Page 51 - Robot Builder's Bonanza

20 ANATOMY OF A ROBOT

Figure 2-8 Androids take a human
form, with head, torso, two arms, and two
legs. These designs are the most difficult to
achieve, even for companies spending
millions of dollars in research and
development. The robot shown here,
drawn by a 3D modeling program, exists
only in the imagination. For now, anyway.

of robot builders and is also the most difficult to create. Because of the added complexities in
the design, the cost of construction is much higher than with other forms of robots— spending
$300+ in parts is not uncommon.
The compelling rationale of human- shaped robotics is that since the machine walks on two
legs, it can live and work in the same environment as humans. Contrast this with a robot that
must roll on wheels or tracks: stairs become difficult, and even clothing discarded on the floor
can impede the motion of the robot.

SKELETAL STRUCTURE
In nature and in robotics, there are two general types of support frames: endoskeleton and
exoskeleton. Which is better? Neither and both: In nature, the living conditions of the ani-
mal and its eating and survival tactics determine which skeleton is best. The same is true of
robots.
• Endoskeleton support frames are the kind found in many critters— including humans,
mammals, reptiles, and most fish. The skeletal structure is on the inside; the organs, mus-
cles, body tissues, and skin are on the outside of the bones. The endoskeleton is a charac-
teristic of vertebrates.
• Exoskeleton support frames have the “bones” on the outside of the organs and muscles.
Common exoskeletal creatures are spiders, all shellfish such as lobsters and crabs, and an
endless variety of insects.

The main structure of the robot is generally a wood, plastic, or metal frame, which is con-
structed a little like the frame of a house— with a bottom, top, and sides. This gives the
automaton a boxy or cylindrical form, though any shape is possible.
Onto the frame of the robot are attached motors, batteries, electronic circuit boards, and
other necessary components. In this design, the main support structure of the robot can be
considered an exoskeleton because it is outside the major organs.

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