What is a Robot?

April 2009
EDUCATIONAL GUIDE
ROBOTS AND MAN
Teachers’ guide
The objective of this guide is to provide teachers
with activity suggestions to assist them in creating
an educational project or to be included as a more
general educational visit to the park.
SUMMARY
Robots at Futuroscope
Guide Format
Study Sheets
Programme entry points
Study sheet answers
www • futuroscope • com/discoverypacks/
p. 2
p. 3
p. 3
p. 3
pp. 3-6
020 7499 8049
ROBOTS AT FUTUROSCOPE
Dances With Robots
This unique entertaining attraction is presented in a new
high tech building housing ten giant robots who dance to
an unusual and original choreography of different musical sequences (salsa, disco, hip-hop…).
Visitors choose to observe from a mezzanine or be a dancer with each robot taking two passengers in articulated
seats. In either case the experience is thrilling, creating
a whirlwind of fun.
Robot Dancers
The choreography
Robots, seven metres high from the automobile industry
turn on six separate axes with the ability to compose
innumerable combinations of movement. Thanks to its
tried and tested industrial track record it is capable of
speeds close to that of a Formula 1 car and uses speed
and force to lift objects gracefully and securely weighing
up to 500kg. These Robot Dancers are developed by the
company ‘KUKA’, one of three industrial robotics world
leaders.
The attraction was conceived by Kamel Ouali a well
known French choreographer, creating a unique artistic
performance: making robots dance. Parallel to this robotic ballet, projected on to a screen 33 metres long is a
choreographed sequence by some of his best dancers.
Kamel Ouali is teacher of modern jazz and hip-hop at the
Academy of International Dance at the Conservatoire de
Saint-Denis et de la Courneuve.
This attraction is restricted to people over 1.20 metres in height.
Robot Spirit Explorer
Strange robots
At the entrance of Cosmic Collisions.
At Digital City, a collection of funny, kit form, painted,
paper and metal robots.
Educational Guide – Robots and Man
2
Parc du Futuroscope - CRDP Poitou-Charentes
GUIDE FORMAT
The robot theme is rich and diverse, strongly anchored in the imagination of everyone, especially the young. The topic
covers a variety of subject areas including; Science, Design and Technology, ICT, Media, Art and Design and in this case
Modern languages.
Uses of the theme are numerous
• Who creates and builds robots? The trades associated
with robotics, the industry building robots.
• Why are we so fascinated by robots? Science fiction in
literature and the cinema.
These are just examples of uses; the list is by no means complete:
• What exactly is a robot? How can we recognise a
robot? From an automaton with artificial intelligence, a
story of robots.
• Where are the robots? What purpose do they serve?
Discover their field of application.
• Is there is a science of robots? Discover the complexities of robotics, its different areas of scientific specialities and its associated techniques.
This guide offers:
Activity suggestions related to some of the challenging
problems outlined in this document.
• Documented resources for teachers not familiar with
the subject.
●
THE STUDY SHEETS
Entry point into the programmes
The study sheets are predominantly to be filled in by the
student. Existing in a Pdf format they can be easily printed
off or photocopied. The task areas can be completed individually or in small groups. Only a few of the sheets can be
completed entirely during a visit to the park. Others require documentary research to be carried out prior or after
the visit. The manner in which the study sheets are used is
left to the discretion of the teacher.
• Preparing students to familiarize themselves with companies or technical objects playing a major role in the
domain of robotics.
• Study of science fiction as a literary genre, arguments,
study of the image and reflecting on its usage as a
medium of communication.
• The apprehension of using robotics in automated projects and systems.
• Study of industrial system techniques, understanding
the structure and functionality of automated systems.
ANSWERS TO STUDY SHEET
Study Sheet 1 - WHAT IS A ROBOT?
5. The word “rover” replaced the term “astromobile”.
6. Origin of the word “Spirit”: from a nine year old girl
who entered a competition by the LEGO company to
name the robot.
7. Diagram completed (from top left hand in a clockwise
direction): Panoramic cameras, Antennas, Wheel,
Robotic arm, Solar panel.
