Section outline

  • Lesson Goal: Dive into how robots move – exploring types of actuators (motors and more), how they work, and how movement is controlled.

    • Micro-Topic 1: From Springs to Motors – A History of Making Machines Move

      (Goal: Learn early methods for making robots move and how modern motors evolved.)

    • L03 MT1 Actuators Basics FREE SCORM12 SCORM package

    • Micro-Topic 2: Inside an Electric Motor

      (Goal: Understand how electrical energy turns into motion in a robot’s motor.)

    • L03 MT2 Torque vs Speed vs Gears FREE SCORM12 SCORM package

    • Micro-Topic 3: Degrees of Freedom – Joints and Movement

      (Goal: Explore how robots achieve complex movement through multiple axes/joints.)

    • L03 MT3 Feedback Control Basics FREE SCORM12 SCORM package

    • Micro-Topic 4: Speed vs. Torque – The Actuator Trade-off

      (Goal: Understand why robots can’t have maximum speed and strength at the same time in one motor.)

    • L03 MT4 Actuator Limits and Safety FREE SCORM12 SCORM package

    • Micro-Topic 5: Controlled Movement – How Robots Steer and Stop

      (Goal: Learn basic methods robots use to control their motion precisely.)

    • L03 MT5 Choosing Actuators FREE SCORM12 SCORM package