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Robotics is the future of humanity, and to every Robotics Engineer, the word ‘Arduino’ rings familiarity; being a versatile open-source electronics platform based on simple, easy-to-use hardware and software, Arduino fast became widely popular both with children and researchers.
Arduino reached a milestone in the year 2021 with over 10 Million Arduino Uno boards sold worldwide! Although, with the technology getting upgraded so fast, one is bound to wonder —
Is Arduino used in robotics today?
So, what exactly is Arduino, and why is it an important resource?
Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on simple software and hardware. It was developed in Italy in 2005 by Massimo Banzi and other co-founders with the aim of providing an easy-to-use and accessible platform for creating interactive objects and environments which is compatible even for usage by young kids aged 8 to 16 years.
Arduino boards consist of microcontrollers, input/output interfaces, and a programming language based on C++. They are widely used for prototyping and creating small-scale school projects such as controlling lights, motors, and sensors, as well as more complex projects such as robots, weather stations, and internet of things devices.
Arduino boards can be programmed using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The Arduino community has also created a large number of libraries and resources, making it easy for even your little ones to get started with electronics and programming.
The Arduino platform is all the more popular due to its simplicity, low cost, and flexibility, and is now used by hobbyists, students, artists, and professional engineers for a wide range of applications and projects.
So how is Arduino used in robotics, and what is its role in controlling motors, sensors, and actuators in robotic systems?
In robotics, Arduino is primarily used to control motors, sensors, and actuators. Motors are used to drive the movement of the robot and can be controlled with the Arduino’s PWM (pulse width modulation) signals. Sensors are used to detect changes in the environment and provide input to the Arduino, which can then use that information to control the robot’s behavior.
Actuators, such as servo motors, can be controlled by the Arduino to perform specific actions or movements.
Recommended Reading: Top 10 Arduino Projects for Kids in 2023
To understand further, we have outlined the benefits and limitations in a tabular manner to help you in getting a clearer picture of what roles Arduino can play in robotic systems today!!
A) Benefits
1) Wide compatibility and Ease of use: Arduino has a simple, user-friendly interface and clear documentation, making it accessible for beginners and experts alike.
A vast range of compatible hardware components and a large community of users provide access to a wealth of resources, including libraries, tutorials, and forums.
2) Flexibility: Arduino supports multiple programming languages, including C++, and can be easily integrated with other hardware and software components.
3) Low cost: Arduino boards are relatively inexpensive, making them an attractive choice for hobbyists and educational purposes.
4) Scalability: Arduino can be used for both small and large-scale projects, and its modular design makes it easy to expand and modify systems.
5) Real-time control: Arduino provides precise control over hardware and timing, which is critical for many robotics applications.
B) Limitations
1) Processing power: Arduino boards have limited processing power compared to other microcontrollers or computer systems.
This can limit the ability of the board to handle complex tasks and calculations, especially in real-time applications.
2) Memory: Arduino boards also have limited memory, both in terms of RAM and flash storage. This can be limiting for projects that require a large amount of data storage or for applications that require a lot of memory for operations.
3) Cost: While Arduino boards are relatively cheap, the cost of additional components, such as sensors, actuators, and communication devices, can add up quickly and make the overall cost of the project higher.
4) Speed: The clock speed of Arduino boards is limited, which can impact the performance of certain real-time applications, such as high-speed data acquisition or motor control.
Arduino vs TI MSP Launchpad: A Comparison
It is important to discuss the differences between TI MSP Launchpad and Arduino Uno while we are pondering over the question of whether Arduino is used in robotics in this rapidly changing technological world.
Here are some key differences we have observed and listed in the table below:
|
Categories
|
TI MSP Launchpad
|
Arduino Uno
|
|---|---|---|
|
Microcontroller (Model no.)
|
TI M430G2553
|
ATMega328
|
|
Data Bus
|
16 bit
|
8 bit
|
|
Speed
|
16 MHz
|
16 MHz
|
|
Storage
|
16 KB
|
32 KB
|
|
RAM
|
512 B
|
2 KB
|
|
Digital I/O
|
8 channels
|
14 channels
|
|
Analog I/O
|
8 channels
|
6 channels
|
|
Kit cost
|
$4.30
|
$29.95
|
One can still argue whether Arduino has any real-world applications in modern-day technological systems or not. So, as per our findings and knowledge Arduino is successfully being used in nine prime areas of technology:
| S.No. | Area | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smart Homes | Motion sensors, outlet control, temperature sensors, blower control, garage door control, airflow control, sprinkler control, and bill of materials |
| 2 | Defense | Arduino-based, Ultrasonic Radar system |
| 3 | Aero Space | Airplane Flap Model, Integration of RC, Vehicles in a Robotic Arena |
| 4 | Automated Vehicle Control | Control-system, experimentation, strategies, and sensors |
| 5 | Traffic Signal Control | Traffic Light Controller system |
| 6 | Medical | Cancer Detection, Heart Beat Rate measurement, Open source EEG/ECG/EMG, Breathalyzer, Thermometer, WI-Fi Body Scale with Arduino Board, Lilypad Slipper Automatic Foot Massager |
| 7 | Data Mining | Health care, industries, defense, and other automation sectors |
| 8 | Laboratory | Digital microscope with automated slide movement, EEG/ECG Sample collectors |
| 9 | Body Control | HandSight, Heart Rate Monitor, Muscle activity, Temperature, Respiration, Electrodermal Activity, Facial Expression, Eye Tracking |
What’s Arduino’s Future?
With the increasing demand for low-cost, user-friendly, and highly customizable robotic solutions, Arduino is expected to continue to play a significant role in the future of robotics.
Additionally, advances in technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning, are likely to drive further growth and innovation in the use of Arduino for robotics. To summarize, the future of Arduino in robotics is likely to be bright and dynamic, with continued growth and opportunities for innovation.
To gain more insights into the usage, working, and practical application of Arduino in the field of robotics, join Moonpreneur’s Free Trial Class of Robotics today to experience a curriculum especially designed for kids of age 8 to 14 years.
Also, gain a chance to experience futuristic courses such as Game Development, App Development, Advanced Math, and much more!!
