In a previous article, we discussed the different types of load cells. A load cell is a transducer that converts a mechanical force into a measurable electrical signal. Different load cells are designed to convert different mechanical forces into electrical voltage.  Load cells are typically classified by shape and form, with a unique configuration. Common types include canister load cells,…

Several types of motors are used in building robots. These include brushed dc motors, brushless dc motors, stepper motors, servo motors, geared dc motors, ac motors, pneumatic motors, hydraulic motors, and linear motors. Each type of motor serves a specific purpose in a robotic application and has advantages and disadvantages.  Brushed dc motors are the most affordable…

As soon as we come across the word robot, we tend to imagine a metallic structure with arms and legs carrying a human-like appearance and running errands for our help. However, in actual terms, it’s just a machine operated externally or through a controller embedded within and doesn’t necessarily look like a human. Technically, robotics is a branch of Science and Engineering which deals with designing, constructing, and operating robots as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.Interestingly, the concept is almost as old as the hills with the first robot dating back to 350 BC, built in the form of a mechanical bird, by a Greek mathematician named Archytas. Although the term was coined ages ago, the actual potential of the fully autonomous robotics was realised in the second half of the 20th century.

In a previous article, we discussed the fundamental concepts of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), which are the building blocks of electronics. We covered the two types of BJTs—NPN and PNP—including their construction, I-V characteristics, circuit configurations, applications, and types.  Typically, transistors are used in a circuit or a circuit stage as a switch or an amplifier.…

Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain chip company, has made history. Following FDA approval, the neurotechnology company conducted its first human trial in January 2024. The company’s first human test subject, Noland Arbaugh, received the brain-computer chip implanted successfully.  A 2016 diving accident left Noland paraplegic from the shoulders down. However, the Neuralink chip is giving him movement.…

Determining a precise location is necessary in several industries for several reasons, including navigation, direction, timing, tracing, and safety. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) let users pinpoint exact locations via satellites. GNSS supports critical infrastructure, emergency response, and navigation. GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou are the only navigation systems offering global coverage. Regional satellite systems…

ESP32-CAM is a compact camera module that combines the popular Wi-Fi development board ESP32 with the OV2640 camera sensor. The camera is part of the ESP32 series of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled system-on-chip (SoC) devices developed by Espressif Systems. ESP32 is a dual-core 32-bit microcontroller with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities — based on the Espressif…

The motor controller is one of the most important components of an electric bicycle or e-bike. It’s an electronic device that manages the operation of an electric motor. It also connects to all other major parts of an e-bike, including the battery, brakes, sensors, throttle, and motor. The motor controller acts like the brain of…

A network of sensors is embedded throughout vehicles, serving as a critical type of “nervous system” that detects and measures different automotive parameters. This network is essential for a vehicle’s safety, performance, and efficiency. Several types of sensors are responsible for different roles, such as monitoring the temperature of engine components, the speed of the…

An electric bike, or e-bike, is a popular, eco-friendly option for daily commutes. These bicycles are equipped with an electric motor to assist users in pedaling. E-bikes have next-to-no running costs, requiring little maintenance. They also let riders avoid gasoline costs, vehicle traffic congestion, and parking fees.  Most users buy assembled models, but it’s also possible…

Electric vehicles (EVs) are reshaping the automotive industry in terms of sustainability and technology. Not only are EVs reducing greenhouse gases and dependency on fossil fuels, but these vehicles are also driving innovation in aerodynamics, lightweight materials, batteries, powertrains, inverters, software, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), charging systems, cables, and much more. There have also been…

The CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol was developed by the European automotive electronics company Robert Bosch GmbH in 1983 for in-vehicle networks. The intention behind the development of the CAN protocol was to enable robust data communication between different Electronic Control Units (ECU) and Microcontroller Control  Units (MCU) of a vehicle on a single wire…

Controller Area Network or CAN protocol is a method of communication between various electronic devices like engine management systems, active suspension, ABS, gear control, lighting control, air conditioning, airbags, central locking etc embedded in an automobile.CAN initially developed for in-vehicle networking of automobiles has expanded its applications in various other industries. The application started for luxurious cars is now being used in heavy duty vehicles like trucks, buses, trains and rail vehicles.

Vehicles and public transit have become the primary modes of transportation for many daily commuters. However, bicycles have remained an option for some due to cost or lifestyle — and this choice is increasing. One reason is that there are more two-wheel choices than ever before. And specifically, motorized bicycles or e-bikes have gained much…

When you think of robots, you might imagine those in science fiction movies such as Terminator, Star Trek, Star Wars, etc. However, industrial robots take many shapes and forms, including rovers, drones, surgical arms, humanoids, and even vehicles. There are several types of robots used in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, search and rescue,…

The Global Positioning System, better known as GPS, is a satellite-based navigation system that lets users determine the precise location and track movement anywhere on Earth. The system consists of a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, ground stations, and receivers. To learn more about GPS, click here. It’s possible to build a basic GPS…

Medical equipment for health monitoring is typically costly, but there is an option. Whether you simply want to be aware of your heart rate or are caring for someone with health conditions that must be monitored, there’s an option that you can build yourself. In this project, we’ll design a portable health monitor that can…

Machine learning (ML) is becoming increasingly important for microcontrollers because it enables smart and autonomous decision-making in embedded systems. The many Internet of Things (IoT) applications — often called “smart devices” — only become intelligent thanks to ML. Microcontrollers are commonly used in edge computing devices where data is processed locally rather than being sent…

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of billions of smart devices working with countless Internet-enabled digital services. One such service is weather forecast. Weather APIs integrate weather data with smart devices, websites, and online platforms. Several IoT applications use weather data, such as smart clocks, temperature control systems, as well as travel and…

Automation has extended from industrial settings to homes and offices, with smart home devices and appliances becoming a part of our everyday lives. One challenge in the automation sector is creating flow and unity between the vast diversity of devices and applications. Automation has been further affected by various online services such as SaaS (Software…