• Review of a cool LEGO robot that can be programmed. Programming and control of industrial robots

    Robot construction kits are an ideal opportunity to combine play and learning basic programming skills. That is why they are so popular in the world.

    They differ not only in manufacturers, but also in programming methods and capabilities, types of fasteners, and materials.

    Most simplified (for beginners) and robots come with a special software, which allows you to easily set commands to your creation. In more advanced models, you will first have to learn C-based languages.

    LEGO Mindstorms

    The designer is available in two types:

    • children's;
    • advanced.

    The nursery contains only a few motors, light bulbs, and instructions with possible options assemblies. But with LEGO, instructions are often no longer needed after the first assembly, and imagination comes into play.

    It is worth noting that although programming of these robots is possible, control units are not provided in this set, which means that the robot will always be connected to the computer using a USB cable.

    An advanced set opens up much more scope for imagination. It exists in several variants and generations (on at the moment three generations). They differ in the number of parts, the presence of additional microcomputers, as well as various sensors and other devices. Microcomputers in this series are equipped operating system Linux. These schemes not only support special languages programming, but also C++, C and even Python.

    To make reprogramming the robot easier, you can use official program from LEGO, which allows you to customize elements using an intuitive interface.

    Lego has been the leader in robot construction for more than ten years. Competitions are organized to create, where the main prize is most often a budget place at a prestigious university.

    LEGO Mindstorms - one of 17 build options

    HUNA

    This is a relatively new brand, originally from South Korea, which is gradually gaining popularity in the circles of young cybernetics. There are two types of HUNA kits. Their fundamental difference lies in the fact that, in one case, the parts are made of plastic, and in the other, of metal. But at the same time, they can be combined, since they have a common principle of connecting parts.

    You can learn more about exciting metal construction kits for boys.

    HUNA plastic kits are intended for children aged six years and older, as they do not require knowledge of even the basics of programming.

    The “brain” of the iron sets is Arduino controller, which already has special firmware installed. The programming environment here is the usual C-shaped language for Arduino, but for greater convenience it has been visualized.

    Due to Arduino, as well as more advanced systems, these kits specialize in audiences over fifteen years of age. That is, those who have already outgrown Mindstorms.

    Makeblock

    The next designer on our list is the Chinese Makeblock. As in the previous case, Arduino electronics are used here. The number of sets sold on the official website is simply huge. You can find both cheap sets of regular machines and quite serious sets that allow you to create a 3D printer yourself.

    All Makeblock parts are made of aluminum, onto which paint is applied electrostatically (much like cars). Thus, the likelihood that over time the details will look unsightly tends to zero.

    From interesting models It should be noted those that perform drawings, among them:

    • mScara– a robotic arm on which you can put a laser instead of a marker;
    • mSpider– he draws in vertical planes, moving on strings like a spider;
    • mCar- a machine that draws with a marker where it goes.

    There is also special software for these robots that allows you to create a drawing of any complexity. To do this, just load it into the program's graphic editor.

    #Structor

    This construction set is produced in Russia and differs from others in that its parts are made of foamed PVC. Their thickness is five millimeters, which allows you to create small but quite durable structures.

    And the fact that PVC is a soft material makes it possible to solve eternal problem designers - the details are not what you want to see. In this case, everything can be solved with an ordinary stationery knife or scalpel.

    Advantages of PVC:

    • low cost;
    • ease of processing - you just need to arm yourself with a knife, pencil and ruler;
    • high strength;
    • moisture resistance;
    • fire safety - the ignition temperature of PVC sheet exceeds 400 degrees Celsius.

    Manufacturers offer to solve low structural strength in two ways. The first is to simply glue the parts together. The special glue “Cosmofen” is best suited for such purposes. The second way is to combine #Struktor with a Soviet (or similar) iron constructor.

    #Structor from “Amperka”

    Although the parts will not last long from such treatment, you can always buy a sheet of plastic and cut new ones. Drawings of the parts are freely available, and no one ruled out imagination.

