Robotics

❖ What is Robot?
Robots are machines capable of carrying out physical tasks. They can be directly controlled by
humans, or have some ability to operate by themselves, but the independent intelligent
machines seen in science fiction are still a long way off. The word “robot” was coined by the
Czech writer Karel Čapek in a 1920 play called Rossum’s Universal Robots, and is derived
from the Czech robota, meaning “drudgery” or “servitude”. Jacob Aron

Jan. 25, 1921: The Robot Cometh

Karel Capek 1921: A new play premieres at the National Theater in Prague, the capital
of what was then Czechoslovakia. R.U.R, (which stands for Rossum's Universal Robots)
by Karel Capek, marks the first use of the word "robot" to describe an artificial person.
Capek invented the term, basing it on the Czech word for "forced […]

1921: A new play premieres at the National Theater in Prague, the capital of what was then
Czechoslovakia. R.U.R, (which stands for Rossum's Universal Robots) by Karel Capek, marks
the first use of the word "robot" to describe an artificial person. Capek invented the term, basing
it on the Czech word for "forced labor." ("Robot" entered the English language in 1923.)

The robots in Capek's play are not mechanical men made of metal; instead they are molded out
of a chemical batter and they look exactly like humans. Each robot costs the equivalent of $150
and "can do the work of two-and-a-half human laborers," so that humans might be free to have
"no other task, no other work, no other cares" than perfecting themselves.

However, the robots come to realize that even though they have "no passion, no history, no
soul," they are stronger and smarter than humans. They kill every human but one.

The play explores themes that would later become staples of robot science fiction, including
freedom, love and destruction. Although many of Capek's other works were more famous
during his lifetime, today he is best known for RUR.

❖ What is Robotics?

Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and
use of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information
processing. These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of
humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in
appearance, behavior, and/or cognition.

The development of robotics has been driven by the need for automated systems that can
perform tasks without human intervention, as well as by the desire to replicate the abilities and
intelligence of the human mind. This has led to the creation of a wide variety of robots, from
simple machines that can perform repetitive tasks to highly advanced robots that can think and
learn.

❖ The three laws of Robotics:

Issac Asimov also proposed his three "Laws of Robotics", and he later added a "zeroth law"

• Zeroth Law - A robot is not allowed to injured humanity, or, through inaction it
allows humanity to come to harm.
• First Law - A robot can not injure a human being, or, through inaction it allows
a human being to come to harm, unless it would violate the higher order law.
• Second Law - A robot should follow the orders given it by human beings, except
when such orders give by humans would conflict with a higher order law.
• Third Law - A robot is allowed to protect its own existence as long as such
protection would not conflict with a higher order law.

❖ Characteristics:

There are some characteristics of robots given below:

• Appearance: Robots have a physical body. They are held by the structure of their body
and are moved by their mechanical parts. Without appearance, robots will be just a
software program.
• Brain: Another name of brain in robots is On-board control unit. Using this robot
receive information and sends commands as output. With this control unit robot knows
what to do else it’ll be just a remote-controlled machine.
• Sensors: The use of these sensors in robots is to gather info from the outside world and
send it to Brain. Basically, these sensors have circuits in them that produces the voltage
in them.
• Actuators: The robots move and the parts with the help of these robots move is called
Actuators. Some examples of actuators are motors, pumps, and compressor etc. The
brain tells these actuators when and how to respond or move.
• Program: Robots only works or responds to the instructions which are provided to them
in the form of a program. These programs only tell the brain when to perform which
operation like when to move, produce sounds etc. These programs only tell the robot
how to use sensors data to make decisions.
• Behavior: Robots behavior is decided by the program which has been built for it. Once
the robot starts making the movement, one can easily tell which kind of program is
being installed inside the robot.
 ❖ The Importance of Robotics: Revolutionizing
Industries and Enhancing Human Lives

In recent years, the field of robotics has experienced remarkable advancements, transforming
the way we live and work. From automated manufacturing processes to sophisticated surgical
procedures, robotics has become an integral part of various industries. But why is robotics
important? Let’s delve into the significance of this rapidly evolving technology and its impact
on society.

At its core, robotics refers to the design, creation, and operation of robots. A robot is a machine
programmed to perform tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention. These
machines can be equipped with sensors, actuators, and artificial intelligence, enabling them to
perceive their environment, make decisions, and carry out complex actions.

One of the key reasons why robotics is important lies in its ability to revolutionize industries.
In manufacturing, robots have significantly increased productivity and efficiency. They can
perform repetitive tasks with precision and speed, leading to higher production rates and
improved product quality. As a result, companies can meet consumer demands more effectively
and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Moreover, robotics has played a crucial role in hazardous environments where human presence
can be dangerous or impractical. For instance, in the field of space exploration, robots have
been instrumental in gathering data, conducting experiments, and even repairing equipment.
By sending robots instead of humans, the risk of injury or loss of life is minimized, while
valuable scientific discoveries are made.

In the healthcare sector, robotics has also made remarkable contributions. Surgical robots, for
example, have revolutionized the way complex procedures are performed. With their high
precision and dexterity, these robots assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive
surgeries, resulting in smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery times for patients.
Additionally, robots are being used in rehabilitation to aid patients in regaining mobility and
independence.

