Robotics Fundamentals and EV3 Programming Basics

Introduction to Robotics

Defining Robots, Androids, and Cyborgs

A robot is an automatically guided machine that can perform tasks on its own or with specific guidance. Robots are used in many applications and industries.

An android is a robot designed to have human characteristics. They usually feature realistic skin and integrated sensors that enable them to react to touch.

A cyborg is a being that consists of both biological and artificial parts.

Hardware Configuration and Ports

When working with EV3 hardware, components are connected to specific ports:

• Motors: Connected to Ports A, B, C, and D.
• Sensors: Connected to Ports 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Input Devices and Sensors

Input devices allow a robot to receive information from its environment:

• Camera: Used to determine the locations and shapes of objects. This technology is known as machine vision.
• Sensors: These devices receive analog signals and convert them into digital data that can be read or displayed. Examples include:
  • Temperature sensors
  • Pressure sensors
  • Touch sensors
• Microphones: These allow robots to collect, process, and record sounds. A microphone acts as the robot’s ears, allowing it to hear the surrounding environment.

Output Devices and Actuators

Output devices allow the robot to perform actions or provide feedback:

• Claws: Programmed for carrying objects. These are used in factories for relocating heavy parts or in junkyards to lift large items.
• Wheels: Many robots are programmed to travel specific distances using wheels to navigate.
• Motors: Also known as engines, these convert energy into mechanical energy to create motion.
• Relays: These are electrically operated switches.
• Speakers: Devices that convert electrical signals into audible sounds.

EV3 Programming and Logic

Touch Sensor States

The touch sensor recognizes three distinct states:

• 0 - Released: The sensor was already pressed and has been let go.
• 1 - Pressed: The sensor was pressed after the program started.
• 2 - Bumped: A quick press and release action (a "bump").

Sound and Movement Logic

In programming, if the Wait for Completion flag is set to 0, the program will wait for the sound to finish before continuing to the next block. Other values do not trigger this wait state.

Move Steering Modes

• X: Off
• Icon (Empty): On
• Icon (Two perpendicular lines): On for Seconds
• Icon (Degrees): On for Degrees
• Icon (Hashtag): On for Rotations

File Management

What is the file extension for these projects?
The standard file extension for these project files is .EV3.