    #Structor elements are controlled using Arduino. And thanks to the versatility of the material from which the design elements are made, any sensor, servo drive or motor can be easily integrated into the design.

    Vex

    The company is known mainly for its vibration robots. But few people know that it also produces kits for creating full-fledged robots. The kits are intended for children aged ten years and older. But thanks to the wide range of products, they can also be used in schools or universities.

    If any element is missing, you can always purchase it separately. The manufacturer's website has a lot of various sensors, motors and other design elements. In addition, by purchasing additional parts, you can increase the complexity of products.

    Only the sets of the Korean company Vex contain Elon gearboxes or wheels.

    Programming takes place in one of several environments. There are three Wednesdays in total. The first is a screen where, instead of writing commands, blocks are simply dragged and dropped. The second is classic flowcharts, like in computer science lessons. The third environment is very similar to LEGO software - the same drag and drop of blocks with commands and values.

    A notable feature is also the presence of VEX Assembler software. This is a 3D editor in which you can design and test your robot before you start building it in real life.

    VEX Robotics by HEXBUG

    FischerTechnik

    The construction kits are produced by a German company. The ROBOTICS line, which opens up the world of robots for children, has six sets. They all propose to create several robots that perform certain functions. As with all construction kits, the fun begins when all the instructions have already been tried.

    So that there is no shortage of details and electronic components Expansion kits can be purchased separately, remote control and much more.

    The controllers, sold separately, deserve special attention. Although their cost is comparable to the cost of a whole set, the boundaries they open easily outweigh this fact.

    There are two types of controllers on sale:

    • Robo TX;
    • Robo TXT.

    The high price for them is due to the fact that these are not just controllers, but real microcomputers with support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and quite powerful hardware for their small size. To improve performance, these controllers can be combined into one network.

    Programming takes place on free program Robo Pro. All commands are set using logical blocks, which allows you to teach your child the basics of programming in a playful way.

    TRICK

    The designer was “born” in Russia. Its manufacturers decided to help robotics enthusiasts who use Soviet metal construction kits. Therefore, all parts have holes with the same ten millimeters as the iron constructors.
    This construction set is new to the market, but has already proven itself to be universal and very convenient.

    There are currently four types of kits:

    • starting;
    • educational;
    • school;
    • competitive.

    Their difference is in the number of parts and electronics. In all kits you will find a microcontroller, microphone and video camera or sensors, LEDs and wheels.

    The TRIC microcontroller runs on Linux and has an on-board processor with 24 megahertz and as much as 256 MB of RAM. It can also be expanded with a Flash card.

    TRIX assembly kit

    Creators of this constructor decided not to tie the controller to one programming environment. Therefore, it supports C, C++, Python and even Java. For those who are just learning programming, there is a special programming environment designed for the TRIC controller.

    Since the controller supports many commands, for ease of control there is an application for smartphones running Android. Commands are transmitted using Wi-Fi.

    MOSS


    The American company that invented MOSS took an unconventional path - it abandoned wires.     Instead, cubic-shaped parts are used that have colored edges. Their purpose is as follows:

    1. Green – transfer of electricity from the battery.
    2. Red – data input.
    3. Brown edges – data output.
    4. Blue - these edges transmit both electricity and data. They are needed to connect parts using a flexible element.

    Yes, the design is quite complex, but if you understand it, your imagination in creating robots will be unstoppable. And even an 8-year-old child, for whom the designer is designed, can understand what the essence of it is. The modules are connected to each other using metal balls attached to magnets. These magnets are located on the corners of the modules.

    Robo Wunderkind by MOSS

    Microcontroller programming can be done using two programs. The first is a visualizer with additional parameters. It is suitable for those who are not very well versed in C code.

    The second program is aimed at those who are well versed in it. It compiles your code and transfers it to the controller. Both of these programs work on Windows and Mac OS, but are not supported on Linux.

