robotsystem

A robot system is a cohesive set of hardware and software components that enable a robot to perform tasks in a given environment. Core elements typically include a mechanical subsystem (the body with joints and actuators), an electrical subsystem (power, drives, and interfaces), a sensing subsystem (position, force, vision, and proprioception), and a control subsystem (embedded controllers or onboard computers) running software that coordinates motion, perception, and decision making. Systems often incorporate a communication network that connects components and a user interface for programming and monitoring.

Architectures can be centralized or distributed. In centralized designs, a single processor handles most computation, while distributed designs use multiple embedded controllers that share tasks and communicate over fieldbuses or networks. Software layers commonly implement sensing, state estimation, motion planning, and task execution, with middleware such as Robot Operating System (ROS) providing interfaces and development tools. Real-time performance, reliability, and energy management are important design considerations.

Applications span industrial automation, service robotics, autonomous vehicles, medical devices, and research platforms. Safety and interoperability are guided by standards and guidelines from organizations such as ISO and IEC, including ISO 10218 for industrial robots and ISO/TS 15066 for collaborative robots, alongside general risk assessment practices.

Lifecycle and development practices emphasize specification, design, integration, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and ongoing software updates play central roles. Trends in robot systems include modular architectures, cloud- and edge-computing for processing, and increased use of artificial intelligence for perception and autonomous decision making.