8. Solar panels.
1 Diagram to read from top to bottom: machine, robot,
computer.
2 Relationship: Computer – Intelligence; Robot –
Intelligent tool; Machine – tool
3 Completed table to read from top to bottom: robot;
machine; computer; machine; robot.
Study Sheet 2 - ROBOTS AT FUTUROSCOPE
1/6-2/6: See the documentary file
5/6.
1.The KUKA industrial robots are classified according to
their weight handling capacity.
2. The robot used is a KR 500/1 TUV.
3. It belongs to a group of robots handling heavy loads.
4. Diagram:
1 Access platform,
2 Command box,
3 Robot KR 500/1 TUV.
3.1 In-line wrist,
3/6.
1. The American space mission is called the Mars
Exploration Rover (MER).
2. The mission’s objective is to geologically study the planet Mars.
3. The launch rocket is called Delta II.
4. The trip lasts about 8 months.
Educational Guide – Robots and Man
3
Parc du Futuroscope - CRDP Poitou-Charentes
3.2 Arm,
3.3 Shoulder,
3.4 Stabilising system,
3.5 Rotation frame/bed,
3.6 Base unit,
3.7 Support,
4 Protection grill,
5 Gondola.
5. The robocoaster has 6 axis.
6. The gondola is fixed to axis 6.
7 With the manufacturing managers, maintenance managers, and the methods managers
8 New car project – New factory – Definition of needs –
specifications list- manufacturing at suppliers –
Validation – Test at pilot site – Put into production –
Increase production levels – Improve speed. Training:
from the phase of ‘test at pilot site’ to ‘Increase production levels’ for the production operators and maintenance technicians.
9 Knowledge of computing is required, real time, electronic, electrotechnic, slavery/bonded to
10 Production of ‘minutes’, visiting suppliers, factories –
improving computerisation – Training (production operators and maintenance technicians)
11 Manufacturing manager – Maintenance manager –
Methods manager – Production operators –
Maintenance technicians.
12
S.A.S. (Société par Actions Simplifiée) - Company of
Simplified Shares : A ‘SAS’ is a company structure whereby each associate (minimum 2, no maximum) is only
responsible from a risk point of view for the equivalent of
his amount of his own shares in the company. Minimum
capital investment is 37000 Euros. Members of the S.A.S.
openly decide the management structure and the collective decision making process. The S.A.S. can not have
just one member.
Reliability: To make reliable. In whom we have confidence.
A device that can function in a reliable manner over a
fixed period of time.
Interface: To put physically in place communication rules
between two systems.
Specifications List: A document provided by the client to
suppliers, describing as explicit as possible the requirement of services outlining all aspects of delivery including, constraints, technical conditions of production,
operations and quality.
Connected: That which has a direct relation with another
entity.
Supplier: A person who supplies merchandise or access.
Server (Servo Control): A state of servitude (slave). An
action of control.
6/6.
* Height required for secure operation is 6.303 metres.
* Diameter required for safe 360° operation is 9.396 metres.
* Height of plinth on which robot is fixed: 1020 mm.
* The hatched area represents the secure area for people
when the robot is in operation.
* For the robot to perform its choreography, it needs to be
connected to the system control box.
Activity suggestions
Ask students to choose a robot model that particularly impressed them during their visit to Futuroscope,
and ask them:
• Write describing the robots form, size, colour, tasks
performed and its character.
Can it see, touch, communicate and move? Use the
appropriate technical vocabulary where possible.
• Write an argumentative text in favour of the robot
you chose.
Study Sheet 3 - OLIVIER, ROBOTIC PILOT
1, 2 & 3 Olivier’s passion is automobiles. He works at
Renault SAS. Domain: The robotics.
4 Stages of manufacture: Stamping out, assembling,
painting, assembling equipment.
5 Improve speed of production, reduction of tedious tasks
carried out by humans. Limit the risk of errors, reduce
accidents at work, and increase the economic level of
output (Quality)
6 Principal responsibilities: Assure the interface between
the suppliers of robots, related equipment and factories.
Study Trail
Carry out a detailed research project on training
activities and jobs related to robotics.