    To remotely control the MOSS robot, there are several programs for mobile devices. This includes control panels, exporting data from sensors, drawing graphs and much more. All programs are available for iOS, and some for Android.

    For children preschool age you can choose an assembly kit without an electrical component, for example, .

    It is worth noting that the review did not take into account constructors costing over one hundred thousand rubles, as well as those that require some kind of soldering.

    MECCANO robot controlled by smartphone or tablet

    Video

    This video will tell you in detail about programmable robots: what they are like and which one is better to choose.

    To choose a designer, you need to decide who it is for:

    • LEGO Mindstorms is best for a child who is into robots. And since most children have an extensive LEGO collection, the child's imagination will be truly limitless.
    • If you are looking for a construction set for yourself, then you should pay attention to TRIC or #Struktor, since they are both compatible with the Soviet iron construction set, and the second one is also made of PVC.
    • But, one way or another, these construction toys will greatly improve your child’s logical thinking abilities, and will also prepare him for what will await him at school or college.

    It would not be amiss, before purchasing, to study in detail each assembly kit you like. And also think about sending your child to a radio amateur club if he likes this topic.

    LEGO constructors are familiar to everyone. Over several decades, sets of multi-colored plastic parts have become truly iconic: children enjoy assembling castles, cars and spaceships from them, and adults - entire real cities.

    Today, LEGO not only develops fine motor skills and imagination. The new LEGO Boost set offers literally bring the assembled constructor to life using a smartphone or tablet.

    That is, the assembled cybercat will actually purr, the robot will talk and drive, and the guitar will produce crazy “salts.”

    What does it look like? I assembled my robot and now I’ll tell you everything.

    What is LEGO Boost

    Lego Boost is an educational construction set consisting of 847 parts. from them you can choose one of 5 models:

    1. Robot Verni
    2. Frankie the Cat
    3. Guitar 4000
    4. Robot Factory
    5. All-terrain vehicle (M.T.R.4)

    The main elements of each model are 3 parts: the main mechanical unit, the color and distance sensor and the interactive motor.

    The main mechanical block is the “heart” of LEGO Boost, which sets the assembled construction set in motion. It is to this that you can connect your iPhone or iPad to program the assembled model to perform various commands and even communicate with the owner.

    Two others are connected to the mechanical unit: a color and distance sensor reacts to external stimuli, helping the toy avoid obstacles or follow its behavior script when it sees a certain color, and the interactive engine brings the construction set to life by rotating the tracks or wheels (depending on what you build).

    To program the constructor, you will need the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox application [download from the App Store]. You will have to download it at mandatory, because there are no paper instructions in the box with the designer - all stages of assembly of each of the 5 models are clearly shown in the application.

    You can write a separate review about each model, but I will briefly talk about the capabilities of each LEGO robot Boost:

    1. Robot Verni. Great companion and friend

    The Verni robot can drive and spin around its axis, talk, distinguish colors and avoid obstacles. You can attach a cannon to the robot and shoot at the target.

    With the help of additional accessories, the robot can be turned into a dancer, DJ, policeman or hockey player. It will take more than one hour to figure it out and try all the features of Verni.

    Vernie knows how to express emotions with the help of moving eyebrows: surprise, anger and joy. You just have to see it to appreciate how amazingly accurately the toy manages to be happy or sad with just a few moving parts.

    Here is a short video in which the robot Verni behaves indecently:

    The robot cannot move its arms itself, but it can squeeze small objects in its “fingers” and take them from one point to another.

    No, he won't bring pizza. Maybe this will be fixed in the next generation of LEGO Boost :)

    2. Cybercat Frankie. An ideal pet without hair and unpleasant odors

    A cybercat named Frankie cannot move on his own, but he can stand on his hind legs, move his ears and wag his tail. You can pet Frankie, and he will respond with a contented purr, or you can make him play the harmonica, and the melody depends on the color that needs to be shown to the cybercat.

