Programming and Motors

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Robots can be divided into two categories depending on how they are controlled.

Autonomous robots are controlled by a computer program. The program reads data from the robot sensors, makes decisions on what to do, and sends commands to the robot motors. A human programs the robot before it starts running.

Remote controlled robots are controlled by a human operator. The operator uses his or her own eyes and ears, makes decisions, then sends commands to the robot motors to control its motion.

The Lego Mindstorms™ robots that we use are autonomous robots: you must program them to make them go. Factory robots that assemble cars, cruise missiles, robot vacuum cleaners, robot lawn mowers, and some robot toys are other examples of autonomous robots. Can you think of any others?

Battle Bots on TV are a famous example of remote controlled robots. Other examples are the robot submarine in the movie Titanic (a real world robot), robot arms and manipulators for dangerous chemicals, and underwater robots that recover the flight recorders (black boxes) of planes lost at sea.

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