Furthermore, robotics has the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing
our society. For instance, in agriculture, robots can assist in automating tasks such as planting,
harvesting, and monitoring crops. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the need
for harmful pesticides and herbicides, leading to more sustainable farming practices.

In the realm of transportation, self-driving cars are a prime example of how robotics can
transform an entire industry. These vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors and algorithms,
have the potential to enhance road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and provide mobility
solutions for individuals who are unable to drive.

To keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements in robotics, it is crucial to invest
in research and education. By fostering a strong foundation in robotics, we can equip future
generations with the skills needed to develop and utilize this technology to its fullest potential.
In conclusion, the importance of robotics cannot be overstated. It has revolutionized industries,
enhanced healthcare, and has the potential to address societal challenges. As we continue to
embrace this technology, it is essential to ensure responsible and ethical use, while also
considering the potential impact on the workforce. Robotics is not just a tool; it is a catalyst for
innovation and progress, shaping the world we live in today and the future that lies ahead.

❖ What is the difference between robots and humans?

Difference between Robots and Humans
There are several differences between robots and humans, including:
1. Physical Characteristics
- Humans are biological organisms with a complex body structure.
- Robots, on the other hand, are machines made of metal, plastic, and other materials.
2. Intelligence
- Humans have a high level of intelligence that allows them to learn, reason, and make
decisions.
- Robots have artificial intelligence that is programmed by humans to perform specific
tasks.
3. Emotional Capabilities
- Humans have a wide range of emotions, including happiness, sadness, anger, and
fear.
- Robots do not have emotions but can simulate them to some extent.
4. Flexibility
- Humans are highly flexible and adaptable to different situations, environments, and
tasks. - Robots are programmed to perform specific tasks and are not as flexible as
humans.
5. Learning and Memory
- Humans have the ability to learn from experience and remember past events.
- Robots can be programmed to learn from experience and store information in their
memory.
6. Creativity and Imagination
- Humans have the ability to be creative and imagine new ideas and concepts.
- Robots do not have creativity or imagination but can be programmed to create new
things based on specific parameters.

❖ Types of robotics

Robots are designed to perform specific tasks and operate in different environments. The
following are some common types of robots used across various industries:

• Industrial robots. Frequently used in manufacturing and warehouse settings, these

large programmable robots are transforming the supply chain by performing tasks such
as welding, painting, assembling and material handling.
 • Service robots. These robots are used in a variety of fields in different scenarios, such
as domestic chores, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Examples include cleaning robots,
entertainment robots and personal assistance robots.
• Medical robots. These robots help with surgical procedures, rehabilitation and
diagnostics in healthcare settings. Robotic surgery systems, exoskeletons and artificial
limbs are a few examples of medical robots.
• Autonomous vehicles. These robots are mainly used for transportation purposes and
can include self-driving cars, drones and autonomous delivery robots. They navigate
and make decisions using advanced sensors and AI algorithms.
• Humanoid robots. These robots are programmed to imitate and mimic human
movements and actions. They look humanlike and are employed in research,
entertainment and human-robot interactions.
• Cobots. Contrary to the majority of other types of robots, which do their tasks alone or
in entirely separated work environments, cobots can share workplaces with human
employees, enabling them to work more productively. They're typically used to remove
costly, dangerous or time-consuming tasks from routine workflows. Cobots can
occasionally recognize and respond to human movement.
• Agricultural robots. These robots are used in farming and agricultural applications.
They can plant, harvest, apply pesticides and check crop health.
• Exploration and space robots. These robots are used in missions to explore space as
well as in harsh regions on Earth. Examples include underwater exploration robots and
rovers used on Mars expeditions.
• Defense and military robots. These robots aid military tasks and operations including
surveillance, bomb disposal and search-and-rescue missions. They're specifically
designed to operate in unknown terrains.
• Educational robots. These robots are created to instruct and educate kids about
robotics, programming and problem-solving. Kits and platforms for hands-on learning
in academia are frequent examples of educational robots.
• Entertainment robots. Created for entertainment purposes, these robots come in the
form of robotic pets, humanoid companions and interactive toys.

❖ Characteristics of Robotics

Robotics is a multidisciplinary field that combines elements of mechanical engineering,

electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence. The characteristics of
robotics encompass a wide range of features and capabilities that distinguish robotic systems
from other forms of automation. Here are some key characteristics of robotics:

1. Sensing and Perception:

• Sensor Integration: Robotics systems are equipped with various sensors, such as
cameras, lidar, radar, and touch sensors, enabling them to perceive and gather
information about their environment.
 • Perception Algorithms: Robotic systems use sophisticated algorithms to interpret
sensor data, allowing them to make sense of their surroundings and respond to
changes in real-time.

2. Autonomy:

• Decision-Making: Robots are designed to make decisions based on the information

they gather from sensors and their programming. They can execute tasks autonomously
without continuous human intervention.
• Adaptability: Many robotic systems can adapt to changing environments and
unforeseen obstacles, adjusting their behavior to achieve their objectives.

