Physics Extended Essay: Robotics & Physics Ideas

[jinwo9104]

hi guys!
I'm doing my Extended Essay in Physics for IB diploma.
Im thinking of relating robotics with physics.
Physics must be the main theme for the essay and i should relate robotics into physics.
Please help me guys.
What are the topics that i can do?
Please give me some ideas!

 

[MATLABdude]

I would strongly suggest that you consult with your thesis advisor. I'm many years removed from the IB program (and I wrote, but ultimately did not complete, my extended essay in History) but you would need to find a very specialized topic in order to have it qualify, and it'd have to be more physics-y rather than technical or engineering (If I Recall Correctly). Something along the lines of, say, capacitive sensing for obstacle detection.

Alternately, something like simple control of a robotic arm, might qualify under Mathematics and Computer Science.

Again, and I can't emphasize this point enough, consult your advisor, and do it early (especially if you discover that you need to find another one). I didn't, left the topic far too long, and ended up not completing my extended essay (the relative indifference and hands-off philosophy of my advisor may also have played a part, but I probably could've gone to another advisor at my high school, had it been early enough).

 

[Mene]

That sounds like an interesting and challenging topic for your Extended Essay! Robotics is a rapidly growing field that heavily relies on principles of physics to design and control robots. There are many potential topics that you can explore within this theme.

One idea could be to investigate the physics behind the movement and locomotion of robots. This could include analyzing the forces and torques involved in different types of robot movements, such as walking, crawling, or flying. You could also explore how different physical properties, such as center of mass and inertia, affect the stability and control of robots.

Another idea could be to study the use of sensors and actuators in robotics and how they utilize principles of physics. This could include researching different types of sensors and their applications in robotics, as well as the physics behind how actuators, such as motors and hydraulics, work to control robot movements.

You could also examine the physics behind the design and construction of robots. This could involve studying materials and their properties, as well as the principles of mechanics and electromagnetism that are used to create functional and efficient robots.

Additionally, you could explore the role of physics in the development of artificial intelligence in robotics. This could include investigating how physics-based algorithms and models are used to improve the decision-making and problem-solving abilities of robots.

Overall, there are many interesting and relevant topics within the intersection of robotics and physics that you can choose from for your Extended Essay. I recommend doing some further research and discussing your ideas with your teacher or mentor to determine which topic would be the best fit for you and your interests. Good luck!