Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
Sensors & Actuators
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Sensors & Actuators
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Subject: Robotics
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Grade code: 2.1.3.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 2.1.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.1.3.LI.2
Theme: Principles of Robotic Systems
Subtheme: Sensors & Actuators
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This lesson introduces the fundamental components that allow a robot to perceive and interact with its environment: sensors. Just as humans use their eyes, ears, and skin to understand the world, robots use sensors. In Ghana, we see the application of sensors everywhere – from the automatic sliding doors at the Accra Mall to the motion-activated security lights in our neighbourhoods and the automated irrigation systems being introduced in our farms. Understanding how to classify these sensors is the first step towards being able to select the right one for a specific robotic task.
Introduction: What is a Sensor?
A sensor is a device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it. Think of it as a robot's sense organ. It converts a physical phenomenon (like light, temperature, sound, or pressure) into an electrical signal that a computer or a robot's brain (the microcontroller) can understand.
To classify sensors, we ask two fundamental questions: How does it sense? (Does it produce its own energy or just receive it?) -> This gives us Active vs. Passive. What kind of signal does it send? (Is the signal continuous or in distinct steps?) -> This gives us Analogue vs. Digital.
Let's break these down. Classification 1: Active vs. Passive Sensors