Robotics and Automation
Robots sense, think and act.
About this topic
A robot is a machine that senses its environment, makes decisions and acts, usually through programmed instructions. Typical parts are sensors (cameras, distance and touch sensors), a controller or computer, actuators such as motors and grippers, and a power source. Automation more broadly means using technology to perform tasks with little human help.
Many robots follow the sense, think, act loop. A robot vacuum senses a wall, decides to turn and moves away, repeating continuously. Feedback control compares what is happening with what is wanted and corrects errors, as a thermostat does. Industrial robots weld and assemble cars with great precision, while drones, surgical robots, warehouse robots and rovers on Mars handle other jobs. Artificial intelligence helps robots recognise objects and plan movements.
Robots are best at tasks that are dull, dirty or dangerous, but they raise questions about jobs, safety and responsibility. A common misconception is that robots must look like humans; most do not. Another is that they act on their own will, whereas they follow programs and sensor data. Start with simple projects such as line-following robots to learn how sensors and code work together.
Key ideas
- Sensors and actuators
- Control loops
- Automation changes jobs
Quick check
Use cases: where Robotics and Automation helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Robotics and Automation before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Robotics and Automation without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Robotics and Automation changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Robotics and Automation in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
Computing ideas run phones, search engines, games and the wider internet.
Frequently asked questions
What is Robotics and Automation?
Robots sense, think and act.
What will I learn in Robotics and Automation?
Sensors and actuators. Control loops. Automation changes jobs.
Is Robotics and Automation part of Computer Science?
Yes. It is one of 80 Computer Science topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Robotics and Automation lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Robotics and Automation?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.