TLE Grade 10 - Robotics Concepts (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key robotics concepts from the provided notes.

Robot

A machine capable of interacting with physical objects and receiving electronic programming to perform tasks; an interdisciplinary field focused on the design, construction, and use of mechanical robots.

Robota

Czech word meaning 'forced labor,' from which the term 'robot' is derived.

Robotics

Interdisciplinary field of science and engineering dedicated to the design, construction, and use of robots.

Pre-programmed robot

Requires a controlled environment; completes simple tasks; behavior cannot be changed; does not require human supervision; performs repetitive tasks.

Humanoid robot

Designed to look like or mimic human behavior (examples: Sophia, Atlas).

Autonomous robot

Functions independently in open environments; does not need human supervision.

Teleoperated robot

Semi-autonomous robots controlled by a human over wireless networks (e.g., drones).

Augmenting robot

Enhances or replaces human capabilities (e.g., prosthetics, exoskeleton).

Intelligent

Robot characteristic: programmable, able to perform tasks and process data.

Sensors

Robot characteristic: allow a robot to perceive its environment; basic sensor is a switch and they detect heat, light, etc.

Requires energy

Robot characteristic: needs power to function, usually from batteries.

Mobile

Robot characteristic: able to move parts of its body around its environment (servomechanisms, wheels, arms, legs, propellers).

4 essential robot characteristics

Intelligent, sensors, energy, and mobility constitute the four core traits of a robot.

NOT gate (Inverter)

Logical gate that outputs the opposite of its single input.

OR gate

Outputs true if at least one input is true; typically has two inputs.

AND gate

Outputs true only when both inputs are true; typically has two inputs.

Digital inputs

Two states represented as 1 (true) or 0 (false).

Analog inputs

Any number of possible values; not a fixed binary state.

Open circuit

Circuit with no complete path; the switch is off.

Closed circuit

Circuit with a complete connection; the switch is on.

Internal sensors

Sensors inside the robot that monitor internal state (position, velocity, acceleration of joints or end effectors).

External sensors

Sensors outside the robot that collect information about the surroundings (light, distance, sound, temperature, force, etc.).

Light sensors

External sensors that measure light levels and can include camera systems for environment recognition.

Photoresistor (Fischertechnik)

Light-dependent resistor whose resistance decreases as light intensity increases.

Photoresistor (Arduino)

Photoconductive sensor made of photoconductive material; inexpensive and used in light-dependent robotics.

Photovoltaic cells

Convert solar radiation into electricity; made of p-type and n-type silicon; used to power solar robots.

Sound sensor

External sensor that detects sound and can provide environmental feedback.

Proximity sensor

Detects distance to objects without physical contact; aids collision avoidance.

IR sensor

Infrared emitter/receiver; detects obstacles and can sense lines (e.g., black/white).

Ultrasonic (US) sensor

Transmits high-frequency sound and measures distance using echolocation principles.

Tactile sensor

External sensor that interprets touch; includes Force sensor and Switch.

Force sensor

Measures force or load and converts it into an electrical output.

Switch

Basic on/off tactile device used in sensing.

Temperature sensor

External sensor that checks surrounding temperature; often called a heat sensor.

NTC thermistor

Temperature sensor where resistance decreases as temperature increases.

Gas sensor

Detects specific gases or gas leaks in the environment.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

Satellite-powered system that determines position.

Digital Magnetic Compass

Uses Earth's magnetic field to determine direction for navigation.

Accelerometer

Measures acceleration and speed; detects static and dynamic forces.

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

Combines orientation, velocity, and gravitational data into a single unit.

Humidity sensor

Measures humidity or moisture in the environment.

Potentiometer

Variable resistor used in various applications to adjust voltage.

Magnetic field sensor

Detects the strength of magnetic fields.