105 Do you remember the main characteristics of steel and cast iron? Some advanced robotic arms use artificial intelligence in their control systems, allowing them to learn from experience. For example, after performing the same task many times the robot can automatically adjust its movements to become faster and more accurate. to gather: raccogliere, mettere insieme joint: articolazione path: percorso to pick up: raccogliere HOW DOES A ROBOT WORK? A robot works by following instructions or programs created by humans. It uses sensors to gather information, a control system to process that information, and mechanical parts to perform actions. Robots can work automatically or be guided by people. The robotic arm A robotic arm is a mechanical device that works like a human arm. It usually has joints, motors, and sensors that allow it to move, rotate, and perform precise actions. A robotic arm can be programmed to repeat tasks accurately and safely and consists of five main parts: the controller is the hardware unit that is considered the brain of the robotic arm and allows the parts of the robots to operate together. It works as a computer and connects the arm to other systems; the drive, which is the engine of the arm that moves the links that is the sections between the joints into their designed position. Robotic drive systems may be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic; the arm, usually made of steel or cast iron , consists of a base and joints shoulder, elbow, and wrist that let the arm move upon control; wrist elbow end effector shoulder base Robotic arm 244 MECHANICS the end effector, which is the hand of the robotic arm that manipulates the material the robot has to work with, carrying out tasks such as gripping, cutting, painting, etc.; the sensors, which allow the robotic arm to receive feedback and signals that enable appropriate movements and behaviour (for example avoiding obstacles along its path). The control system The control system is the set of algorithms, methods, and logic that manages how the arm moves and performs tasks. It receives information from sensors and sends commands to motors and joints. The system interprets programmed instructions or external inputs, calculating the right speed, direction, and position for each movement. Robots are programmed to move along two main paths: point-to-point path, which is the path the robot takes between two points: the point in which it picks up the object and the point in which it releases it. This system is generally used in highly repetitive tasks, such as loading and unloading; continuous path, in which the robot is programmed to follow an irregular path represented by several points in close proximity which are stored in the robot s memory. This type of path is generally used for tasks such as painting or welding.