    Frankie also has facial expressions, although he needs to move his eyebrows with his hands. Interactive elements are engaged in the above processes of tail wagging and standing on their hind legs.

    Yes, we are still talking about LEGO.

    3. Guitar 4000. Plays like a real one

    The Guitar 4000 is almost a real musical instrument with which you can play music. There is no need to press chords; instead, it is suggested to move the “slider” along the neck of the guitar. A motion sensor monitors the position of the “slider” and gives commands to play different sounds.

    A second hand is also needed to imitate striking invisible strings using a special lever. There's even a special controller for getting a tremolo sound during solo cuts.

    By the way, this model can play not only guitar sounds, but also any others. So why not use it as a sample machine to feel like a real DJ?

    4. Robot factory. To create your own army of Terminators

    This is the most complex model of all five, but also the coolest. Once assembled, the factory can assemble small robots from LEGO bricks itself.

    Naturally, the whole process is automatic. It looks fascinating, but the video can best convey it.

    A short guide to creating an army of robots:

    I regret that I built the Vernie robot first. It was necessary to assemble this factory in order to flood the entire Instagram with videos about how cool LEGO Boost is.

    5. All-terrain vehicle (M.T.R.4). Will go over any carpet

    A heavy tracked vehicle with large wheels will easily travel along a given route, avoiding obstacles. You can assemble additional accessories on the all-terrain vehicle: a cannon, a bucket, a catapult and even construction cones, which the toy will carefully drive around.

    The distance sensor here acts as an object detector: if an all-terrain vehicle with a bucket approaches a small “load,” the sensor will command the toy to lift the bucket and put the object in the back.

    It's best to see how this happens once:

    Other accessories along with a motion sensor work on a similar principle. If you don’t trust the sensors, you can switch to the mode manual control: on iPhone screen or iPad, virtual joysticks will appear, with which you can control the movement of the all-terrain vehicle and the operation of the bucket, catapult or cannon.

    How to program a constructor?

    The LEGO Boost app is like a game where each level helps you learn new building skills. At the very beginning, you can see all the robots and choose the one you want to assemble.

    To program a finished robot, you don’t even need to be able to read and write: all commands look like multi-colored blocks that you just need to drag onto the timeline in the desired order.

    All command blocks are divided by type and color. In some cases, you can set the execution time of a particular command yourself, and some blocks perform random actions, which makes the robot more “alive” and independent.

    The LEGO Boost construction set can also accept interactive commands: you can wave your hand in front of the robot, say a code word, or touch it to start executing a predetermined algorithm. When creating action algorithms, entire cycles are available, which brings the control of the toy closer to real programming.

    Is it difficult to assemble your robot?

    For an adult, assembling any LEGO Boost model will take 2-3 hours. For a child, the whole process will last for several days, especially if the child is not yet 10 years old.

    Sphero SPRK

    Sphero SPRK is a robot for teaching programming, disguised as a small translucent ball. You need to control the device using a code: it is typed in the smartphone editor using blocks with commands. The ball can roll, spin, jump and change colors. Those who do not yet know how to program can also play - for this, the developers have uploaded 12 basic algorithms.

    The ball was invented by Sphero, a company founded in 2010 to produce children's toys. The robot was specially made transparent: children can watch how the mechanisms inside the ball control its movements. By the way, the name SPRK stands for Schools-Parents-Robots-Kids (schools, parents, robots, children). The toy can be purchased in stores for $129.99.

    Ozobot

    Ozobot is no bigger than a golf ball. If you draw a line on paper with a bold marker (or with a virtual marker on the tablet screen), it will roll along it. For further actions you will need to come up with code: for example, you can program the ball so that it rotates around its axis or accelerates. For now, the robot comes with the original Ozobot code editor, but soon it will be possible to use the Blockly programming language.

