Teaching Robots There are two ways to teach a robot how to do something: Type a program of instructions into the controlling computer. Use lead-through programming

Typing in a program. A program containing instructions on how to spray a car body is typed into the computer. Eg Move 10 position left Move 6 positions down Spray on Move 30 positions down Spray off Teaching Robots

Using lead-through programming: An experienced human car-sprayer will spray a car body using the end of the robot arm. The human sprayer will lead the robot arm through the spraying process. The controlling computer will record and store the movements made by the robot arm as a program. When the program is run, the robot arm will go through the sequence of spraying movements on its own. Teaching Robots

Intelligent robots are programmed to behave as though they had a form of intelligence. An expert system is a program which stores rules learnt from a human expert. An intelligent robot can be programmed with its own expert system Intelligent Robots

Virtual Reality is a method of reproducing the outside world digitally within a computer system. It can be displayed in such a way that it allows them to interact with a wide range of situations. Virtual Reality users can wear a headset with earphones and goggles and data gloves. The computer controls three of the five senses. Virtual Reality

Computer Simulation This is a way of using computer to model something that happens in real life. A computer simulation can predict what would happen in a real life situation. This simulation would use a model of that situation on the computer. Computer simulation is used for training and in design work.

Computers in Design and Manufacture CAD/CAM

Computer Aided Design CAD is a way of using a computer to design the structure or appearance of an item on the screen. A CAD system can greatly reduce the amount of work a designer has to do by making all the necessary calculations and allowing her to change the design many times on the screen.

Computer Aided Design The designer can input any changes to the design to the computer and see its effect straight away on the screen. The designer can enlarge any part of the picture so that very small details are visible.

Computer Aided Design A professional CAD system consists of: a computer one or more terminals with large high resolution monitors high quality colour plotters a range of specialised software packages to drive the system The hardware and software used for CAD range from large systems costing several thousands of pounds to relatively inexpensive systems which are designed specifically for microcomputers.

Peripherals Needed A Graphics Tablet (Digitising tablet) is used to input the design. The Graphics Table allows the designer to draw in the natural way using an electronic pen.

Peripherals Needed Sometimes the design is output in a form suitable for transfer to a computer controlled machine, ready to start the manufacturing process. If a high quality printout is required a plotter can be used as an output device.

Uses of CAD Car Design - CAD can be used to design the shape of a car body, which is nice to look at and has low fuel consumption. Kitchen Units - Some stores offer kitchen planning services which allow the customer to see how their kitchen will look when complete.

Uses of CAD Road Design - A designer can use CAD to plan the route of the road and how the road will appear when driven upon. Housing - Local Authority planners can plan housing estates and individual houses.

Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) Using a computer to control the production process eg making a part for a car. The details of the parts are stored and can be changed or added to later.

Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) CAM products can consistently be made very accurately. Parts can be created using a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) lathe.

Computer Integrated Manufacture (CIM) This is when CAD and CAM systems are combined to design and manufacture a particular product. It is a faster and more accurate process than older methods. The amount of waste can be minimised. A single operator can see a complete job through from start to finish. It is simpler to operate and demands less skill of the operator.

Computer Integrated Manufacture (CIM) In a flexible manufacturing system, the manufacturing process can easily be changed around to make completely different products. In a computer integrated manufacture CAD and CAM are used from start to finish of a particular product with little or no human intervention. Some jobs have been lost because machines have replaced people on production lines.