Introduction

Humanoid robots, which were only a handful advanced systems until few years ago, are now being developed in large numbers and able to perform increasingly complex tasks. Many experts in AI and Robotics estimate that in the next decade or even by the end of this decade, we will start seeing humanoid robots helping us around the house, on the streets, factories, offices. These are complex systems where electronics, robotics and AI meet. To be useful, a humanoid robot must not only be able to perform predefined movements but also observe its environment and adapt its behavior accordingly. Let’s take a look at the main components…

Sensors

In our list of component systems of a humanoid robot, sensors should come probably first, because it is through sensors that a humanoid robot can understand its environment, in order to act accordingly. Sensors of a humanoid robot include cameras, microphones, motion sensors, tactile sensors and more… Here don’t forget that although humanoid robots are made to resemble human form to do as much human tasks as possible, they are robots after all, and therefore it is possible to include any other sensor types that are not mentioned here, for a number of different purposes. For a more in depth look at sensors and sensor data analysis in humanoid robots, see our article here.

AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the “brain” of a humanoid robot, which is responsible for things such as analyzing data obtained from sensors, learn, make decisions, audio perception, speech generation, computer vision, navigation path planning, motion planning, interaction with surroundings, interaction with humans and more. The key thing that separates an autonomous robot from a preprogrammed machine that can only perform preprogrammed tasks, is the ability to reason and act independently, in response to its dynamic environments which are not predefined. Although humanoid robots can also perform preprogrammed tasks, which is the easy part, they are mainly made and developed for the second purpose, which is to learn and act independently, in order to be useful. Each of these tasks mentioned above may sound simple but in fact each of them requires complex algorithms to develop and volumes of books can be written for each. See our post here where we take a further look at them in a little bit more detail.

Power Supply and Management Systems

Optimization of energy usage is of great importance for humanoid robots. Not only motors, but sensors, processors, communication interfaces all need power and the distribution must be effectively managed. The following aspects are the most important in power supply and management:

Efficiency and power density of batteries

Control algorithms to efficiently use and distribute available power while balancing loads

Power distribution is achieved through managing the voltage and current that go to each component at the right time and sequence, while also ensuring stable, safe current delivery and preventing damage by overcurrent.

Please see our post here, where we discuss power supply and management in humanoid robots in greater detail.

Actuation Systems

In humanoid robots we mostly have electric, pneumatic, hydraulic actuators. Electric actuators include rotary motors, servos, linear actuators. Pneumatic actuators are mainly (linear) cylinders, they can be in the form of air muscles or even rotary actuators as well. Hydraulic actuators can be as linear cylinders or motors, and can provide great forces with precision. See or post here, where we discuss actuation systems in humanoid robots in greater detail.

Control Systems

Control systems in a humanoid robot run in parallel with all other systems in it. Control systems should not be confused with AI. The main overall decisions for action are made by AI system, while control systems are responsible for effective execution of these decided outcomes while coordinating every component of the robot simultaneously. So in a sense it is a bridge between the AI and the hardware of the robot. Therefore, the highest level of control is performed by the AI, and middle level controls such as the main movement, posture, navigation of the robot, and low level controls such as motor and sensor control and sensor feedback mechanism, are all managed by control systems. See our post here, where we discuss control systems in humanoid robots in greater detail.

Mechanical Structure

The skeleton and all physical components that mimic human appearance make up the mechanical structure of a humanoid robot. The structure should ensure sufficient stability, strength, mobility and dexterity. Head, torso, arms, hands and feet, the joints (limbs) together form the mechanical structure of the humanoid robot. Here, we discuss this subtopic in greater detail.

Communication Interface

A robot needs to have connections not only within its own internal systems (such as between motion controllers and sensors and power supply) but also with the outside world. Internal communication can be achieved through internal buses such as I2C, SPI, CAN bus, and external communication can utilize bluetooth, wifi, 5G and remote control.

Posted By: A. Tuter

——————————————————

Terms of use:

Copying or republishing of any type of content from this website is not allowed without written permission from us. We make dated records of our posts, keep originals of our images.

The content in this website may contain errors, inaccuracies or be incomplete. User assumes all liability as a result of usage of content in our site. Also see our Terms page for more details.