    The founder of the project told Techcrunch: “Children today have become very withdrawn, so we wanted to do something that would encourage them to return to the real physical world.” Now Ozobot works on iOS and Android, and the complete kit costs about $50 (this includes the robot itself, games, applications and other programs).

    Project Blocks

    Project Bloks was developed by Google in partnership with design studio IDEO. Using ready-made spare parts, you can create various devices and conduct experiments: compose music or remotely control things in the room. The platform consists of three parts: a processor running on Raspberry based Pi, control panels and tools (eg LED light bulbs or audio player).

    The main advantage of Project Bloks is that the platform allows you not just to press buttons and wait for the effect, but to feel the connection between software and hardware. For example, command icons are placed directly on physical buttons, through which these commands are executed. With Project Bloks, children can create algorithms to control various robots: for example, Lego WeDo 2.0 or Mirobot.

    Cubetto

    Wooden blocks are an important part of childhood. If desired, you can also build towers from Cubetto cubes, but that’s not all. Each cube is a robot that can follow commands. It is assumed that even three-year-old children will be able to program Cubetto - those who cannot yet read or write. The $225 set includes a wooden robot cube on wheels, a wooden board game, additional blocks and a book with tasks.

    Like in language LOGO programming, each block represents a simple command: for example, forward, backward, right or left. Children place blocks on the playground, thereby creating a program for the movement of the robot.

    AERobot

    Not all schools can afford to purchase a robot. It's another matter if it costs only $11. This is approximate price AERobot - small device, equipped with several sensors and capable of executing programmed commands. It was invented by several researchers from Harvard, passionate about the idea of ​​​​giving schoolchildren from developing countries the opportunity to play with a real robot, while learning to program.

    You can transfer the code to the device and charge it using regular computer via USB. “And no extra frills,” comments the robot’s creator.

    Robbo

    Robbo's vision is to inspire children to explore the environment and solve practical problems. Devices execute user commands that are written in visual and in simple language Scratch programming.

    Robbo devices and teaching materials are already used in a number of European schools. The company developed the robots in collaboration with the Faculty of Teacher Education at the University of Helsinki and Finnish schools.

    Root

    Root, a robot developed at Harvard, is a big-eyed hexagon that brings to mind robot vacuum cleaners or children from a Bradbury story. The robot has scanners and bumpers that allow it to move, follow a given path and avoid obstacles. By the way, Root can drive not only on the floor, but also on a blackboard, as well as draw and erase what was drawn. To control the robot, you need to install the Square app on your iPad.

    The environment for creating algorithms is reminiscent of the Scratch editor: in order for the robot to perform a certain action, you need to select a block with the corresponding command. As you learn, the rules of the game become more complicated—you don’t just need to drag and drop blocks, but write commands yourself. The robot is still being finalized, so it won’t be available in stores anytime soon.

    Bonus: Golem Battle game

    At first glance, “Battle of the Golems” is an ordinary board game, but in fact the authors put a lot into it. The goals of this Russian project are to teach children programming, to instill in them an interest in robotics, to sow basic knowledge and provide the skills then necessary to immerse themselves in the world of Internet technologies. The project combines the basics of algorithms, working with performers, principles of constructing and executing programs, basic algorithmic structures, spatial thinking and command logic for robot performers, and the basics of program constructs such as conditions and cycles. And all this without using computers!

    For iPad - educational coding app. The app allows you to program robots, drones, and musical instruments in Swift, Apple's language.

    “Despite the fact that Swift is intended primarily for iOS and mac OS developers, the application will also allow you to understand general programming concepts, knowing which, you can boldly start learning any programming language you like and delve into its intricacies,” says Ilya Vislotsky, head Stack Group Development Department.

    “In the past, if a person wanted to understand how programs work, or wanted to try his hand at programming, then he had no choice but to immediately use professional IDEs,” notes Ilya Vislotsky. Quite a lot has already been created curricula, they allow you to involve children in programming and analyze the basic structures of algorithmization (condition, cycle, subroutines). “I myself often play similar games, for example Lightbot. In my opinion, it is doubly useful if the program limits the algorithm by the number of operations, since the task can be completed in many ways, striving for the most effective one,” adds Maxim Bekurin, robotics trainer at the Technoit center.

