You might be familiar with how robots are depicted in movies, with their human-like form,and almost most often than not, these robots in movies are evil, taking over humankind.

But, that is not the case. 

Robots are essential in many industries making our lives much easier by performing tasks with more efficiency. 

There is a lot involved in the design and construction of robotics. One important element is the selection of Sensors. 

Sensors are devices that give robots the ability to make ‘sense’ of the real world (the same way our five senses help us).

Below are some of the most common sensors used in robotics;

• Light sensors
• Proximity sensors
• Sound sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Acceleration sensors
• Magnetic sensors
• Force sensors 

This article shall take a deeper look into these sensors, and why they are used in the field of robotics.

Deeper look at sensors and robotics

To understand why a particular sensor is used in robotics, it will help to first learn a bit about Sensors and Robotics individually. So, let’s take a closer look at them. 

What are sensors?

Embedded systems (such as a computer)  in the most simplest form consist of inputs, a processor and outputs.

Let’s consider a computer. It has inputs (mouse, keyboard), a processor (Central Processing Unit), and outputs (printer, speakers, monitor).

So what is a sensor? 

A sensor is a type of input device whose main function is to ‘sense’ physical changes in the environment (real world) and provide this information to the processor of the system (in the form of a varying voltage or resistance).

Us humans have our own sensors. 

Five of them!

We have the ability to make sense of the environment around us through Touch, Smell, Sight, Taste and Sound. 

Just like a computing system, we too also have a processor (our brain), and outputs (muscles, arms, legs).

Imagine yourself at a party and the DJ plays your favourite song.

You are able to sense the sound waves traversing the airwaves using one of those five senses (in this case sound through your ears).

This information is sent to your brain (processor) which realises this is your favourite song! It then informs your body(output) to move uncontrollably (or controllably depending on your dancing skills) to the beat of the song. 

Sensors in computing and electronic systems work in the same manner. They provide information from the world to the processor who can deal with that information as needed. 

For example, let’s take a look at a fan heater. 

This fan heater will have a temperature sensor which has the job to sense the ambient temperatures to ensure that the temperature you set is maintained. 

If temperatures start to rise, the sensor will sense this rise, and then relay this information to the processor which can then suspend heating until temperatures fall back to the levels you set. 

Why we use sensors

But, are sensors really that essential? 

The simple answer is yes! 

There are many benefits to using sensors in embedded systems. 

Let’s go back to the heater. If it did not have a sensor, the temperature would rise above the level you set making the room hotter than you would like. 

Sensors provide a means of feedback of real world data so that changes can be made by the processor if needed.

Other advantages include;

• Making systems more efficient
• Predictive and preventative maintenance
• Increasing accuracy 

What is robotics?

Whether you would have seen one first hand or not, robotics plays a big role in our everyday life. While you might not have one in your house (currently), they are used in many industries.

Robotics is a field of computer science and engineering that deals with the design and construction of robots.

And what exactly is a robot?

Robots are a type of machine that can be programmed to carry out simple, or a series of complex tasks autonomously. This means that once programmed for a specific task, they can operate without the need of human intervention (unless they break down of course). 

However, robots can also be controlled manually by humans via an external remote controlled device. 

Robots are given tasks to perform that would otherwise have been performed by humans. These tasks are given to robots because they can perform them with more efficiency and without getting tired or bored, especially repetitive tasks where humans could lose focus (and they do not complain) 

Sometimes a task might be too dangerous for a human to perform. For example, mixing of hazardous chemicals. In this instance a robot would be better suited for the job.

While robots perform human based tasks, they do not always take the form of humans as depicted in pop culture. 

Different components of a robot in robotics

Every task is not the same, so for that reason there are a wide variety of robots available for different tasks across many different disciplines.

One robot might have a specialized component that will help it perform a task that other robots might not be able to perform.

