Introduction to Robotics Textbook

This new hardcover textbook was written specifically to accompany the Robotics Technician distance education program. The material contained in the book provides comprehensive coverage of industrial robot programming in the beginning of the twentieth first century, namely on the important issues related with designing, building and operating flexible and agile robotic systems. It explores in detail the issue of software interfaces, but also input/output devices and several industrial and laboratory examples. In fact, the book uses several types of fully worked out examples to illustrate and clarify concepts and ideas, enabling the reader to see them working and even to test a few.

This edition covers state-of-the-art topics such as artificial intelligence, CAD and graphic simulators, object-oriented software, communications systems, and micro- and nano-robots. Chapters also cover 3D-vision systems, tactile sensors, and robotic applications in various industries.

Topics addressed also include: the fundamentals of drive systems, robot technology (control systems and components, robot motion analysis and control, robot end-effectors, sensors in robotics, and machine vision), robot programming and languages (including an introduction to AI). Also included are numerous examples of manufacturing applications such as material transfer and machine loading/unloading, processing operations, assembly and inspection. The book also provides an introduction to implementation principles and issues including safety, training, maintenance and quality, as well as social issues and the future of robotics.