IV. Do the tasks below:

1. Look through the scheme and fill in the blanks.

2. Using the scheme put some questions concerning robot programming.

3. Comment on the scheme.

V. Speak on the topics:

1. The methods of robot programming.

2. The capabilities of the robot programming language.

VI. Make a short report on robot programming.

Text 12b

Translate the text in written form using a dictionary:

modern Methods of Robot programming

The setup or programming of motions and sequences for an industrial robot is typically taught by linking the robot controller via the communication cable to the Ethernet¹, FireWire², USB³ or the serial port of a laptop computer. The computer is installed with the corresponding interface software. The use of a computer greatly simplifies the programming process. Robots can also be taught via a teach pendant⁴, a handheld control and programming unit. The specialized robot software is run either in the robot controller or in the computer or both depending on the system design. The teach pendant or PC is usually disconnected after programming and the robot then runs on the program that has been installed in its controller. In addition, machine operators often use human-machine interface devices, typically touch screen units, which serve as the operator control panel. The operator can switch from program to program, make adjustments within a program and also operate a host of peripheral devices that may be integrated within the same robotic system. These peripheral devices include robot end effectors which are devices that can grasp an object, usually by vacuum, electromechanical or pneumatic devices. Also, emergency stop controls, machine vision systems, safety interlock systems, bar code printers and an almost infinite array of other industrial devices are accessed and controlled via the operator control panel.

Notes:

¹ Ethernet – сеть Ethernet

² Fire Wire – шина Fire Wire

³ USB – шина USB

⁴ teach pendant – подвесной пульт обучения

Text 12c

Look through the text and do the tasks below:

Robots of our time

The robots of our time resemble humans very little. According to specialists, the main thing for them is not to look like people, but to do their work for them. Factories which are equipped with automatic machine tools, transfer lines and management information systems place a lot of hope in them.

The first generation of robots appeared in the 60s and they were complex and capricious in maintenance. They could perform operations of the type "take off – put on" or "pick up – bring". They could pick up items only from definite positions determined by a rigid programme.

Today, to avoid errors robots are supplied with vision (TV camera) and hearing (microphone). They can perform more complex production operations –painting, soldering, welding and assembly work. A more complex task lies ahead – to remove people completely from production areas where there are harmful fumes, excessively high or low temperatures and pressure. People should not work in conditions that are dangerous. Let the robots replace them there, and the sooner – the better.

Generally speaking a single robot by itself is hardly of any use in production. It must be coupled in design with other equipment – with a system of machines, machine tools and other devices. We must set up robotized complexes and flexible productions capable of being easily and quickly readjusted to an output of new goods.

Flexible production systems consist, as a rule, of several machine tools with numerical programmed control or of processing centres – machine tools equipped with microprocessors. An all-purpose computer controls the entire cycle, including the storage facilities. One hundred per cent automated production is no longer a dream.

There is already a talk of making thinking robots. Apparently, robots will appear which will be able to acquire the ability to study. Maybe they will be able to enrich our concepts about the world around us. But one thing is certain – a robot will never be able to grasp even the semblance of such emotions as love, honour, pride, pity, courage, and selflessness.

1. Translate the title of the text.

2. Formulate the main idea of the text.

3. Choose the main information from every paragraph.

4. Make up the plan of the text.

5. Write down the annotation of the text in Russian.