Making Robots Move
November 21st, 2007
Almost all robots have movable bodies. While some only have motorized wheels, others have dozens of movable segments that are typically made of metal or plastic. Individual segments are connected together with joints very much like that of bones in the human body.
With the use of some sort of actuator, robots are able to spin wheels and pivot jointed segments. Actuators can either be electric motors, solenoids, hydraulic system or a pneumatic system which is driven by compressed gases. A single robot can use all these actuator types. The power source which can either be direct plugging into the wall outlet or a battery will drive the actuators that are all wired to an electric current. It is the computer that controls everything attached to the circuit.