enterprises to automate the business
operations in an agile and cost-effective manner. The tool is based on Java
Programming Language and offers a visual designer with drag and drop
functionalities.

● WinAutomation by Softomotive
WinAutomation allows you to split your processes into sections. You can then
sequentially run each section and even repeat the execution of those sections.

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 This makes the process much cleaner and readable. These sections are called
functions. The functions pane is located in the top right-hand side of the Process
designer and lists all the functions used within a process. Functions will make
your process much more readable and clean. You can breakdown the process
and have fewer rows of actions in each part of the process. In cases where the
sections repeat themselves, you do not need to rewrite them, just running a
function again will have the exact same effect.

● Laserfiche
is a privately owned software development company that creates enterprise
content management, business process automation, workflow, records
management, document imaging and webform software.

● Datamatics TruBot
Integrated operations and business analytics. Operational monitoring and control
of historical data for Bot execution, status and notifications.
Integrated Intelligent Data Capture. Integrated data capture, powered by AI and
fuzzy logic.
CyberArk vault integration

⮚ Automate Robotic Process Automation

Robotic process automation (RPA) is the use of software with artificial
intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to handle high-volume,
repeatable tasks that previously required humans to perform. These tasks can
include queries, calculations and maintenance of records and transactions.

⮚ ElectroNeek RPA
Data Entry. Abbreviation Detection. Data Capture and Transfer. Data
Duplication. ...
Integration. Dashboard. ETL - Extract / Transfer / Load. Metadata Management. .
Robotic Process Automation. Analytics. Attended Automation. ...
Workflow Management. Access Controls/Permissions. Business Process
Automation.

⮚ Nintex RPA
Enterprises can leverage trained bots to quickly and cost-effectively automate
routine tasks without the use of code in an easy-to-use drag and drop interface.

Reference Card

https://www.javatpoint.com/robotics-microcontroler
https://www.robotshop.com/community/tutorials/show/how-to-make-a-robot-lesson-10-
programming-your-robot
https://www.javatpoint.com/dtmf-based-mobile-controlled-robot

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 Activity Card

Activity 1: Give the meaning of the following acronyms. WRITE your answers in a
lengthwise sheet of paper.
1. ROS
2. CAD
3. RPA
4. AI
5. ALU
6. ADC
7. RTC
8. LCD

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 9. LED
10. ROM
11. RAM
12. ISP
13. CNC
14. SSD
15. WiFi

Activity 2:
Identification:Write the correct answer on you notebook.
Word Bank
Robot Operating System Computer Aided Designed
Robotic Process Automation Artificial Intelligence
Arithmetic Logic Unit Analogue Digital Counter
Real Time Clock Liquid Crystal Display
Light Emitting Diode Read Only Memory
Random Access Memory Internet Service Provider
Computerized Numerical Control Seven Segment Display
Wifi- Wireless

_________1. collection of software frameworks for robot software development.

_________2. s a type of electronic storage that comes built in to a device during
manufacturing.
_________3. involves creating computer models defined by geometrical parameters.
_________4. is an IC that keeps an updated track of the current time.
_________5. The best known form of computer memory.
_________6. A form of business process automation technology based on metaphorical
software robots (bots) or on artificial intelligence.
_________7. A form of electronic display device for displaying decimal numerals that is
an alternative to the more complex dot matrix.

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

________8. Combinational digital electronic circuit that performs arithmetic and bitwise
operations on integer binary numbers.
________9. A system that converts an analog signal, such as a sound picked up by a
microphone or light entering a digital camera.
_______10. A the ability of some programmable logic devices, microcontrollers, and
other embedded devices to be programmed while install.
_______11. A the automated control of machining tools (such as drills, boring tools,
lathes) and 3D printers by means of a computer.
________12. Electronic display device that operates by applying a varying electric
voltage to a layer of liquid crystal.
________13. A solid state optical pn-junction diode which emits light energy in the form
of photons.
________14. The name of a wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide
wireless high-speed Internet and network connections.
_______15. A the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer
systems.

Activity 3:
Name the following parts of microcontroller. Write the letter of your answer in one whole
sheet of paper.
I. Match the parts of a microcontroller and its function.

1. CPU a. use to produce frequency for

2. RAM & ROM b. provide power to the microcontroller
3. Serial input/output c. receive information and program for it top
process input.
4. Time circuit d. allows the microcontroller control the
system based on it
5. Timer/crystal e. connects to input and output device such
as LED, motors and sensor
6. Power supply f memory spaces to store information
II. PART B: SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

Word Bank

a. Horizontally/Vertically
b. Symbols
c. Crossing

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 d. Labeled
e. Arrow
f. Straight
g. Digital/analog
h. output
i. Setup/loop

7. Ensures that all lines drawn are ________.

8. Ensures that all lines are not ___________.
9. Ensures that all lines drawn are ___________ or __________ only
10. Minimize lines __________ each other to avoid confusion.
11. Use standardized ________ to represent components.
12. Ensures that all components in the diagram are ____________.
13. Arduino runs two programs which are _______and _______.
14. There are two types of signal that can be sent and received by Arduino, which are
___________signals and _____________signals.
15. To use pin 8 turn on the led, pin 8 needs to be set as ________.

Enrichment Activity

Explain the following question in a one whole sheet of paper.

1. What is the most appropriate criteria for choosing the right microcontroller of our
choice?
2. Why micro controllers are not called general purpose devices?
.
3. What is the difference between program and software?

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 Answer Card

Pre-Assessment

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

Activity 1
1. ROS- Robot Operating System
2. CAD- Computer Aided Designed
3. RPA- Robotic Process Automation
4. AI- Artificial Intelligence
5. ALU- Arithmetic and Logic Unit

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 6. ADC- Analogue Digital Counter
7. RTC- Real Time Clock
8. LCD-Liquid Crystal Display
9. LED- Light Emitting Diode
10. ROM- Read Only Memory
11. RAM- Random Access Memory
12. ISP-Internet Service Provider
13. CNC- Computerized Numerical Control
14. SSD- Seven Segment Display
15. Wifi- Wireless Fidelity

Activity 2
1. Robot Operating System
2. Read Only Memory
3. Computer Aided Designed
4. Real Time Clock
5. Random Access Memory
6. Robotic Process Automation
7. Seven Segment Display
8. Arithmetic and Logic Unit
9. Analogue Digital Counter
10. Internet Service Provider
11. Computerized Numerical Control
12. Light Emitting Diode
13. Liquid Crystal Display
14. Wifi
15. Artificial Intelligence

Activity 3
1. C.
2. F
3. E
4. D
5. A

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot

 6. B
7. F
8. E
9. A
10. C
11. B
12. D
13. I
14. G
15. H
Enrichment Activity
1. What is the most appropriate criteria for choosing the right microcontroller of our
choice?
What is the most appropriate criterion for choosing the right microcontroller
of our choice? Explanation: For choosing the right
microcontroller for our product we must consider its speed so that the
instructions may be executed in the least possible time.
2. Why micro controllers are not called general purpose devices?
To a computer person, a microcontroller is special purpose because it designed
to be used in an electronic system rather than in a general purpose computer. To
an electronics person, the same microcontroller is general purpose because it
can be used in many different systems.
3. What is the difference between program and software?
PROGRAMS-A computer program is a collection of instructions that performs a
specific task when executed by a computer. ... A software can be program but
a program can not a software . Software typically consists of files while programs can
be files or even notes.

Basic programming tools used for the microcontroller in a robot