The control system manipulates various parts of the robot to perform various operational tasks, as well as to execute a specific set of movements and forces in the event of unforeseeable errors. Control systems are a wide range of automation systems used to provide control and monitoring functions in manufacturing and facilities.
The control system of a robot is its main component, which enables the robot to complete the required operational tasks according to instructions and requirements. Control systems help manage the motion and function of robots. If every beginner wants to enter the field of robotics, they must understand the relevant knowledge of control systems, such as what robot control systems are and what their main components are.
What are the robot control systems?
Centralized control system for robots: All control functions can be achieved using a computer, with simple internal structure and low cost, but poor real-time performance. This centralized control system was commonly used in early robots. Fully utilize the openness of resources in the PC centralized control system to achieve good openness: various control cards and sensor devices can be integrated into the control system through standard PCI slots or standard serial and parallel ports.
The robot master-slave control system utilizes both master and slave processors to achieve all control functions of the system. The master-slave control system achieves management, coordinate transformation, trajectory generation, and system self-diagnosis. The master-slave control system can manipulate the motion control of all joints of the robot. The master-slave control system has good real-time performance and is suitable for high-precision and high-speed control. In addition, the robot master slave control system also has shortcomings such as poor scalability and difficulty in maintenance.
Decentralized control system for robots: The control system is divided into several different modules based on the nature and method of the control system. Each module has different control tasks and strategies, and each mode can have a master-slave relationship or an equal relationship. The decentralized control method has good real-time performance, high-precision control, and intelligent control, which can be said to be a widely used method at present.
What are the main components of the robot control system?
The main components of a robot control system include power supply, sensors, input signals from sensors to computers or microprocessors (wired or wireless), programming functions, and output command signals returned from computers or microprocessors to the robot and end effectors (wired or wireless).
Power supply: Energy is provided to robot sensors, actuators, and their controllers in the form of electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic power. According to the energy input and generated energy (such as movement and stored energy), these power sources may pose a danger to workers. Dangerous energy may exist in internal components such as capacitors, springs, pressurized cylinders, and other energy sources.
The sensor component is mainly used in robot systems to sense the position of the mechanical parts of the robotic arm and end effector, as well as to sense the position of external objects of the robot. Without the advancement of sensor technology, the progress of robot systems and artificial intelligence would be much slower. Sensors are mainly used to detect pressure, temperature, acceleration, inertial measurement, and humidity.
Computers and embedded microprocessors are both used to control robot system systems. They perform the required computational functions and interface and control with relevant sensors and end effectors. The control system performs necessary sorting and memory functions for online detection and integration with other devices. The programming of the controller can be completed online or at a remote offline control station.
The article mainly introduces the types of robot control systems. By browsing the entire text, you can learn about three types: centralized control systems, master-slave control systems, and decentralized control systems. In addition, the article also introduces the main components of the robot control system, including power supply, sensors, input signals from sensors to computers or microprocessors (wired or wireless), programming functions, and output command signals returned from computers or microprocessors to robots and end effectors (wired or wireless).