Published on Jun 05, 2023
Mobile robots are the objects which move around in their environment and are not fixed to one physical location. They consist of instrument panels like LASER scanners, monocular cameras and RFID devices for sensing the terrain.They can be controlled by Bluetooth, wireless network of pc, a wireless remote control microcontroller, etc. They are used for reasons like security, maintenance, industrial transports, in military, etc. Mobile robots are the focus of a great deal of current research and almost every major university has one or more labs that focus on mobile robot research. Mobile robots are also found in industry, military and security environments. They also appear as consumer products, for entertainment or to perform certain tasks like vacuum.
Classification of Mobile Robots:
Mobile robots may be classified by:
The environment in which they travel:
1.Land or home robots. They are most commonly wheeled, but also include legged robots with two or more legs (humanoid, or resembling animals or insects).
2.Aerial robots are usually referred to as Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAVs)
3.Underwater robots are usually called Autonomous Underwater Vehicles.(AUVs)
The device they use to move, mainly:
1.Legged robot: human-like legs (i.e. an android) or animal-like legs.
2.Wheeled robot.
3.Tracks.
Some of the robots are briefly described here.
Automatically Guided Vehicles:
An automated guided vehicle or automatic guided vehicle (AGV) is a mobile robot that follows markers or wires in the floor, or uses vision or lasers. They are most often used in industrial applications to move materials around a manufacturing facility or a warehouse. Application of the automatic guided vehicle has broadened during the late 20th century and they are no longer restricted to industrial environments. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) increase efficiency and reduce costs by helping to automate a manufacturing facility or warehouse objects behind them in trailers to which they can autonomously attach. The trailers can be used to move raw materials or finished product. The AGV can also store objects on a bed. The objects can be placed on a set of motorized rollers (conveyor) and then pushed off by reversing them. Some AGVs use forklifts to lift objects for storage. AGVs are employed in nearly every industry, including, pulp, paper, metals, newspaper, and general manufacturing. Transporting materials such as food, linen or medicine in hospitals is also done.
