Description

The circuit board of a robot is one of the core components of a robot and plays an indispensable role in multiple key functions such as control, perception, and movement of the robot.

1.Structure and Components

Microcontroller Unit (MCU): This is the “brain” of the circuit board. It is like a small computer central processing unit, responsible for executing pre-programmed instructions and coordinating the work of various parts of the robot. For example, in the circuit board of an industrial robotic arm, the MCU precisely controls the movement angle and speed of each joint of the robotic arm according to the set program. The MCU usually contains a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and various input/output (I/O) interfaces.

Power management module: Mainly used to provide a stable power supply for each electronic component on the circuit board. The power input of the robot may come from different power sources such as batteries and power adapters. The power management module can convert these input powers into voltages and currents suitable for the operation of each component. Taking a small household robot as an example, it may use a lithium battery for power supply. The power management module will step down and stabilize the voltage of the lithium battery to ensure that the sensors, microcontrollers and other components on the circuit board can work normally.

Sensor interface: Robots rely on various sensors to perceive the external environment. The sensor interface on the circuit board is responsible for connecting and communicating with these sensors. Common sensors include visual sensors (such as cameras), tactile sensors (such as pressure sensors), distance sensors (such as ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors), etc. For example, in an automatic navigation robot, the distance sensor transmits the detected obstacle distance information to the MCU through the interface on the circuit board. The MCU adjusts the traveling route of the robot according to this information.

Motor drive interface: Used to control the moving parts of the robot, such as motors. These interfaces can convert the control signals issued by the MCU into drive signals that the motor can recognize, so that the motor can rotate as required. In a two-wheel-driven mobile robot, the motor drive interface precisely controls the speed and direction of the two drive wheel motors according to the instructions of the MCU to realize the actions of the robot such as moving forward, backward, and turning.

Communication interface: Facilitates data exchange between the robot and external devices. This includes communication with other robots, communication with a host computer (such as a control computer), or communication with a cloud server through a network. For example, in a scenario where a robot cluster works, robots can transmit location information and work task information to each other through communication interfaces to achieve collaborative work.

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2.Manufacturing Process and Materials

Printed circuit board (PCB) process: Robot circuit boards usually adopt a multi-layer PCB manufacturing process. Multi-layer PCBs can achieve more circuit connections in a limited space and improve the integration degree of the circuit board. In the manufacturing process, first, the circuit layout is designed, including the layout of each component and the connection method of the lines. Then, through a series of processes such as etching, drilling, and plating, the designed circuit pattern is made on the insulating substrate. For example, in some robot circuit boards with high precision requirements, high-precision etching processes will be used to ensure that the line width and spacing meet the design requirements and avoid signal interference.

Component material selection: Select appropriate electronic components according to the functional requirements and working environment of the robot. For robots with high reliability requirements, such as aerospace robots, high-grade integrated circuit chips, high-precision sensors, and high-performance capacitors, resistors and other components will be used. At the same time, in order to adapt to different working environments such as high temperature, humidity, and high radiation, the packaging materials of components also need to have corresponding protective properties. For example, in industrial robots working in high-temperature environments, the components on their circuit boards will use high-temperature-resistant packaging materials to prevent the performance of components from declining or being damaged.

3.Application Scenarios and Importance

Industrial robot field: In industrial production scenarios such as automobile manufacturing and electronic product manufacturing, the robot circuit board controls the precise operation of the robotic arm and realizes complex tasks such as grabbing, assembling, and welding of parts. For example, in an automobile welding production line, the robot circuit board precisely controls the position of the welding gun, welding current and welding speed of the welding robot to ensure welding quality and production efficiency.

Service robot field: Such as hotel service robots and hospital delivery robots. The circuit board enables these robots to perceive the surrounding environment, understand user needs and provide corresponding services. For example, a hotel service robot receives the guest’s meal delivery instruction through the circuit board, uses sensors to perceive the location of corridors and rooms, and accurately delivers meals to the guest’s room.

Military robot field: In military reconnaissance, explosive ordnance disposal and other tasks, the robot circuit board plays a crucial role. It can control the robot to act in a complex and dangerous environment, and at the same time receive and transmit various reconnaissance information. For example, the circuit board of a military reconnaissance robot can control the robot to approach the target area covertly, collect intelligence through sensors and transmit it back in time.