(SEM VIII) THEORY EXAMINATION 2021-22 AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS

SECTION A

(Attempt all questions – 2 marks each)

(a) Objective of Robotics

The main objective of robotics is to perform tasks with high accuracy, speed, and consistency while reducing human effort, increasing productivity, and improving safety in industrial operations.

(b) Need of Automation

Automation is needed to increase production rate, improve quality, reduce human errors, lower production cost, and perform repetitive or dangerous tasks efficiently.

(c) Accuracy of a Robot

Accuracy of a robot is the ability of the robot to reach a desired position precisely without deviation during repeated operations.

(d) Automation vs Robotics

Automation refers to automatic control of machines or processes, whereas robotics involves programmable machines capable of performing multiple tasks with flexibility.

(e) Selection of Robotic Drive

Robotic drive selection depends on load capacity, speed requirement, accuracy, power availability, and application type. Common drives are electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic.

(f) Functions of Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid transmits power, lubricates moving parts, removes heat, prevents corrosion, and seals clearances in hydraulic systems.

(g) Applications of Robots in Assembly Line

Robots are used for part handling, welding, fastening, packaging, inspection, and material transfer in assembly lines to improve efficiency and consistency.

(h) Advantages of Rectangular Coordinates

Rectangular coordinate robots offer simple design, high accuracy, easy control, and are suitable for pick-and-place and material handling operations.

(i) Robot Vision

Robot vision is a sensing system that enables robots to see, identify, and interpret objects using cameras and image processing techniques.

(j) Electromagnetic Relay

An electromagnetic relay works on electromagnetic induction. When current flows through the coil, it creates a magnetic field that attracts the armature and closes the circuit.

SECTION B

(Attempt any three – 10 marks each)

2(a) Drive Systems for Robot End Effectors and Classification of Grippers

Robot end effectors use electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive systems. Electric drives offer high accuracy, pneumatic drives provide fast motion, and hydraulic drives deliver high force.
Grippers are classified as mechanical, vacuum, magnetic, and adhesive grippers. Mechanical grippers are commonly used and operate by opening and closing jaws to hold objects securely.

2(b) Online vs Offline Programming

Online programming is performed by directly teaching the robot on the shop floor, whereas offline programming is done using computer software without stopping production. Offline programming saves time, improves safety, reduces downtime, and allows simulation before actual execution.

2(c) Robot Vision (in detail)

Robot vision uses cameras, sensors, and image processing algorithms to identify object shape, size, position, and orientation. It is used in inspection, quality control, sorting, and guidance systems. Robot vision increases flexibility and accuracy in automated systems.

2(d) Laws of Robotics and Types of Robots

The three laws of robotics were proposed by Isaac Asimov. Robots must not harm humans, must obey human commands, and must protect themselves.
Types of robots include industrial robots, service robots, mobile robots, humanoid robots, and medical robots. Each type is designed for specific applications.

2(e) Integration of Mechanical, Electronics, and Computer Systems

Automation systems integrate mechanical components with electronic sensors, controllers, and computer software. Mechanical systems provide motion, electronics control signals, and computers manage decision-making and programming, resulting in efficient automated operation.

SECTION C

3(a) Power Sources Used in Robots

Robots use electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic power sources. Electric drives are clean and precise, hydraulic systems provide high power, and pneumatic systems are simple and fast. Each source has advantages and limitations depending on application.

3(b) Levels of Robot Programming

Robot programming levels include manual programming, teach pendant programming, robot-level programming, and task-level programming. Higher levels provide greater flexibility and abstraction.

4(a) Trajectory Planning and Control

Trajectory planning defines the path and motion of a robot from start to end point. Control systems ensure smooth movement, accuracy, and stability using position and velocity control techniques.

4(b) Robot Cell Design

Robot cell design refers to the layout of robots, machines, sensors, and safety devices in a workspace. Considerations include safety, accessibility, cycle time, space utilization, and flexibility.

5(a) External vs Internal Sensors

Internal sensors measure robot joint position and speed, while external sensors measure environmental data such as force, vision, and proximity. Both are essential for precise robot control.

5(b) Application of Robots in Welding

Robots are widely used in spot welding and arc welding. They provide uniform weld quality, high speed, improved safety, and reduced human fatigue.

6(a) Homogeneous Transformation and Its Inverse

Homogeneous transformation represents position and orientation of robot links using matrix representation. Its inverse helps convert coordinates from one reference frame to another.

6(b) Programmable Robot

A programmable robot is a reprogrammable, multifunctional machine capable of performing different tasks by changing its program.

7(a) Robot Coordinate System Representation

Robot coordinate systems describe position and orientation using Cartesian, cylindrical, spherical, or joint coordinates, helping in accurate motion control.

7(b) Collision-Free Motion Planning

Collision-free motion planning ensures that a robot moves safely without hitting obstacles by calculating safe paths using sensors and algorithms.