Page 325 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics

In the four-level programming hierarchy shown in the drawing for
TASK-LEVEL PROGRAMMING, the first and second levels are commonly pro-
grammed in teach boxes. In some cases, a primitive form of the third
level can be programmed.
An example of a level-1 teach box is an automatic garage-door
opener/closer. When the receiver gets the signal from the remote unit, it
opens or closes the door. Another example of a level-1 teach box is the
remote control that you use to change the channel and adjust the volume
on a television set. Technocentrism
An example of a level-2 teach box is the microcomputer that controls
a telephone answering machine. When a call comes in, the sequence of
operations is recalled from the microcomputer memory. The machine
answers the phone, makes an announcement, takes the message, and resets
for the next incoming call.
Reprogrammable teach boxes are used extensively in industrial robots.
The arm movements can be entered by pressing buttons. In some cases, it
is possible to guide the robot arm manually (that is,“teach” it), and have
the sequence of movements memorized for the performance of a specific
task. The arm’s path, variations in speed, rotations, and gripping/grasping
movements are all programmed as the arm is “taught.” Then, when the
memory is recalled, the robot arm behaves just as it has been “taught.”
See also FINE MOTION PLANNING, GROSS MOTION PLANNING, ROBOT ARM, and TASK-
LEVEL PROGRAMMING.
TECHNOCENTRISM
During the twentieth century, people became increasingly comfortable
with computers, machines, and electronic devices. This trend is expected
to continue. Gadgets can be fascinating. Technocentrism refers to a keen
interest in technology on the part of individuals, groups, and societies. In
the extreme, of course, it can become an obsession.
Enthusiasm for technology can lead to exciting and rewarding careers,
but if it goes too far, it can throw a person’s life out of balance. Some tech-
nocentrics have difficulty relating to other human beings.Critics of techno-
logical advancement claim that the same thing is taking place in society as
a whole. Technocentrism is a phenomenon that some sociologists believe
has become a social disease.
Most people are familiar with the downside of technocentrism. People
build and buy machines to make life simpler and more relaxed; but for
some strange reason, their lives get more complicated and tense. People
find themselves attending to machines that are more and more complex.
The machines break down, and people must take them in for repair.
Machines get more versatile,but people must learn to use the new features.

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