Educational Guide – Robots and Man
4
Parc du Futuroscope - CRDP Poitou-Charentes
DOCUMENTARY FILE
In order of their technical level
WHAT IS A ROBOT? HOW DOES IT WORK?
(classification established by JIRA – Japan Industrial
Robot Association)
• Class 1: Human controlled Manipulators
• Class 2: Robots whereby the operation by itself is non
movable
• Class 3: Robots whereby the movement of the robot can
be modified
• Class 4: Robots capable of producing by themselves an
action learned from an operator during an initial manual
operation.
• Class 5: Robots digitally controlled; the difference with
class 4 being that the robot learned the task from a
digital programme.
• Class 6: Autonomous robots, intelligent and capable of
understanding and adapting to its environment so it can
carry out its objectives.
The word “robot”, despite the appearances,
is difficult to define
It’s a word often used for objects that have very little in
common with each other. The term also can be attributed
to robot painters or welding robots in the automotive
industry as well as toy robots or those that explore Mars
or humanoid robots.
Dictionary definitions find it difficult to cover the diversity of the subject. For example the “Hachette” dictionary
refers to a robot as a machine equipped with a memory
and a programme capable of substituting a human for
carrying out certain tasks. The term for robot should
cover at least two criteria:
• A robot is a machine that is capable of moving or to
move one of its constituent elements
• A robot is capable of realising various tasks reproducing
characteristics of those of a human or animal.
Robots should also be capable of adapting to their
environment.
Each robot has its proper function, according to its
functions and mechanical properties (structure, sensors)
and software. The most basic robots have three basic
components that assure: mobility (excluding wheels),
sensorial detection and intelligence (computer).
According to their field of application
We can look at those of the CNRS (French Centre for
Scientific Research):
• Robots that explores an area in stead of a human
These areas could be dangerous, inaccessible to man, or
the nature of the work is difficult or impossible; such as
the robot used by fire brigades; in the nuclear energy
industry, window washing or sewer cleaning;
• Robots that provide a service to human beings:
Can be arranged as follows: surgical robots allowing
greater precision and can even be manipulated from a
distance; domestic robots alleviating humans of boring
tasks (robot vacuum cleaner or lawn mower), industrial
robots of which there are many applications (automotive
industry, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing); The
automotive industry is the largest consumer of robots in
the world; in this category we can arrange them as
robots of leisure and learning; at Futuroscope: robot
dancer KUKA.
• Robots inspired directly by living beings (human or
animal): the development of androids (in time, maybe, the
android home could carry out all domestic functions) and
pets.
Modern day Robots around the world and at
Futuroscope
Since the 1990’s robots have been on the increase. We
find them in most human activities. In fact they are
omni-present in certain areas of our lives. They now have
various classifications.
The various classifications are numerous, including:
In chronological order
-1st generation robot: Of a minimalist nature, they carry
out such tasks as painting or welding on an assembly
line; it relies on electronic components, it is not too
different to a robot as it is still dedicated to a single task.
-2nd generation robot: It has integrated sensors that can
examine the environment visually and physically
allowing it to alter its comportment according to what it
perceives.
-3rd generation robot: It is capable of making decisions;
it’s the first step towards artificial intelligence.
Educational Guide – Robots and Man
5
Parc du Futuroscope - CRDP Poitou-Charentes
ROBOTS AND THE FUTURE
It is certainly difficult to project ourselves into the future.
We can however, take from work already done in
particular in Japan and the United States; give some
ideas of the future of robots:
• Miniature robots
• Robots that communicate between themselves
• Development stronger links with biology and the
utilisation of living organisms to manufacture or use in
robots (test have already been carried out for areas such
as sensors)
• The pursuit of efforts in the domain of artificial
intelligence and of the conscience (developing androids
amongst others)
Parc du Futuroscope
B.P. 2000
86130 Jaunay-Clan
Tel.: 020 7499 8049
It is very difficult to determine what will become of all this
research. As said by Philippe Coiffet (director of the
French Centre for Scientific Research) “there will be a
large invasion of robots in all areas similar to that of the
modern day computer. The robot of everyday use is only
two decades away”. Further he says: “We will never see
a machine more intelligent than humans, but we will
see… machines more competent than a human to carry
out a number of services. We should therefore get
ourselves ready to welcome our new companions”.
