Exploring Industrial Autonomous Robotics - Classroom to Career

2. Unit 4: Autonomous Robotics Linking educational robotics with industrial and autonomous application

3. Project Overview • Introduction to Factory Automation Numerical Control • Build an autonomous robotic solution • Testing an autonomous robot build by human control • Programming a autonomous robot • Exploring sensors • Autonomous robot design challenge • Autonomous robot design challenge • Industrial applications build challenge • Industrial applications build challenge • Industrial applications build challenge • Industrial applications robot delivery • Manufacturing system design challenge

4. Autonomous Robotics Introduction Solutions using the VEX EDR system in the classroom and in the VEX Robotics Competition have often been focused on the development of mobile robotic solutions. The area of robotics you are about to explore is the world of static robotic solutions developed around industrial application. For more information about products and competition opportunities go to www.vexrobotics.com

5. Autonomous Robotics Introduction This unit is heavily linked with FANUC (an acronym of Factory Automation and NUmerical Control), who are one of the largest producers of industrial robots in the world. They have provided resources, content and guidance on how to ensure the subject of this unit is as ‘industry relevant’ as possible. Correct terminology is used throughout Examples of FANUC robots are used to compare to VEX robots. (Left: FANUC R-1000iA. Right: VEX Robotics robot arm). FANUC quotes, design briefs and final installations used throughout. For more information about products and career opportunities go to www.fanuc.eu/uk/en

6. LESSON 01

7. LESSON 1 STARTER Learning objective: Learn about the definitions and terminology relating to autonomous robotics in industry, develop an ability to analyse autonomous robotic solutions and their applications, and sketch a robotic solution for your home. The Robots are here! Before we begin looking at autonomous robotics, let us consider where robotics has a place in your current lives. A robot is defined as “a mechanical or virtual artificial agent, usually a machine, that is guided by a computer program or circuit board. It can be either autonomous or semi-autonomous”. By the time you begin your first full time job, potentially straight from school or after College/University, there will be robot solutions which you will see, interact with, or benefit from.Task: In pairs, come up with as many examples as you can of robot use here in the UK. Create a mind map on paper of these uses, and try to categorise them by industry (e.g. a service, a toy, transport, manufacturing, customer support, etc).

8. Autonomous Robotics Introduction An autonomous robotic solution is…Defined as a computer controlled, autonomous or semi autonomous articulating machine which is unable to move its base position. But it can create movement through the X, Y and Z planes – or the robot coordinate system - to carry out its purpose.The base position is called the “ground contact” but does not have to be on the ground as we know it. It could be mounted onto a frame, wall, or side of another moving machine. Autonomous robot solutions are “balanced” meaning they are unable to tip themselves over or move themselves beyond a point where their centre of gravity would pull them from their “base” contact. Task: In your own words, describe the FANUC robot shown to the right, using as much technical language as you can, including; - X, Y, Z (or robot coordinate system) - autonomous/semi autonomous - ground/base contact - balance - centre of gravity

9. Autonomous Robotics Introduction Industrial robots have…Key features which are commonly shared, no matter what the robot is capable of doing. Here are the important terms: Axis = a point through which the robot can rotatePedestal = the base of the robotServo Motor = a controlled motor which can respond to small and specific changesRV Reducer = Reduces the rotational speed of a motor in a robotic applicationPulse Coder = Informs the angular position of a motorBrake system = Used to slow or stop a motor in a robotic systemEnd Effector = the end of the robotic arm that interacts with the object. Task: Label this disassembled industrial robot on Worksheet 01 with these term.

10. Autonomous Robotics Introduction Autonomous Robotics in actionIn a manufacturing production line, autonomous robotic solutions can complete a variety of tasks. Being autonomous, the conveyors and sub equipment are often placed as close to the robot base as possible, so that the robot can interact with components as they come into their area of reach. A simple analysis is easy to conduct. Robot BThis robot is able to move a motor from the main conveyor at the front to the front of the machine it resides next to. The motor would then pass through the machine, exiting to a position where Robot A can pick it up and return it to the main conveyor. Robot AThis robot is able to move a motor from a conveyor leaving a machine, back to the main conveyor at the front. The role of the robotsIn this production line, motors are being processed, and the robots are moving the motors to and from the main conveyor.

11. Autonomous Robotics Introduction Time to Analyse Using the handout provided analyse each robotic solution you see and describe what it is doing or might be designed to do. You might not know the answer, but you can predict by thinking about the following questions:- What is the End Effector (head of the robot) designed to do?- How does the robot articulate (pivot) and where will it go from and to?- What is the robot lifting or doing that might be dangerous for humans to do?Task: Analyse the robots on Worksheet 02 and describe what you think they do.

12. Autonomous Robotics Introduction What career opportunities can robotics offer? FANUC, like many employers, have fantastic staff. Each are passionate about their jobs, and each were inspired to join the industry from a range of different backgrounds. This is your opportunity to read and learn from these people and see if a career in this leading industry is right for you? Task:Read the “Staff Profiles” document that introduces you to Steve Capon, Daniel Venables, Rachel Kenning and Mark Arbon. Discuss as a class what skills, passions and interests you have found.

13. Autonomous Robotics Introduction Task continued Having read the brief profiles of four employees, your task is now to read the more detailed profiles of: Chris Sumner, Managing Director of FANUC UK, Andrew Miller, a Robotic Control and Project Engineer. As a class, discuss the following: - What types of training and skills does each person need?- What shared skills do they both have?- Which skills can you acquire whilst still at school?- Which skills would you expect to develop when you join a company?- What passions do they share that are similar to your own?

14. Autonomous Robotics Introduction Open Design Task As an warm up design activity, on A4 paper you are tasked with designing (either in 2D or 3D) a robotic solution that would conduct one task in your home.Consider all the jobs, work and activities that take place in your home, and design a solution that would replace the human with a robot. Examples might include:Washing upCleaning the floorTaking out the rubbishFeeding the petSweeping the garden

15. LESSON 1 Plenary As a class, let us consider the following questions?A. Why is being autonomous important for future robotic applications?B. How might autonomy negatively impact on future jobs and business?C. What is the benefit of being autonomous, over being human-controlled, for a robot? D. What are some of the key skills to becoming a robotics engineer?E. What job could a robot do in your home from an autonomous position?

16. LESSON 1 Summary Learning objective: Learn about the definitions and terminology relating to autonomous robotics in industry, develop an ability to analyse autonomous robotic solutions and their applications, and sketch a robotic solution for your home. • Today you have: • Learnt about the key words and terms that engineers use to describe autonomous robotics in industry. • Analysed various robotic solutions and considered how they perform. • Designed a solution unique to your own needs as a potential future autonomous robotic solution