JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD B.Tech III ROBOTICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS Previous Question Paper (February/March - 2022 - R18)

Automation is a broad concept involving the use of control systems and information technologies to reduce the need for human intervention in the production of goods and services. Robotics is a specialized subset of automation that focuses on the design, construction, and operation of programmable, multifunctional manipulators designed to move materials, parts, or tools through variable programmed motions.

The relationship is hierarchical: while all robots are tools for automation, not all automation systems are robots. Automation can be fixed (hard automation), such as a conveyor belt or a dedicated assembly line machine that performs a single repetitive task. Robotics represents flexible (soft) automation, providing the ability to reconfigure the system for different tasks through software changes. Essentially, robotics adds the dimension of physical mobility and decision-making capability to the automated process, allowing for greater adaptability in dynamic environments.

The three common types of end effectors are mechanical grippers, vacuum grippers, and magnetic grippers.

• Mechanical Grippers: These use physical force to hold objects. The advantage is their high reliability and versatility, as they can be designed with custom fingers to handle complex, irregular, or heavy geometries securely.
• Vacuum Grippers: These utilize suction cups to lift objects. The advantage is their ability to handle delicate, flat, or porous surfaces (such as glass, sheet metal, or cardboard) without scratching or damaging the material, and they require minimal alignment precision.
• Magnetic Grippers: These use electromagnets or permanent magnets to pick up ferrous materials. The advantage is their extremely fast cycle times and the ability to pick up parts without needing to grip the edges, which is ideal for handling heavy steel plates or components in tight spaces.