What is a Robot?
Study Sheet 1
A few definitions:
A machine:
A machine is a tool capable of carrying out work for which it was conceived and thus manufactured.
A robot:
A robot is a machine equipped with a memory and a programme capable of substituting a human for carrying out certain tasks. It behaves
according to its physical environment to carry out its tasks and should be able to adapt to carry out its tasks in the best possible way.
A computer:
A computer is a machine allowing it to handle information according to set procedures. It is an electronic machine that handles data.
In order to classify these three definitions:
1. Complete the diagram opposite putting in
correct order the words COMPUTER, MACHINE, ROBOT.
2. Link each of the below to its family group
COMPUTER
INTELLIGENT MACHINE
ROBOT
TOOL
MACHINE
INTELLIGENCE
3. With the help of the above definitions, find each objects family group (machine, robot, and computer).
Power of 1000 watts. Electronic lime scale detector indicating when cleaning is necessary. Anti drip system with special shut-off valve avoiding overflow. “Constant
Temperature” control for constant hot coffee. Special touch “1-4” allowing for small
quantities of coffee. Permanent filter. Programmable digital clock. Automatic programmable stop mode.
A hair dryer that is adapted to all stages of hair drying for ladies for simple drying or
for perfect styling. 2 speeds and 3 temperature positions.
GPS receiver with a hard disk of 2 megabytes on which are pre registered maps of 16
European countries with a data base of points of interest such as restaurants and
hotels. On its screen of 9.5 cm one can navigate 2D & 3D. Integrated loud speakers
with vocal guides in 8 languages. Antenna GPS.
Delivered in a box with 1 charger with a double faced nozzle. Equipped with 2 compact lightweight 1.5 Ah batteries. Less than one hour’s charging time. Adjustable coupling nozzle with 25 positions. 2 mechanical speeds. Automatic stopping brake. Auto
lock system. Nut blocking for rapid drill bit changing.
Trilobite is an entirely independent vacuum cleaner. A real technical gem which integrates with its environment, recharges itself, calculates trajectories across the surface to be vacuumed.
Robots at Futuroscope
Study Sheet 2 – 1/6
Who are they?
To simplify the situation we have put them into 3 categories:
1. Robots that explore a place instead of a human
2. Robots that provide a service to human beings
3. Robots directly inspired by living beings
Complete the table below and describe your 0observations particularly those in the Dance with Robots attraction.
Category
1. Robots that explore
2. Robots that provide a service
3. Robots inspired by living beings
Name of Robot
Robots at Futuroscope
Study Sheet 2 – 2/6
ROVERS SPIRIT AND OPPORTUNITY
Technical & Documentary sheet
The mission
Mars Exploration Rover (MER) is NASA space mission to the planet Mars. With the launch of the two probes from Cape Canaveral on
the Delta II rocket its objective is to geologically explore the planet Mars for traces of water in the past that could have possibly sustained life.
1. Mer-A, the robot Spirit, Launched on 10 June 2003, landed on January 3 2004 in the Gusev crater, a depression 170km in diameter which
could have contained a lake.
2. Mer-B, the robot Opportunity, launched on 8 July 2003 and landed on January 24 on the Meridiani Planum plain.
The two probes were controlled from laboratory in California at a distance of 250 million kilometres.
Terms of reference
The term “rover” is used to replace the word “automobile”.
Officials at NASA decided to adopt the female gender for the rovers calling them Spirit and Opportunity
The duration of each mission is expressed in terms of “Suns” which represents the number of Martian days elapsed since the arrival
of each robot on Mars. A “Sun” corresponds to 24 h 39 min.
Origins of the name
From the request of NASA the names Spirit and Opportunity were chosen following a competition organised by Lego in collaboration
with the Planetary Society. The winner of the competition was a 9 year old girl, Sofi Collis, born in Siberia and adopted by an American
family. These were names used back when pioneers were conquering the West.
