Specifications

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The article “Appliances of the future’ states also that the need and expectations of this
type of technology are growing at an alarming rate. It also mentions that for ideal
autonomous work in the future that robots will need emotion such as fear, pride and
caution. How can a robot complete great work if it has no pride in what it does, and
how can it make decisions without a conscience?
Henrik Christensen suggests that autonomous robotics in the home is a great idea
however has not come far enough to really break into the household market. The cost is
simply too high in ratio to its functionality.
Overall it is evident that the need and acceptance for autonomous robots in the home is
ever growing. While some circumstances of future developments may seem unethical
the basic cleaning and entertainment robots are proving to be an accepted and sought
after item in the home.
2.3 Sensing Distances in Applications
There are many different methods available for the purpose of sensing distances. These
include sensors such as proximity, ultrasonic, infrared, magnetic and various others.
Which of these is most suitable for a household application?
The Electrolux Trilobite (vacuum cleaner) uses ultrasonic sensors to navigate around
the room. Most sensors work by emitting some form of light or frequency and waiting
for that emitted source to ‘bounce back’. Ultrasonic sensors use sound or frequency
whereas infrared uses an invisible light source to judge distance or proximity. Infrared
light is often also used in data transmission such as remote control for a common
television.
The robo-rats website (2001) shows several different methods of sensing distances and
details the connections and problems associated with the setups. It shows methods of
beam breaking, using infrared emitters and detectors; distance sensors, also using
infrared emitters and detectors; and photocell sensing.