2. Applications of Robotics in the Modern World (30 Marks) 2.1 Differentiate between the concept of a robot and an industrial robot. (4 marks) - \( \qquad \) 2.2 Discuss the concept of the 5Ds of robots. (6 marks) - \( \qquad \) 2.3 Provide examples of robots based on the 5D schema. (6 marks) - \( \qquad \) 2.4 Discuss why robots were developed with respect to precision and consistency. (6 marks) - \( \qquad \) 2.5 Differentiate the use of robots based on their purposeful design (Range: telepresence, medical, research, exploration, education). (8 marks) - \( \qquad \)

### 2.1 Differentiate between the concept of a robot and an industrial robot. (4 marks) **Robot**: A robot is a programmable machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. It can be designed for various applications, including domestic tasks, entertainment, and research. Robots can be mobile or stationary and may operate in diverse environments. **Industrial Robot**: An industrial robot is a specific type of robot designed for manufacturing and industrial applications. These robots are typically used for tasks such as assembly, welding, painting, and material handling. They are characterized by their high precision, speed, and ability to work in repetitive tasks within a controlled environment. ### 2.2 Discuss the concept of the 5Ds of robots. (6 marks) The 5Ds of robots refer to five key dimensions that define the capabilities and applications of robotic systems: 1. **Dangerous**: Robots can operate in hazardous environments where human presence would be risky, such as in nuclear plants, deep-sea exploration, or disaster recovery scenarios. 2. **Dirty**: Robots are used in environments that are unclean or involve hazardous materials, such as waste management or cleaning up toxic spills. 3. **Dull**: Robots can perform monotonous tasks that are repetitive and tedious for humans, such as assembly line work, allowing human workers to focus on more complex tasks. 4. **Difficult**: Robots can handle tasks that are physically challenging or require precision beyond human capability, such as intricate surgeries or high-altitude construction. 5. **Diverse**: Robots can be designed to perform a wide range of tasks across various industries, adapting to different functions and environments, from agriculture to space exploration. ### 2.3 Provide examples of robots based on the 5D schema. (6 marks) 1. **Dangerous**: Bomb disposal robots, such as the PackBot, are used to safely disarm explosives in dangerous situations. 2. **Dirty**: The Roomba vacuum cleaner is an example of a robot that cleans floors, handling dirt and debris without human intervention. 3. **Dull**: Industrial robotic arms, like the ABB IRB series, are used in assembly lines to perform repetitive tasks such as welding and painting. 4. **Difficult**: Surgical robots, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, assist surgeons in performing complex procedures with high precision. 5. **Diverse**: The NASA Mars Rover is designed for exploration, capable of conducting various scientific experiments and navigating the Martian terrain. ### 2.4 Discuss why robots were developed with respect to precision and consistency. (6 marks) Robots were developed to enhance precision and consistency in various applications for several reasons: 1. **Quality Control**: Robots can perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, reducing the likelihood of errors that can occur with human labor. This is crucial in industries like manufacturing, where product quality is paramount. 2. **Repetitive Tasks**: Robots excel in repetitive tasks, maintaining the same level of performance over time without fatigue. This consistency ensures that products are manufactured to the same specifications, leading to uniformity. 3. **Cost Efficiency**: By minimizing errors and maintaining high precision, robots can reduce waste and rework costs, leading to more efficient production processes. 4. **Safety**: In tasks that require precision, such as surgery or assembly of delicate components, robots can perform operations that would be risky for humans, ensuring safety while maintaining high standards. 5. **Innovation**: The development of robots with precision capabilities has enabled advancements in fields such as medicine, aerospace, and electronics, where exact measurements and consistent results are critical. ### 2.5 Differentiate the use of robots based on their purposeful design (Range: telepresence, medical, research, exploration, education). (8 marks) 1. **Telepresence Robots**: These robots allow individuals to be virtually present in a location through a robotic interface. They are used in remote work, healthcare consultations, and education, enabling interaction without physical presence. 2. **Medical Robots**: Designed for healthcare applications, these robots assist in surgeries, rehabilitation, and patient care. Examples include robotic surgical systems and robotic prosthetics that enhance patient mobility. 3. **Research Robots**: Used in scientific research, these robots gather data, conduct experiments, and assist in laboratory tasks. They can be programmed for specific research needs, such as environmental monitoring or biological studies. 4. **Exploration Robots**: These robots are designed for exploring uncharted territories, such as space or underwater environments. Examples include the Mars Rover and underwater drones that collect data from the ocean floor. 5. **Educational Robots**: These robots are used in educational settings to teach programming, robotics, and STEM concepts. They engage students in hands-on learning experiences, fostering interest in technology and engineering. In summary, the purposeful design of robots allows them to serve specific functions across various fields, enhancing efficiency, safety, and learning opportunities.