External characteristics:
* Gear selector:
*Automatic: Typically has a round or oval knob with numbers or letters to indicate the gears.
* Robot: May have a regular gear lever or a joystick-like selector.
* Steering wheel paddle shifters:
* Automatic: usually has paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.
*Robot: usually does not have steering wheel paddle shifters.
*Dashboard display:
* Automatic: Typically has a ‘D’ to indicate the drive mode.
* Robot: Can display the letters ‘R’ or ‘A’ (automatic mode) to indicate the driving mode.
Functional characteristics:
* Gear shift:
* Automatic: shifts gears smoothly, without jerks or delays.
*Robot: often has sharper gear changes and may experience delay.
* Parking mode:
* Automatic: Locks the gearbox in ‘P’ position to prevent vehicle movement.
*Robot: Can have a traditional parking brake or an electronic parking brake.
* Neutral mode (N):
* Automatic: allows the engine to operate without transmitting torque to the wheels.
*Robot: Also has a neutral mode, but requires physically moving the gear lever to the ‘N’ position.
* Winter mode:
* Automatic: Typically has a special winter mode that lowers gears to improve traction on slippery roads.
*Robot: may or may not have winter mode.
*Manual mode:
* Automatic: Allows the driver to manually change gears using the steering wheel paddles or shift lever.
* Robot: usually does not have a manual mode.
Under the hood:
* Torque converter:
* Automatic: has a torque converter that ensures smooth gear shifting.
* Robot: does not have a torque converter.
* Clutch:
* Automatic: does not have a traditional clutch.
* Robot: uses a single-plate clutch.
* Gear shift mechanism:
* Automatic: has a planetary gear shift mechanism.
* Robot: uses a mechanical or electro-hydraulic gear shift mechanism.