    But there are no analogues in the tablet application format, even slightly similar in functionality and purpose. With Swift Playgrounds, users can instantly see the code they've created and directly control devices, making programming lessons even more fun and visual. By using bluetooth app Easily connects to different robots and drones from several companies.

    The universal platform interacts with five models:

    1. By using popular set LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 millions of children around the world can code and control the motors and sensors of their educational robots.
    2. The Sphero SPRK+ robotic ball can spin, roll, turn, accelerate and change color. With Swift Playgrounds it will be possible to control the ball using sensors that provide feedback.
    3. Using Swift code, the Parrot Mambo, Airborne and Rolling Spider drones can take off, land, turn and perform various tricks.
    4. The UBTECH Jimu Robot MeeBot Kit can be programmed and taught to walk, bend and dance.
    5. Wonder Workshop's robot illustrates the basic principles of writing code. With Swift Playgrounds, he will help elementary school students learn programming hands-on.

    “The ability to connect to multiple robots is a definite plus, thereby creating an additional area of ​​study in robotics. Moreover, given the many years of work Apple, we can say with confidence that they will further develop this application so that it is suitable for large serious projects,” notes Alexander Kormiltsev, teacher at the polytechnic education department of the Youth Palace, Yekaterinburg.

    Swift Playgrounds is compatible with everyone iPad models Air, iPad Pro and iPad mini 2, as well as iOS 10 or later.

    Working at the intersection of cybernetics, psychology and behaviorism (the science of behavior), and an engineer who compiles algorithms for industrial robotic systems, whose main tools include higher mathematics and mechatronics, they work in the most promising industry in the coming years - robotics. Robots, despite the comparative novelty of the term, have long been familiar to humanity. Here are just a few facts from the history of the development of smart mechanisms.

    Iron Men Henri Droz

    Even in the myths of Ancient Greece, mechanical slaves were mentioned, created by Hephaestus to perform heavy and monotonous work. And the first inventor and developer of a humanoid robot was the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. The most detailed drawings of the Italian genius have survived to this day, describing a mechanical knight capable of imitating human movements with his arms, legs, and head.

    Creation of the first automatic mechanisms with program controlled started at the end of the 15th century by European watchmakers. The most successful in this field were Swiss specialists, father and son Pierre-Jacques and Henri Droz. They created a whole series ("writing boy", "draftsman", "musician"), the control of which was based on clock mechanisms. It was in honor of Henri Droz that later all programmable humanoid automata began to be called “androids.”

    At the origins of programming

    The foundations for programming industrial robots were laid at the dawn of the 19th century in France. It was here that the first programs for automatic textile machines (spinning and weaving) were developed. Napoleon's rapidly growing army was in dire need of uniforms and, therefore, fabrics. An inventor from Lyon, Joseph Jacquard, proposed a way to quickly reconfigure a weaving machine to produce various types products. Often this procedure required a huge amount of time, enormous effort and the attention of an entire team. The essence of the innovation was the use of cardboard cards with perforated holes. The needles, getting into the cut places, shifted the threads in the necessary way. The change of cards was quickly carried out by the machine operator: new punched card - new program - new type fabric or pattern. The French development became the prototype of modern automated systems, robots with programming capabilities.

    The idea proposed by Jacquard was enthusiastically used in their automatic devices ah, many inventors:

    • Head of the statistical department S. N. Korsakov (Russia, 1832) - in the mechanism for comparing and analyzing ideas.
    • Mathematician Charles Babbage (England, 1834) - in the Analytical Engine for solving a wide range of mathematical problems.
    • Engineer (USA, 1890) - in a device for storing and processing statistical data (tabulator). For the record: in 1911 the company. Hollerith was named IBM (International Business Machines).

