Using Loops to Repeat Robotic Actions
Robots and computers are very good at consistency when performing actions multiple times. Computers use repetition to perform millions of calculations per second with incredible consistency. Since robots are built to interact with their environment and perform tasks precisely, they can be effectively used to repeat behaviors.
Behaviors to be repeated are grouped in programming structures called loops. The number of times and how fast they repeat depend on many factors that the programmer can specify.
Here are some examples of where repetition can be useful:
- Performing routine tasks multiple times
- Checking certain conditions multiple times to check for change
Motivate Discussion
Q: Where might a robot be useful for repeating behaviors? In what types of environments or jobs?
A: Repetitive robots could be useful for many jobs like those in factories where assembling or sorting is required, or even in farming environments for planting or monitoring plants.
Q: What would be the benefits of using robots in the suggested environment?
A: They do not get tired, thus they can work longer hours. Their sensors do not lose sensitivity the ways human eyes can, for example. They are less vulnerable to dangerous environments than people are.
Q: What would the downfalls be?
A: They only behave as well as their programming allows them to. They need to be routinely inspected to prevent malfunctions within their sensors or other systems.