Robotics could be used to adjust experiments in which precision is out of our control, which a robot with good control could adapt to the needs imposed within the laboratory. In addition, safety would increase for laboratories where high voltage, radiation, etc. are used, and that is where robots would act as intermediaries.
Alwielland Q. Bello Integrating robotics into a physics laboratory can enhance hands-on learning by demonstrating physical principles through real-world applications. One effective approach is using robotic arms to teach mechanics and motion concepts. For instance, students can program a robotic arm to lift objects, illustrating Newton’s laws of motion, force, and torque. Observing how the arm balances forces to lift weights can make abstract theories more tangible.
Another example is employing wheeled robots equipped with sensors to study kinematics and dynamics. Students can analyze velocity, acceleration, and friction by programming robots to move on inclined planes or rough surfaces, collecting data using distance and motion sensors. These experiments allow students to visualize mathematical equations governing motion.
Robotics can also help in experiments involving electricity and magnetism. For instance, students can build simple robotic circuits with motors, resistors, and sensors to explore current flow, resistance, and electromagnetism. They can observe magnetic fields generated by motors and test the interaction with nearby magnets, bridging theoretical concepts with practical observations.
Lastly, integrating robotics for control systems and feedback mechanisms introduces students to real-world applications of physics principles. For example, students can design robotic systems that maintain balance or follow light sources, illustrating concepts like equilibrium, center of mass, and energy conservation. These applications prepare students for advanced studies and careers in both physics and engineering.