Rover’s structure
Twins, the two rovers are 1.5 m high and 2.3 m wide and 1.6 m long weighing 185kg with a speed of 3cm per second.
Each rover comprises:
• A triangular central cell housing the onboard computer and its batteries all kept at an average temperature between -40° and +40°
• Six wheels, each equipped with an electrical motor with the two wheels at the rear and front also equipped with directional steering
motors allowing the rover to have a 360° turning circle on itself.
• A mobility system with its wheels linked to the central cell allowing it to drive over rocky terrain.
• Solar panels, capable of generating up to 140 watts of electrical energy providing enough energy to raise the rover into a vertical position to get rid of the accumulations of Martian dust.
• Two rechargeable batteries
• Robotic arm carrying a digging tool, two spectrometers and a microscopic camera.
• Three radio antennas
• A computer
• A temperature control system for internal components (a constant temperature needs to be maintained at a level to allow a good working state for the batteries and computer)
• A mast carrying navigational and scientific instrument: panoramic camera, two navigational cameras and a thermal spectrometer.
• Six navigational cameras and three scientific cameras.
Angled camera views: panoramic camera
(pancam), Wide angle navigation camera
(Navcam), Front hazard detection camera
(Front Hazcam) and rear (Rear Hazcam).
Antennas (low frequency LGA, high frequency
HGA)
Robots at Futuroscope
Study Sheet 2 – 3/6
ROVER SPIRIT
Study Work Sheet
1. What is the name of the American space mission in which the exploration robot Spirit plays a principal part.?
2. What is the mission’s main objective?
3. What is the name of the launching rocket?
4. What is the journey time for Spirit to reach Mars?
5. What term has the name “Rover” replaced?
6. How was the name Spirit arrived at?
7. With the help of the technical and documentary sheet complete the diagram below and give it a title.
8. Which elements supply the rover with its energy?
9. Visit the NASA website http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mer/mission/ and find what the results of the mission were. Outline them below
Robots at Futuroscope
Study Sheet 2 – 4/6
ROBOCOASTER
Technical & Documentary sheet
Robots manufactured by the company KUKA are classed according to the load size they carry
1. Small loads (3 to 16 kg)
These robots are particularly suitable for lightweight operations such as testing components or the assembly of
small objects.
2. Medium size loads (30 to 60 kg)
Able to carry out difficult tasks such as measuring the flow in the steel smelter and stitching leather upholstery.
3. Heavy loads (100 to 240 kg)
These are particularly suitable for heavy tasks such as point to point welding and for loading and unloading.
4. Very heavy loads (360 to 570 kg)
These robots handle such loads as car panels in the automotive industry, or a palette working robot able to load and unload palettes of
drinks or building materials.
The Robocoaster KUKA uses the functionalities of a robot for very heavy loads known as the KR500/1
Technical characteristics of the KR 500/1 robot:
• Model KR500/1
• Number of axis: 6
• Weight handling: 430kg
KR 500/1 diagram:
1 In-line wrist
2 Arm
3 Shoulder
4 Stabilising system
5 Rotation frame/bed
6 Base unit
ROBOCOASTER KUKA is one of a kind. For the first time the total freedom of movement combined with
the increased dynamics of an industrial robot are used for the the first time in the leisure industry.
Characteristics of the Robocoaster :
• Access platform
• Command box
• Robot KR 500/1 on its on support
• Protection grill and security device
• Gondola
Particularities of the Robocoaster :
• Six axis = ► six plains of free movement synchronised for a new
unique experience
• Programmed to interact with themes ranging from soft to extreme
according to the visitor’s requirements
• Security and reliability with tried and tested industrial technology
• Suitable for aquatic attractions
• Entirely electronic with no compressed air
Robots at Futuroscope
Study Sheet 2 – 5/6
ROBOCOASTER
Study Work Sheet
1. How are the industrial robots classed at KUKA?
2. Which type of robot is used in the attraction?
3. Which group does it belong to?
4. Using the diagram of the KR500/1TÜV and the characteristics of the Robocoaster complete the diagram below of the attraction.
