Sensors and Actuators

Sensors are things that bring information about the surroundings into the robot.

Actuators are things that the robot uses to change the environment or itself.

Types of Sensors

http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1557/ it tells the collors of the sensor then sends what it is which would then show what color it is

Encoders

Used to measure things like motion. Creates signals that can be "decoded" from the Encoder class. https://docs.wpilib.org/en/latest/docs/software/sensors/encoders-software.html (software) https://www.andymark.com/categories/encoders (hardware)

Position sensors (IMU, gyroscope, compass, accelerometer)

Records the velocity (gyroscope), acceleration (accelerometer), and direction (compass). can be used for calculating different things we need such based on different properties of robot motion https://www.adafruit.com/category/521

Optical sensors (cameras, color sensors)

In a general sense, an optical sensor is meant to take in light and convert it into an electrical signal. The electric signal may send different signals based on the amount of light it receives. (https://www.elprocus.com/optical-sensors-types-basics-and-applications/)

Distance sensors

One type of distance sensor is the ultrasonic sensor. This sends an ultrasonic wave out to an object and it reflects the wave back to the sensor. The sensor can calculate the distance by using how long the wave took to return. One example:https://www.andymark.com/products/ultrasonic-proximity-sensor-ez0-mb1200-maxbotix

Types of Actuators

Hydraulic: A cylinder or motor filled with liquid in which it then can use the principle of hydraulics to facilitate mechanical movement.

Pneumatic: In this kind of actuator, a vacuum or compressed air is used to create the energy needed to facilitate the large linear and rotation movement it is typically used for. It is quick to start up and stop. Ex: https://www.grainger.com/category/pneumatics/pneumatic-motors/air-motors

Electrical: This is one of the more typically used actuators and runs on, as its name suggests, electricity. It uses the electricity to facilitate smooth movement and is used for its availability.

Mechanical: Using rails, pulleys, chains, and gears, it utilizes the movement of physical objects to facilitate movement. A common example of this is rack and pinion steering systems.

Sources: (https://www.motioncontrolonline.org/blog-article.cfm/Types-of-Actuators/27)

Motors and Motor Controllers

Motors are machines that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Motor controllers have manual or automatic ways to start and stop the motor. http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-11-2158/ (Motor controller with USB conectivity)

Solenoids

Coils of wire that act as magnets and can move a piston when an electric current is run through them. Some uses of solenoids could be to start a car or ring a doorbell. One type of solenoid valve uses air to move an actuator on a robot. https://www.andymark.com/products/ckd-single-solenoid-valve-2-position

LEDs and lights

LED stands for light-emitting diode. It's a light source that emits when a current flows through it. Modern LEDs are available across the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths, with high light output. LED pushbutton: https://www.adafruit.com/product/492

Servos

Simpler to work with than motors, but much slower. https://www.andymark.com/products/rev-smart-robot-servo

Electromagnets

http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1462/ a magnet that runs on electricity rather than a permanent magnet

Helpful links

REV Robotics: http://www.revrobotics.com/frc/

CTR Electronics: www.ctr-electronics.com/products

AndyMark: https://www.andymark.com/pages/electrical

Adafruit sensors: https://www.adafruit.com/category/35