Introduction to Robotics: What is Robot, Type of robots, Robotics, application of robotics
What is a Robot?
A robot is a machine that collects information about its environment (senses) and uses that information (thinks) to follow the programmed instructions to complete the assigned task (acts).
Robots are incorporated with multiple sensors and they are able to use the collected information to behave autonomously i.e; making decisions for themselves based on information that they receive and act.
What is Robotics? (robotic definition)
Robotics is the Branch of Engineering and Science that make use of humanoids or other automated tools to do repetitive, boring jobs, or to carry out extremely dangerous tasks with better efficiency and accuracy.
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Introduction to robotics
Robotics is the combination of science, engineering, and technology that are used to produce machines, called robots, which are the substitute for (or replicate) human actions.
History of Robots (Robotics)
The first industrial robot: UNIMATE
1954: The first programmable robot was designed by George Devol, who coined the term called Universal Automation. He later shortened this to Unimation, which became the name of the first robot company established in 1962.
1978: The Puma called as Programmable Universal Machine for Assembly robot was developed by Unimation with a General Motors design support
1980s: The robot industry enters a phase of very rapid growth. Robotics courses are spread across mechanical, electrical, and computer science engineering departments.
1995-present: Emerging applications in small robotics and mobile robots drive a second growth of start-up companies and research
2003: NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers were launched toward Mars in search of answers about the availability of water on Mars.
Types of Robots:
Robots are emerging to carry out the difficult and dangerous tasks that humans simply can’t. Generally, robots are classified into five types:
Pre-Programmed Robots
Pre-programmed robots are the robots that operate in a controlled environment where simple and monotonous tasks are carried out and executed. A mechanical arm on an automotive assembly line is an example of a pre-programmed robot and its job is to perform that task longer, faster, and more efficiently than a human.
Augmenting Robots
Augmenting robots are used to improve current human capabilities or replace the capabilities that a human may have lost. prosthetic limbs or exoskeletons used to lift hefty weights are examples of augmenting robots.
Autonomous Robots
Autonomous robots operate independently without the involvement of human operators. These robots are usually designed to carry out tasks in open environments that do not require human supervision. An example of an autonomous robot is the Roomba vacuum cleaner, which uses its sensors to roam around the home and clean.
Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots are robots that look like humans and mimic human behavior. These robots generally perform human-like activities (like running, jumping and carrying objects). The best examples of humanoid robots are Sophia and Atlas.
Teleoperated Robots
Teleoperated robots are the mechanical bots that are controlled by humans. These robots usually work under extreme geographical conditions, circumstances, etc. Examples: human-controlled submarines that were used to fix underwater pipe leaks during the BP oil spill or drones which were used to detect landmines on a battlefield.
Uses of Robots (What are Robots used for)
Manufacturing
The Use of robots in the manufacturing industry is probably the oldest and most well-known use. These robots work efficiently to test and assemble products, like cars and industrial equipment, etc.
Home
The best example of home robots is the autonomous vacuum cleaner Roomba.
Healthcare
Robots are deployed in the healthcare industry. These robots are used in assisting surgeries to bots that help humans recover from injury in physical therapy. Examples of robots deployed in the healthcare sector are Toyota’s healthcare assistants.
Logistics
Shipping, handling, and quality control are the areas where robots are becoming a must-have for most retailers and logistics companies. Robots are used in warehouses, and even on the roads, to help and maximize time efficiency.
Travel
self-driving cars are no longer just imagination. The combination of data science and robotics, are used in making these self-driving vehicles.
APPLICATIONS OF ROBOTICS
Working with humans in manufacturing industries (known as co-bots)
Used as Surgical assistants
package and food delivery
Household robots: carry out tasks like vacuuming
Lifting heavy loads (Industrial robots)
Used in rescue missions after natural disasters
Used as landmine detectors in war zones
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