1.
2.
3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
4.
5.
5. How many axis does the robot have?
6. On which axis is the gondola positioned?
Robots at Futuroscope
Study Sheet 2 – 6/6
Look at the technical design below and answer the questions.
• Colour in the Gondola with red, the arm blue, and the shoulder yellow
• What is the maximum height necessary for the Robocoaster to function securely (answer in metres)?
• The diagram shows the Robocoaster moving in a circular plain. Calculate what the diameter would be for it to operate in a 360° circle
(answer in metres)
• What is the height of the base plinth on which stands the robot?
• What would you say the pencil hatched area represents?
• What does the robot need to be connected to in order for it to perform its choreography?
Olivier, robotic pilot
Study Sheet 3 – 1/2
A car each minute
From the start it appeared Olivier liked his job at Renault SAS.
When one is passionate about the automobile, especially it’s
industrialisation it is easy to get highly stimulated by it all. As much
as ever the stakes are high, “We are producing a car less than
every minute. To maintain such a level of output, the production
tools need to achieve high performance. My objective is to keep
them functioning at an optimum level” Olivier’s area of responsibility is robotics, that is to say the robots that intervene in the various
stages of production: stamping out, assembling sheet metal, painting, equipment assembly. As soon as a new car model is at project stage it is necessary to prepare hundreds of robots: “either
we use existing resources or we construct a new factory. My role
is to insure the interface between the robot suppliers or the associated equipment and the factory. I start by drawing up a specifications list taking into account the needs of each manager in such
areas as manufacturing, methods and maintenance. I monitor
developments with the suppliers, especially the robot software.
Prior to installation there is a period of validation at a test site to
ensure all is working correctly. Changes may be necessary to
increase the production output. I observe in order to understand
the problems so I can ask the suppliers to resolve them.” In order
to ensure developments progress correctly, the young engineer
keeps a critical eye on the supplier’s suggestions. He uses the culture technique that he acquired at Nantes University. “There are a
lot of things associated with robots he explains. This requires knowledge of computers, electronics, electricity and servers. I work
robot standards ensuring the best adaptability according to
Renault’s needs”. Olivier would be unhappy spending every day in
front of his computer. Fortunately the production of meeting minutes and specifications doesn’t take up all his time. There are
various trips to suppliers and factories. He has just come back
from Spain with a new high performance piece of software: “I
identify the problems within the factory, implementing the necessary changes and monitor results. Ensuring the reliability of the
robots, I spend a large part of my time training the production operators and maintenance technicians. The young man likes human
contact and keeps his finger on the pulse when he visits each factory. When necessary he “roles his sleeves up to help out”, taking
part in electrical operations or refining software issues. He is passionate about his ever evolving area of work. And of course, particularly when it comes to the launch of a new model which is
always exciting: “If the car goes it is down to us”.
Translated from an article in:
Parcours: construire son avenir, Les métiers de l’industrie,
ONISEP, 2003
1. What is Olivier’s passion?
2. Which company does he work for?
3. In which area?
4. At which stage of manufacturing do robots get into action?
5. What features do industrial robots in a general manner bring to a factory?
6. What are Olivier’s principal responsibilities?
7. With which people does Olivier need to discuss requirements with before he creates his specification list?
Olivier, robotic pilot
Study Sheet 3 – 2/2
8. Using the labels below create a flow diagram outlining the flow of work for “robotisation” for the preparation of the manufacturing of
a new car.
INCREASE OUTPUT
IMPROVEMENTS
PUT INTO PRODUCTION
VALIDATION
NEW FACTORY
TRIAL AT TEST SITE
SPECIFICATIONS LIST
MANUFACTURING AT SUPPLIER
DEFINING NEEDS
NEW CAR PROJECT
9. What knowledge is required to work in robotics?
10. What are the different tasks related to Olivier’s job?
•
•
•
11. Name the various professions encountered by Olivier in his job
•
•
•
•
12. Use a dictionary or references to give definitions to the following words:
Reliability:
Interface:
Specification list:
Connected:
Supplier:
Server:
Standard:
Electronical engineering:
Electronic: