The PC and its influence on robot controllers

Abstract

For 20 years, discussion of the challenges in robot controller design has centered on mass, motion, vibration, and programmability. These factors, while still important and still receiving attention, have been overshadowed by the impact of the information age. The evolution of the PC has and will continue to dramatically impact the way that robot controllers are designed. In order to understand these effects, it is important to understand the factors that characterize the robot and PC environments, how robot controllers have already been influenced and the possibility of further changes to better meet the needs of the market place.