However, while there are many different types of robots, there is a standard construction and set of components that stay true for all of them. These components include;

• Control System
• Sensors (input)
• Actuators (output)
• Power Supply 
• Add-ons

Control system

The first and most important part of robotics is the Control System. 

Robots are a type of embedded system , and central to every embedded system is the control system (as we saw earlier) which consists of something known as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), which could be a Microprocessor or Microcontroller.

Think of the control system as a human brain which is responsible for processing information, making computations, controlling muscular movements, etc.

The control system is essentially the brain of the robot helping it process information, make computations, and control outputs in the same manner. 

Sensors

Next up are Sensors.

As you know now, sensors play a crucial role in embedded systems and robotics is no different. Sensors provide robots with real world data which then can be processed by the control system. 

We shall take a closer look at what sensors are used in robotics later. 

Actuators

To be considered a robot, a device has to involve some sort of movement within its frame or body. This movement will help it to carry out actions whether it be moving forward, lifting, grabbing, etc.

I know I keep referring to the human body, but it is analogous to a robot. We have muscles (actuators), to help us walk, lift, grab, push, etc. 

Actuators are made up of devices such as motors that receive signals from the control system to carry out a specific task. 

They can be made of many different materials and are operated using either compressed air (pneumatic actuators), or oil (hydraulic actuators). 

Power supply

Electricity is essential to all electrical and electronic devices, machines, and components. 

A power supply is a crucial component of every robot. Without it, the robot will be rendered useless. 

If a robot is confined to a specific space, it might receive its electrical power from a more permanent source like AC mains.

But, if the robot is out in the field where it has no access to AC mains, it will contain a more temporary power source such as batteries. 

However, these batteries will more often than not be rechargeable through means such as solar power, so that the batteries do not have to be constantly replaced. 

Add-ons

The last component of robotics are the add-ons.

These are external equipment that are added on to the robot to perform a specific task for a specific application and are often interchangeable. 

This might be a spray paint can for painting a car, or a drill, or a scalpel for surgical robots. 

Different sensors used in robotics

Alright, let’s take a look at the different sensors used in robotics. 

Note, as mentioned earlier, there are many different types of robots. The sensors that will be covered might not be used in all robots, but they are the most common, and most of the robots will utilise them. 

Also, it comes down to the needs of the application.

Sensor #1 used in robotics: Proximity sensor

The first commonly used sensors in robotics are Proximity sensors. 

Movement is a big area of robotics, whether it be an autonomous robot on mars, or a robotic arm moving to pick goods. 

These robots need a means to be able to avoid obstacles (for autonomous robots), or to know when an object is within reach to pick up (for robotic arms).

Proximity sensors enable robots to detect objects at a distance without the need of physical contact, acting as the eyes of the robot. 

They consist of two parts; transmitter and receiver. 

The transmitter first transmits a signal, this signal is reflected off an object and returns back to the receiver alerting the robot of an object nearby. Depending on the complexity of the proximity sensor, it can calculate the exact distance of the object.

The two most commonly used proximity sensors in robotics include;

• Infrared Sensor (IR) – uses an infrared beam which is transmitted by the transmitter (it cannot calculate exact distance)
• Ultrasonic Sensor – ultrasonic sound waves are emitted by the transmitter (this type of sensor can calculate the exact distance of an object within a specified range)

Sensor #2 used in robotics: Temperature sensors

Next up are Temperature Sensors.

This type of sensor has the ability to measure the temperature of the air (ambient), a solid, or a liquid.

Temperature sensors can have many uses in robotics and can be used internally in the robot, or for external purposes.

When used internally, temperature sensors are used to ensure the temperature of the robotic system is within the safe working limits.

Robots will employ a lot of electronics and motors that can get hot very fast. Temperature sensors are used to alert the control system when things get too heated. 

When used externally, temperature sensors in robotics are used to measure the ambient air temperature,  temperature of objects or of a liquid. 

For example, a robot might be used to travel to depths of the ocean where measuring and recording temperature information would be vital for scientists or researchers. 