    Punch cards were the main storage media until the 60s of the last century.

    Intelligent machines owe their name to a Czech playwright. In the play “R.U.R.”, which was published in 1920, the writer called a robot an artificial person created for difficult and dangerous areas of production (robota (Czech) - hard labor). What distinguishes a robot from mechanisms and automatic devices? Unlike the latter, the robot not only performs certain actions, blindly following the established algorithm, but is also able to interact more closely with the environment and the person (operator), and adapt its functions when external signals and conditions change.

    It is generally accepted that the first working robot was designed and implemented in 1928 by the American engineer R. Wensley. The humanoid “iron intellectual” was named Herbert Televox. Biologist Makoto Nishimura (Japan, 1929) and English soldier William Richards (1928) also claim the laurels of pioneers. The anthropomorphic mechanisms created by the inventors had similar functionality: they were able to move their limbs and head, carry out voice and sound commands, and answer simple questions. The main purpose of the devices was to demonstrate scientific and technical achievements. The next round in the development of technology made it possible to soon create the first industrial robots.

    Generation after generation

    Robotics development is a continuous, incremental process. To date, three distinct generations of “smart” machines have emerged. Each is characterized by certain indicators and areas of application.

    The first generation of robots was created for a narrow type of activity. Machines are only capable of performing a specific programmed sequence of operations. Robot control devices, circuitry and programming practically eliminate autonomous operation and require the creation of a special technological space with the necessary additional equipment and information and measurement systems.

    Second-generation machines are called sensing or adaptive. Robot programming is carried out taking into account a large set of external and internal sensors. Based on the analysis of information coming from sensors, the necessary control actions are developed.

    And finally, the third generation - intelligent robots who are capable of:

    • Summarize and analyze information,
    • Improve and self-learn, accumulate skills and knowledge,
    • Recognize images and changes in the situation, and, in accordance with this, organize the work of your executive system.

    Artificial intelligence is based on algorithms and software.

    General classification

    At any representative modern exhibition of robots, the variety of “smart” machines can amaze not only ordinary people, but also specialists. What types of robots are there? The most general and meaningful classification was proposed by the Soviet scientist A.E. Kobrinsky.

    Based on their purpose and functions, robots are divided into production, industrial and research. The first, in accordance with the nature of the work performed, can be technological, lifting and transport, universal or specialized. Research ones are designed to study areas and areas that are dangerous or inaccessible to humans (outer space, the earth's interior and volcanoes, the deep layers of the world's oceans).

    By type of control we can distinguish biotechnical (copying, command, cyborg, interactive and automatic), by principle - rigidly programmable, adaptive and flexibly programmable. The rapid development of modern technology provides developers with almost limitless opportunities when designing intelligent machines. But an excellent circuit and design solution will only serve as an expensive shell without the appropriate software and algorithmic support.

    In order for the microprocessor silicon to take over the functions of the robot’s brain, it is necessary to “fill” the corresponding program into the crystal. Ordinary human language is not capable of providing a clear formalization of problems, accuracy and reliability of their logical assessment. Therefore, the required information is presented in a certain form using robot programming languages.

    In accordance with the management tasks being solved, four levels of such a specially created language are distinguished:

    • The lowest level is used to control actuators in the form of precise values ​​of linear or angular movement of individual parts of the intelligent system,
    • The manipulator level allows you to general management the entire system, positioning the robot’s working body in coordinate space,
    • The operations level serves to form work program, by indicating the sequence of necessary actions to achieve a specific result.
    • At the highest level - tasks - the program indicates without detail what needs to be done.

    Roboticists strive to reduce programming robots to communicating with them in higher-level languages. Ideally, the operator sets the task: “Assemble the internal combustion engine of a car” and expects the robot to completely complete the task.

    Language nuances

    In modern robotics, robot programming is developing along two vectors: robot-oriented and problem-oriented programming.

