What kind of programing is required to make machines perform mechanical task by a code of instructions.?

Question

I have some knowledge of physics and desire to know how to first write, simple programs that will instruct and make my innovated gadgets to do some jobs and then more complex programs. Is their a name for such programs? Are there good simple materials one can learn on his own? Please anyone can help me.Thanks.

Answer 1

i think you are talking about 'firmware.' try looking it up on wiki

Answer 2

You should look up a tutorial on Assembly language which is associated with digital design and embedded hardware and a tutorial on C programming (Vis C, C++, C#.. just learn the basic structure and syntax).

If you are doing motor control then you can do code on Matlab or Labview, both programs are great visual tools to do control operations.

When you say gadgets.. I guess you'll be working with a microcontroller. In that case the flavors of programming differ from Verilog (Assembly) to C (Basic).

You should focus on learning one or the other and pick a programmable microcontroller that uses that language for operation.

I think a PIC microcontroller would be the easiest. You can probably find hundreds of tutorials and simple examples on the web or find a book at Barnes&Noble or Borders. Have Fun!

Answer 3

Macine tools, like lathes and milling machines use a language called "G-code"

Look up "servo motors" and stepper motors.  A good source is "hobbycnc.com"

example:

S2000

G0 X0.000 Y0.000 Z0.000

G1 F10 Z-1.000

G1 F20 X2.000

G1 F20 Y2.125

LINE 1 starts the cutting tool spindle at 2000 rpm.

LINE 2 G0 disengades the speed control and runs all three motors at full speed to the home position.

LINE 3 G1 engages the speed control and runs the z-axis motor to produce downward motion at 10 inches per minute for one inch.

LINE 4 G1 engages the speed control and runs the x-axis motor to produce rightward at 20 inches per minute for two inches.

LINE 5 G1 engages the speed control and runs the y-axis motor to produce foreward at 20 inches per minute for two and 1/8 inches.

Answer 4

Buy some Lego Technics.  It comes with Labview.

Otherwise, you can use a simple serial port or parallel port to communicate with anything you build, using Visual Basic Express, a free download from Microsoft.

Also, consider borrowing "How to build a computer controlled robot" from a library.  ISBN: 086020815X

Answer 5

Machine language is the lowest form of programming that directly runs the hardware.  Firmware can be an upper form of the root language.

Answer 6

Go to digikey.com (an electronics parts store) and look up Microchip. They sell simple kits with a microcontroller and instructions on how to program them. In a short time you'll be able to write code to turn on switches and stuff.

Answer 7

We use a PLC programmable logoc controller. There are free soft ware for PLC's like LG.

You always need to get the mechanical side 100% and also your process needs to be planned out. Then you add all the motors and the eyes and ears of the machine and wire it in, then you program the machine to do what you want.