Robots and Computer ScienceDr. Dakai Zhu

Department of Computer Science, UTSA

http://www.cs.utsa.edu/~dzhu

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Ideal World: I, Robot Do the Work

Need Rules and regulations to control the activities of robots!!!

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Three Laws for Robots, by Isaac Asimov Law #1: A robot may not harm a human

being Law #2: A robot must obey orders given to

it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law

Law #3: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law

Additional law: A robot must know it is a robot (should robots have feeling?!)

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Real Robot Examples Vacuum Cleaning robots Automatic assembly line Research robots

Unknown space exploration Unreachable

Rescue robots Dangerous

Toys (expensive)

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The Current Technology Humanoid Robots: Honda and Sony

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Definition for Robots from Wikipedia A robot is a mechanical or virtual,

artificial agent. It is usually an electromechanical system, which, by its appearance or movements, conveys a sense that it has intent or agency of its own.

A certain level/degree of intelligence Where does the intelligence come from?

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Brain of Robots: Computer Science Hardware: Architecture and Organization

Processors/micro-controllers Memory Input/output interfaces

Software: Programming, Algorithms, OS Resource management: OS Behavior control: Algorithm Planning: AI

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LEGO Robots: Education Platforms LEGO Mindstorms Robots

Programming bricks (RCX) Electric motors Sensors LEGO Technic pieces

(gears, axles, beams etc)

Advanced controller: MIT Handy Board Motorola 6811 Digital and analog I/Os Motor driver outputs

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How Do We Program Robots?

Host computerfor development

Interface/charger

Handy BoardTarget machine

Interface/charger

Phone cable

USB cable

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Can ‘You’ Find the Water? Water on Mars

Water in the middle Regions Obstacles

LEGO robots Handy Board LEGO sets Motors Sensors: light, touch, sonic

http://www.cs.utsa.edu/~dzhu/cs4953