Common temperature sensors used in robotics include;

• Thermocouples
• Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)
• Thermistors 
• Semiconductor based IC sensors

Sensor #3 used in robotics:  Sound sensors

Sound sensors are typically microphones which are the ears of the robot allowing it to perceive sound. 

They sense sound from the surroundings and convert it into a voltage which is then sent to the control system for further processing. 

A great application of sound sensors is voice recognition. This would come in handy in scenarios where you might need to control a robot but your hands are tied up.

One great example of this is in the surgery room, where a robot can assist a surgeon with an operation. The surgeon might have both hands full, but could still communicate with the robot using his or her voice. 

Sound sensors can also be used in robotics as a means of vibration detection. 

Sensor # 4 used in robotics: Force sensors

I mentioned earlier that a robotic arm will need a proximity sensor to know how close an item or object is when trying to pick it up.

Another crucial ability that is needed by the arm is how much force it should apply to pick up a specific item.

It could be picking an egg in one instance, and a rock in another (i’m exaggerating, but you get the point). In this scenario the claw (part of the arm used to pick up items) will need to apply less force when picking the egg compared to picking up a rock.

Force (or pressure) sensor is a sensor with exact ability that is needed by a robotic arm (which is to calculate the amount or force it is subject to).

The resistance of a force sensor varies depending on the amount of force applied to it (which is why they are also referred to as Force Sensitive Resistors)

Sensor #5 used in robotics : Accelerometer

An Accelerometer is a type of sensor that measures the acceleration of a body that it is used within. The accelerometer measures the force caused by sudden motion (acceleration). 

It can measure two types of acceleration; static or dynamic.

Static acceleration is defined by a constant force that acts on a body such as gravity due to its predictive and unchanged value of 9.8m/s.

Dynamic acceleration is unknown and not uniform. It is best described as being a vibration or shock to the system. 

Accelerometers also have the added advantage of measuring the tilt or orientation of an object by measuring the static acceleration of gravity. 

Many robots would greatly benefit from using accelerometers. One common example is Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). 

Knowing information such as acceleration, and orientation for these flying vehicles is vital. 

Sensor #6 used in robotics: Light sensors

Light sensors, as the name might suggest, have the ability to detect varying levels of light.

The most common type of light sensor is the Photoresistor. The resistance of the sensor varies with varying light levels. 

The more light the less resistance, and  lower light levels increase its resistance. 

Other common types of light sensor include;

• Photovoltaic cells
• Photo-diodes 
• Photo-transistors

While not the go to, they can be used as a cheaper option for object detection compared to other dedicated proximity sensors which we saw earlier. 

Sensor #7 used in robotics: Magnetic sensors

Last up of commonly used sensors in robotics are Magnetic Sensors. 

This type of sensor is used to detect the presence of magnetic fields, as well as ferromagnetic and conducting objects. 

Again, there are many variations of the magnetic sensor, each having a different construction or working principle. But, the overall aim of each of them is the same, which is to be able to detect magnetic fields. 

Common magnetic sensors include;

• Hall-effect sensor
• Reed sensors

A hall-effect sensor is a class of sensor that has the ability to detect the presence and magnitude of a magnetic field. 

Not traditionally a sensor, a reed sensor is a type of switch that opens (or closes) in the presence of a magnetic field. While they can detect the presence of a magnetic field, they cannot measure the magnitude. 

One widely used application of magnetic sensors in robotics is to measure the speed and direction of motors. 

Why are sensors used in robotics?

Sensors play an important role in embedded systems. It gives them the ability to perceive the real world and collect vital information.

Robotics is no different. As you just saw, the many sensors used, help the robots with unique tasks that it would not be able to accomplish if it did not utilise them.

An autonomous robot would drive straight into the first object it encounters without the help of proximity sensors which aid in navigation.

Sensors enable robots to make sense of the real world. They also allow them to perform tasks with more effectiveness and efficiency compared to us humans. 

Do all fields of robotics use sensors?  

There are many applications where robotics lend a helping hand, which can include;

• Security
• Space exploration 
• Medical
• Hobbyist 
• Entertainment 
• Marine / Underwater exploration
• Manufacturing

All robots are built with similar components, and the sensor is one of the most important components, so no matter what field robotics are employed in, all of them require sensors.

The post Common sensors used in robotics appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

I get asked many times if I can rewire the wiring in their house, and when I try to tell them that I cannot be because I am an Electronics Engineer, they think that I am just trying to get out of doing work (which is not the case!).

The main reason is that I am not trained or educated at rewiring a house. That is the job of an Electrician. 

There is a lot of confusion between Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Many people assume that they are the same thing, and while they have similarities and crossovers, they are quite different.

Also, it does not help that the degree is named “Bachelors of Electrical and Electronics”. Which is probably why most people get confused.

In this article I will cover the difference, as well as the similarities between Electronics and Electrical Engineering.

But, before we dive straight into the facts, let us take a step back and look at the basics of Electronics vs Electrical engineering.

Basics of Electronics Engineering

The modern world and all its advancements would not be possible without Electronics engineering (also known as just electronics).

The awesome power of electronics can be found in many (if not most) everyday devices from the mobile phone, home appliances, medical equipment, automobiles etc.

So what is it?

Electronics is a form of science (mainly physics) which is concerned with the flow and control of electrons through vacuum and matter.

The flow and control of electrons is achieved by active devices through amplification and rectification.

Electronics utilizes semiconductors as the main avenue for the flow of electronics. 

An electronic system can be broken down into three parts; An input, signal processing, and output.

The first part is where real world data is gathered via sensors. This data is collected in analog form (voltage and electrical signals). Real world data can range from temperature, force, humidity and many more.

Signal processing comes next. This part of the system has the job of  taking this real world data (voltage and electrical signals) and processing it in accordance with the end goal of the system. 

The final part of the system is the output. The output is the physical manifestation and the end result depending on the signal processing. This can be a display, motor, LED etc.

An example of an electronic system could be displaying temperature on an LCD. The input would gather temperature readings, the signal processing circuitry can interpret and manipulate this data accordingly and finally output this information on an LCD.

Brief History

The dawn of electronics began with the vacuum diode. A man by the name of J.A. Fleming was noted for inventing it in 1897. 

Later on after the vacuum diode, the vacuum triode was created by Lee De Forest to amplify electrical signals. 

The next step was the transistor. The junction transistor was invented in 1948. These transistors were created using germanium and silicon semiconductors. 

The creation of the Integrated Circuit was the next big breakthrough in electronics. This saw entire electronic circuits being embedded onto a single chip. This was possible as many electronic components considerably reduced in size (enough to fit onto a single chip).

As the years went by we saw further growth in the field with devices such as JFETs and MOSFETs (which are electronic switches). This then led to the development of the Microprocessor and Microcontroller.

Analog vs Digital

There are two main branches of electronics; Analog and Digital.

Analog electronics is concerned with a continuous range of voltage. Some circuits that include analog electronics are transistor amplifiers, operational amplifiers and oscillators.

Devices that utilize analog circuitry can range from radio receivers, mixers, modulators etc.

With Digital electronics, the differing factor is that voltage levels are discrete (either 0 or 1). A 0 can be viewed as no voltage present, while a 1 can represent the max voltage the system is running. 

They can be seen as a physical representation of Boolean Algebra. 

Computers, calculators, digital clocks are some of the many devices that have digital circuitry.

Application of Electronics

In this day and age, you would find it hard to go a day without using or seeing a device that did not have some sort of electronics. 

There are a plethora of applications that electronics lends its helpful hand to.

Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics are devices that are used on a everyday basis.

Devices like calculators, printers, computers, telephone for use in the office.

Microwaves, coffee machines, ovens, toasters to help you in your kitchen.

Televisions, mobile phones, gaming consoles, home theater systems, headphones to keep you entertained for an eternity (or until the battery runs out).

Medical Electronics

Medical applications of electronics serve a greater purpose to that of consumer electronics. 

Many operations and procedures would not be possible without electronics. Also, devices to detect and prevent life threatening diseases exist because of electronic devices.

A few life saving devices include the defibrillator, MRI machine, glucose meter, and pacemaker.

Industrial Electronics

Industrial electronics and its application feature things like automation, motion control, robotics.

As we all know the fear of having robots replace the human worker. But, many robots conduct tasks that would not be able to be done by humans. Also, they do them at a much higher efficiency. 

Aerospace and Aeronautics

Man landing on the moon, exploring the depths of the universe, flying from continent to continent would not be achievable without the discovery of the field of electronics. 

Rockets and Airplanes all contain complex electronic systems that help them succeed the amazing feat of flight.

Basics of Electrical Engineering

As we saw earlier, electronics engineering deals with the flow of electrons through semiconductors.

Electrical engineering is related more to the transmission and distribution of electrical energy to houses, factories, buildings, etc. It’s primary concern is the operating and producing electricity.

There are many branches of electrical engineering which include, power generation, transmission systems, motors, batteries and control systems.

Design, construction and manufacturing devices that serve a useful purpose was made possible because of Michael Faraday’s law of induction which stated that voltage through a circuit is directly proportional to the rate of change of a magnetic field through that circuit.

Things like electric generators, motors and transformers make use of this law.

Brief history

Electrical engineering can be seen to date as far back as 1864. We can thank one James Clerk Maxwell from Scotland who managed to summarize the basic laws of electricity in a mathematical formula.

He also showed us that electromagnetic radiation travels through space at the speed of light. 

The earliest known practical application of electricity was the telegraph invented by Samuel F.B. Morse in 1837. 

Next came the telephone created by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. Due to the telephone, the field of electrical engineering was born.

The biggest breakthrough however, was the incandescent light bulb invented by Thomas Edison in 1878. As the light bulb spread across homes in the United States of America, there was a need for transmission systems as well power generating plants. This in turn increased the need for electrical engineers. 

Another prominent figure in the field of electricity was Nikola Tesla who discovered Alternating Current (AC).

Application of Electrical Engineering

Just like Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering has a vast array of applications.

You wake up in the morning to your alarm clock, turn on the light, use the electric kettle to heat the water for your cup of coffee, make some toast, sit down turn on your television to watch your favorite TV show while having breakfast. 

All this was made possible because of power generation, distribution and transmission of electricity thanks to the design, implementation and construction of systems made possible by electrical engineering.

Other than just distribution and transmission of electricity, electrical engineering sees itself in the development of electrical systems for electric motors, machinery controls, lighting/ wiring in buildings and radar/navigation systems.

Electronics vs Electrical Engineer

Now that we have covered the basics of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, let us take a look at what the engineers of each field are involved in. 

Education

When it comes to education and the degree, as I mentioned above most universities/colleges have a Bachelors of Electrical and Electronics. The course runs on average for four years. 

The reason that they are grouped together as one degree is because they are quite similar in theories and fundamentals.

The first year usually covers the general aspects of electronic and electrical theory. Then, depending on what you choose the second, third, and fourth year branches out further into your field of choice.

It is broken down into these 5 subcategories; Power Engineer, Control Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, and Embedded Systems Engineering. 

There are many other subcategories within those subcategories, but these are the most common.

My first year I studied electrical and electronics, the second year I chose electronics, then chose Embedded Digital Systems.and finally decided upon becoming an Embedded Systems Engineer.

As a school student if you are deciding on doing a Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree, you will need to take the appropriate subjects that will grant you the ability to get into it.

Subjects such as mathematics (Calculus) and science (Physics). Consult your school’s career counselor if you are unsure. 

There are many jobs available for Electrical and Electronics Engineers from, Embedded System, Aeronautical, Automation, Software, Aerospace and many more.

