What is Robotics? Introduction and its types and component | Tech talk

Introduction to Robotics 

Robotics is a field of engineering and technology that deals with the design, development, and application of robots. A robot is a machine that can carry out complex tasks automatically, usually in a way that imitates human actions or behavior. Robotics is a rapidly growing field that is changing the way we live and work. It has applications in manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, military, and many other industries.

The field of robotics includes a wide range of technologies, including sensors, actuators, artificial intelligence, and control systems. Robots can be designed for specific tasks or can be general-purpose, able to adapt to a variety of different tasks. They can be operated remotely or programmed to function autonomously.

One of the most exciting aspects of robotics is the potential for robots to perform tasks that are difficult, dangerous, or impossible for humans. For example, robots can explore space, search for survivors in disaster zones, or perform delicate surgical procedures. Robotics has the potential to revolutionize many industries and improve the quality of life for people around the world.

 

History of Robotics

Robotics is a field of technology that involves the design, construction, and operation of robots. The history of robotics can be traced back to ancient times when Greek and Egyptian mythologies described automata that resembled animals and humans. However, the modern history of robotics began in the early 20th century.

The first modern robot was built in 1921 by Czech writer Karel Čapek in his play "Rossum's Universal Robots." The word "robot" was coined by Čapek and comes from the Czech word "robota," which means forced labor.

In the 1940s and 1950s, research in robotics was primarily focused on the development of manipulators and control systems for industrial automation. The first programmable robot was developed by George Devol and Joseph Engelberger in 1954. They called it the Unimate, and it was used to perform repetitive tasks in the automotive industry.

In the 1960s and 1970s, robotics research expanded to include mobile robots and robots for space exploration. The first mobile robot, Shakey, was developed by the Stanford Research Institute in 1966. NASA also developed robots for space exploration, including the Mars rovers.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the development of microprocessors and sensors allowed for the creation of more sophisticated robots, including those used in medical and military applications. The da Vinci Surgical System, developed in the early 2000s, is a prime example of a medical robot that is used to perform minimally invasive surgeries.

Today, robotics is a rapidly growing field with applications in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. Robotics technology is also being developed for use in space exploration and disaster response.

In summary, the history of robotics has been shaped by advances in technology and the need for automation in various industries. From the first programmable robot in the 1950s to the sophisticated robots of today, robotics continues to play an increasingly important role in modern society.

Types of Robots

1. Industrial robots:  These are used in manufacturing and assembly lines to perform tasks such as welding, painting, and packaging.
2. Service robots:  These robots are used in industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail to provide assistance to humans. They can be used as personal assistants, customer service representatives, and even as security personnel.
3. Agricultural robots:  These are used in agriculture to perform tasks such as planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops.  They can also be used to assist in livestock management.
4. Military robots:  These are used for military purposes such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and bomb disposal.
5. Domestic robots:  These are used in households to perform tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and entertainment.
6. Educational robots:  These are designed to teach children and students about technology, science, and engineering. They can also be used in research and development.
7. Entertainment robots:  These are designed to provide entertainment, such as robotic pets, toys, and games.
8. Medical robots:  These are used in healthcare to perform tasks such as surgery, diagnosis, and rehabilitation.
9. Space robots:  These are used in space exploration to perform tasks such as assembling and repairing satellites, and exploring other planets and moons.
10. Autonomous vehicles:  These are self-driving vehicles that can transport passengers or goods without the need for a human driver.