Sensing and Responding: Human and Robot Comparisons

Stimulus-Response Model

Normal response: Stimulus → Receptor → Control centre → Effector → Response.

Reflex response

Involuntary and fast, bypasses the brain (e.g. touching something hot).

Response to light

Pupil adjusts size via iris muscles to control light entry.

Damage

Can affect vision (e.g. retinal damage leads to partial or total blindness).

Light refraction

Lens bends light rays to focus images on the retina.

Myopia

Short-sighted: Image focuses in front of retina.

Hyperopia

Long-sighted: Image focuses behind retina.

Solutions for lens problems

Glasses/contact lenses and laser surgery to reshape cornea.

Bionic Eyes

Electronic implants connected to the optic nerve or retina.

Advantages of Bionic Eyes

Restores partial vision to blind individuals and improves independence and quality of life.

Phototaxis

Movement in response to light (e.g. algae move towards light for photosynthesis).

Robots

Machines designed to carry out tasks.

Humanoids

Robots with human-like features.

Androids

Advanced humanoids that closely mimic human appearance and behavior.

Human Vision

Eyes (retina, rods/cones).

Robot Vision

Cameras, light sensors.

Human Hearing

Ears (cochlea).

Robot Hearing

Microphones.

Human Touch

Skin (nerve endings).

Robot Touch

Pressure, force sensors.

Human Smell/Taste

Nose, tongue (chemical receptors).

Robot Smell/Taste

Gas/chemical sensors (limited ability).

Human Processing

Brain.

Robot Processing

Computer processors.