Building Robots

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Robotics involves a broad range of tasks, from low-level control of motors to high-level artificial intelligence, computer vision, and human-robot interaction. Therefore, various programming languages are used in robotics depending on the specific task and platform. Here's a list of common languages and their typical applications:

1. C/C++:

Usage: These are the most popular languages in robotics. They're used for real-time system applications, microcontroller programming, and developing software for robots.
Platforms/Tools: ROS (Robot Operating System), Arduino, many embedded systems.

2. Python:

Usage: Widely used for high-level applications, such as machine learning, computer vision (OpenCV), and scripting.
Platforms/Tools: ROS (Robot Operating System), Raspberry Pi, OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch.

3. Java:

Usage: Java is sometimes used in educational robots and certain robotic software platforms.
Platforms/Tools: LeJOS for Lego Mindstorms, Android-based robots.

4. MATLAB/Simulink:

Usage: Primarily used for simulation, control system design, data analysis, and image processing.
Platforms/Tools: MATLAB Robotics System Toolbox, Simulink support for various robotic kits.

5. LISP/Prolog:

Usage: Historically used in the field of artificial intelligence and robot planning.
Platforms/Tools: Historic AI systems, some modern AI research.

6. JavaScript/TypeScript:

Usage: Used in web-based robot control interfaces and some IoT devices.
Platforms/Tools: Node.js, Johnny-Five (for Arduino and IoT), web-based control interfaces.

7. LabVIEW:

Usage: Graphical programming environment used for industrial automation, data acquisition, and control system design.
Platforms/Tools: NI LabVIEW Robotics, certain industrial robots.

8. Assembly:

Usage: Low-level programming for microcontrollers and real-time systems where efficiency and performance are crucial.
Platforms/Tools: Almost all microcontrollers have their variant of assembly language.

9. Bash/Shell Scripting:

Usage: Scripting in UNIX-based systems, automating tasks, and system administration.
Platforms/Tools: Linux-based robots and systems, especially with ROS.

10. Other Languages: Depending on the specific robot and application, other languages like Ruby, Go, Rust, Swift, and more might be used.

When starting in robotics, it's beneficial to have a good grasp of C/C++ and Python. If you're aiming for a specific robotic platform or application, delve deeper into the languages and tools used for that specific platform.

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How does the robot know which way forward is, or is that pro

The concept of "forward" for a robot depends on its design, sensors, control systems, and the conventions used during its programming. Here are a few key aspects to consider:

Physical Design: Typically, when a robot is designed, especially one with wheels, it has a designated front. If it's a differential-drive robot (two main wheels), then making both wheels rotate in the same direction will make the robot move "forward" in the direction of its designated front.
Motor Convention: When you interface with the robot's motors, there's often a convention such as positive power makes the motor spin clockwise and negative power makes it spin counterclockwise. The way the motors and wheels are attached to the robot will determine how these rotations translate to forward or backward movement.
Sensors: Robots might use sensors like IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units), which include gyroscopes and accelerometers, to determine their orientation in space. These sensors can help the robot understand if it's tilted forward, backward, or to the side. Advanced robots might use these sensors to keep a consistent understanding of "forward" even if they're reoriented.
External Systems: In more complex systems, especially robots operating in large or unknown environments, external systems like GPS (for outdoor robots) or motion capture systems (for indoor robots) can provide data on the robot's orientation and position. This data can be used to recalibrate or confirm the robot's sense of direction.
Programming and Configuration: Ultimately, a programmer will use conventions, APIs, or configuration files to define behaviors like "move forward." This is based on the known design of the robot, its motor configurations, and any relevant sensor feedback.
Feedback Mechanisms: Some robots have encoders on their wheels or joints which can provide feedback about how much the wheel or joint has rotated. This feedback can be used to ensure accurate and consistent movement in the intended direction, even if there are factors like wheel slippage.
Motherboard/Controller: The robot's motherboard or main controller doesn't inherently know which direction is forward. It only knows what signals to send to motors based on the program it's running. The concept of "forward" is typically abstracted at a higher level in the robot's control software.

If you're building or programming a robot, it's essential to be clear about these conventions and ensure that the "forward" command aligns with the physical and intended design of the robot.

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