    The most common robot-oriented languages ​​are AML and AL. The first was developed by IBM only for controlling intelligent mechanisms of its own production. The second, a product of specialists from Stanford University (USA), is actively developing and has a significant impact on the formation of new languages ​​of this class. A professional can easily discern the characteristic features of Pascal and Algol in the language. All robot-oriented languages ​​describe an algorithm as a sequence of actions of a “smart” mechanism. In this regard, the program often turns out to be very cumbersome and inconvenient in practical implementation.

    When programming robots in problem-oriented languages, the program specifies a sequence not of actions, but of goals or intermediate positions of an object. The most popular language in this segment is the AUTOPASS language (IBM), in which the state of the working environment is represented in the form of graphs (vertices - objects, arcs - connections).

    Robot training

    Any modern robot is a learning and adaptive system. All necessary information, including knowledge and skills, is transferred to her during the learning process. This is done both by directly storing the relevant data in the processor’s memory (detailed programming - sampling), and using the robot’s sensors (by visual demonstration) - all movements and movements of the robot’s mechanisms are stored in memory and then reproduced in the work cycle. While learning, the system rebuilds its parameters and structure, forms information model outside world. This is the main difference between robots and automated lines, industrial machines with a rigid structure and other traditional automation tools. The listed teaching methods have significant drawbacks. For example, when sampling, reconfiguration requires some time and labor of a qualified specialist.

    The program for programming robots presented by the developers of the Information Technology Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (CSAIL MIT) looks very promising at international conference industrial automation and robotics ICRA-2017 (Singapore). The C-LEARN platform they created has the advantages of both methods. It provides the robot with a library of elementary movements with specified constraints (for example, the grip force for a manipulator in accordance with the shape and rigidity of the part). At the same time, the operator demonstrates key movements to the robot in a 3D interface. The system, based on the task at hand, generates a sequence of operations to complete the work cycle. C-LEARN allows you to rewrite an existing program for a robot of a different design. The operator does not require in-depth programming knowledge.

    Robotics and artificial intelligence

    Oxford University experts warn that machine technology will replace more than half of today's jobs in the next two decades. Indeed, robots have long been working not only in dangerous and difficult areas. For example, programming has significantly displaced human brokers on world exchanges. A few words about artificial intelligence.

    In the minds of the average person, this is an anthropomorphic robot that can replace a person in many areas of life. This is partly true, but to a greater extent artificial intelligence is an independent branch of science and technology, with the help computer programs, modeling the thinking of “Homo sapiens”, the work of his brain. At the current stage of development, AI helps people more and entertains them. But, according to experts, further progress in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence may pose a number of moral, ethical and legal questions to humanity.

    At this year's robot fair in Geneva, the world's most advanced android, Sophia, announced that she was learning to be human. In October, Sophia was recognized as a citizen of Saudi Arabia with full rights for the first time in the history of artificial intelligence. The first sign?

    Major trends in robotics

    In 2017, digital industry experts noted several outstanding solutions in the field of virtual reality technologies. Robotics has not been left out either. The direction of improving the control of a complex robotic mechanism through virtual helmet(VR). Experts predict the demand for such technology in business and industry. Likely use cases:

    • Control of unmanned equipment (warehouse loaders and manipulators, drones, trailers),
    • Conducting medical research and surgical operations,
    • Development of hard-to-reach objects and areas (ocean bottom, polar regions). In addition, programming robots allows them to operate autonomously.

    Another popular trend is connected car. More recently, representatives of the giant Apple announced the start of development of their own “drone.” More and more companies are expressing their interest in creating machines capable of independently moving along rough roads, preserving cargo and equipment.

    The increasing complexity of robot programming algorithms and machine learning places increased demands on computing resources and, consequently, on hardware. Apparently, the optimal solution in this case would be to connect devices to the cloud infrastructure.

    An important area is cognitive robotics. Rapid growth The number of “smart” machines is forcing developers to increasingly think about how to teach robots to interact harmoniously.

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