Robots and Computer Science Dr. Dakai Zhu Department of Computer Science, UTSA

2 Ideal World: I, Robot Do the Work  Need Rules and regulations to control the activities of robots!!!

3 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?!)

4 Real Robot Examples  Vacuum Cleaning robots  Automatic assembly line  Research robots  Unknown space exploration  Unreachable  Rescue robots  Dangerous  Toys (expensive )

5 The Current Technology  Humanoid Robots: Honda and Sony

6 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.mechanicalvirtual artificialagent electromechanicalsystem  A certain level/degree of intelligence  Where does the intelligence come from?

7 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

8 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

9 How Do We Program Robots? Host computer for development Interface/charger Handy Board Target machine Interface/charger Phone cable USB cable

10 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