What Is the Meaning of Robotics & Embedded Systems?
In the past, robots were controlled by bulky and expensive computer systems. Because these robots could not be carried around, many were stationary. Mobile robots had to be linked to the computer via cables or wireless, but connectivity and response speed were problematic.The development of embedded computer systems has solved the problem.
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What Is an Embedded System?
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Embedded systems are computers, usually designed to perform a single function in real time and with a high degree of resiliency. They are also tightly constrained, smaller and sturdier than their nonembedded counterparts. Their defining characteristic is being embedded as part of a complete device that often includes hardware and mechanical parts.
Embedded System Applications
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Embedded systems are crucial components of many modern devices. Portable computers, wristwatches and cellphones are among the devices in which the presence of a computer can be readily seen. Many embedded systems are less visible, such as those hidden in cars, traffic lights and household appliances, not to mention robots.
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What Is a Robot?
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Very few robots resemble the familiar metallic humanoids of science fiction. Any mechanism that has actuators, sensors and a control unit can be classified as a robot. This would include not only androids like Asimo and fictional robots like the Terminator, but also industrial machinery or automated vehicles and automated weapons like the predator drone. The definition even includes entities that we would not recognize as robots, such as the antilock braking system in a new car.
Embedded Programming for Robotics
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Because of their small size, few embedded systems have anything resembling a keyboard or a monitor. Programs are usually written and compiled on a PC and transferred to the embedded device via serial or USB connection. Many specialized development environments are designed with embedded robotics in mind, including Microsoft's Robotics Developer Studio, Evolution Robotic's ERSP and Willow Garage's Robot Operating System.
New Possibilities in Embedded Robotics
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The small form factor and relatively low cost of embedded devices facilitates creation of robot designs. For example, researchers are developing robotic swarms, which feature many small robots of limited intelligence engaging in complex emerging behaviors inspired by the social behavior of insects. Embedded devices also make possible construction of modular robots in which small, reconfigurable modules connect, disconnect and change shape to perform new tasks, adapt to new environments or recover from damage.
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References
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