What can you do as an Electronics Engineer?

So what does an Electronics Engineer do? If you decide to choose the path of Electronics Engineering your options can look something like this.

Depending on your branch of electronics, you would have the opportunity to design electronic components, software products or systems for commercial, industrial, medical or scientific purposes.

If you chose to be a consultant, you would be in charge of analyzing customers needs and developing and implementing a system to meet their needs.

Or you could be tasked with evaluating systems and recommending design modifications and repair.

Maybe you might inspect electronic equipment and instrumentation to make certain they meet safety standards and regulations.

What can you do as an Electrical Engineer?

If however, you chose the path of an Electrical Engineer, the options available to you could look as follows.

Developing new ways that electric power is utilized by products. 

Designing new electrical systems and solving problems related to the generating and distribution of electrical power. This could be conventional energy or renewable energy sources. 

Planning the wiring and lighting of a new building under construction.

Working on motor control in Automation or Control system applications in the Industrial Factories or better motor efficiency in the Automobile Industry.

The Electrician

Now I get confused a lot for being an electrician and a lot of people assume I can carry out the duties of the Electrician.

However, there is a clear distinction between an Engineer and an Electrician. We just saw above what the Electrical and Electronics Engineer does, so what does an Electrician do?

The main job of the electrician is to install and maintain electrical and power systems in homes, businesses and factories. They are tasked with wiring of control equipment through which electricity flows.

Their primary concern is the construction and maintenance. 

The distinction between the Engineer and the Electrician is that the Engineer’s main duty is the design of new systems, whereas the Electrician is more concerned with installation and maintenance. 

While you need a degree to get a job in the Electronics and Electrical Engineering field, becoming an Electrician requires completing an apprenticeship which involves on the job paid training as well as classroom training. On average apprenticeships run for 4 years. 

Finally, just to clear things up, an Engineer cannot perform the duties (wiring, maintenance) of electrical systems in one’s home. You need to be a certified electrician.

The difference between Electronics vs Electrical engineering

So, we have covered the basics of what Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and also seen what the Engineers of both disciplines do.

One note to make is that Electronics is derivation of Electrical Engineering. This means it would not exist without the discovery of the field of electrical engineering. So there are a lot of similarities in the theories and applications.

Saying that, Electronics vs Electrical Engineering do have a couple differences

Theory

Electrical engineering in theory is the study of electricity as an energy source. It is not fully defined by voltages, currents or magnetic fields. 

Electronics engineering on the other hand is the theory and use of active devices such as vacuum tubes and semiconductors. It is more focused on the study of electrons in a circuit. So in essence electronics is the study of principles relating to electrons.

Scale 

Electrical Engineering is focused more on large scale electrical systems like power transmission to houses, businesses and factories. They deal with AC (alternating current) systems that consist of voltages in the range from 120 – 220 V and frequencies in the range of 50 – 60 Hz.

Electronics engineering is related more to smaller scale systems. These smaller scale systems tend to be DC (Direct current) and include devices such as the microprocessor and microcontroller. 

Another way to look at it is, that electrical engineering deals with “heavier currents” whereas electronics engineering deals with “lighter currents”. 

Application 

Another area that separates the two is their applications. 

As I mentioned earlier the differences in applications, depending on what the problem may be, or what the customers needs are, will call on the help of either electrical or electronics engineering.

If one requires the designing of the wiring and lighting of a new building then electrical engineering is the discipline that will be the best fit.

If the application requires the designing of the next best mobile phone, then electronics engineering is more suitable. 

Which is better?

There is no measuring stick to compare which one is better than the other. It all comes down to what the application demands. In the world we live in now, we wouldn’t be able to do without either of them.

So it just shows how important both are equally, and the need for them in our everyday life.

If you are someone who is deciding on whether to be an Electrical or Electronics Engineer, it all comes down to what you are passionate about. Do not let it be because you think one is better than the other. Let your passion be the defining factor.

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