3. Actuation and Movement:

• Mechanical Components: Robotics involves the integration of mechanical

components, including motors, actuators, and joints, allowing robots to move and
perform physical tasks.
• Mobility: Robots can range from stationary systems to highly mobile platforms,
capable of navigating various terrains, climbing, or flying.

4. Programming and Control:

• Software Control: The behavior of robots is controlled by software, including

algorithms and programs that dictate their movements, decision-making processes,
and interactions with the environment.
• Control Systems: Robotics often involves the use of control systems that regulate
the robots' movements and responses, ensuring precision and stability.

5. Human-Robot Interaction:

• Collaboration: Some robots are designed to work alongside humans, requiring the
ability to understand and respond to human gestures, speech, or commands.
• User Interfaces: Human-friendly interfaces facilitate communication between
humans and robots, allowing for intuitive control and monitoring.

6. Learning and Adaptation:

• Machine Learning: Advanced robotic systems incorporate machine learning

algorithms, enabling them to learn from experience and improve their performance
over time.
• Adaptive Behavior: Robots can adapt to changes in their environment or tasks,
optimizing their performance based on acquired knowledge.
7. Safety and Reliability:

• Safety Protocols: Robotics systems often include safety features and protocols to
minimize the risk of accidents and ensure safe interactions with humans.
• Redundancy: Critical robotic systems may incorporate redundancy in components
to enhance reliability and minimize the impact of component failures.

8. End-Effector and Manipulation:

• End-Effector: The end-effector is the tool or hand of the robot that interacts with the
environment. It can range from a simple gripper to more complex tools for specialized
tasks.
• Manipulation: Robotics involves the study and development of mechanisms for
precise manipulation of objects, from basic pick-and-place tasks to intricate surgical
procedures.

9. Energy Efficiency:

• Energy Optimization: Modern robotic systems are designed with energy efficiency
in mind, aiming to optimize power consumption and extend the operational lifespan
of the robot.

❖ Robotics Applications

Robotics has a wide range of applications across different industries and sectors. Some of the
most notable applications of robotics include:

• Manufacturing: Robotics is widely used in manufacturing to automate repetitive

tasks, increase productivity and improve quality. Robots are used in assembly lines,
welding, painting, and other manufacturing processes.
• Transportation: Self-driving cars, drones, and autonomous vehicles are examples of
robotics applications in transportation. They are being developed to improve safety,
reduce traffic congestion, and increase efficiency.
• Healthcare: Robotics technology is increasingly being used in healthcare to assist
with surgeries, rehabilitation, and other medical procedures. Robots can also be used
to help with tasks such as monitoring patient vital signs and administering medication.
• Agriculture: Agricultural robots are being used to plant and harvest crops, monitor
crop growth, and perform other tasks to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs.

❖ Robotics for Beginners

Getting started with robotics can be a fun and rewarding experience, even for beginners. Here
are some basic steps to help you get started:

• Learn the basics: Familiarize yourself with the basic concepts and terminology of
robotics, including things like sensors, actuators, and control systems.
 • Build a simple robot: Start by building a simple robot using a kit or pre-built platform.
This can be a great way to learn the basics of robotics and get a feel for how robots
work.
• Experiment with programming: Learn how to program your robot using a simple
programming language like Scratch, Python, or C++. This will help you to understand
how robots make decisions and perform tasks.
• Learn about electronics: Robotics involves the use of electronics, such as sensors and
microcontrollers. Learn the basics of electronics and how to use components like LEDs,
transistors, and motors.
• Join a robotics community: Join a local robotics club, attend robotics workshops or
competitions, or participate in online communities to learn from more experienced
robotics enthusiasts and get feedback on your projects.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements: Robotics is a rapidly evolving field, so stay
updated with the latest advancements and developments in the field.
• Start with a simple project: Start with a simple project like line following robot, obstacle
avoiding robot, etc.
• Build on what you’ve learned: As you gain experience, you can start to build more
advanced robots and experiment with new technologies, such as artificial intelligence
and machine learning.

❖ The Future of Robotics: What’s the Use of AI in

Robotics?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) increases human-robot interaction, collaboration opportunities, and

quality. The industrial sector already has co-bots, which are robots that work alongside humans
to perform testing and assembly.

Advances in AI help robots mimic human behavior more closely, which is why they were
created in the first place. Robots that act and think more like people can integrate better into
the workforce and bring a level of efficiency unmatched by human employees.

Robot designers use Artificial Intelligence to give their creations enhanced capabilities like:

• Computer Vision: Robots can identify and recognize objects they meet, discern
details, and learn how to navigate or avoid specific items.
• Manipulation: AI helps robots gain the fine motor skills needed to grasp objects
without destroying the item.
• Motion Control and Navigation: Robots no longer need humans to guide them along
paths and process flows. AI enables robots to analyze their environment and self-
navigate. This capability even applies to the virtual world of software. AI helps robot
software processes avoid flow bottlenecks or process exceptions.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Real-World Perception: Artificial
Intelligence and Machine Learning (ML) help robots better understand their
 surroundings, recognize and identify patterns, and comprehend data. These
improvements increase the robot’s autonomy and decrease reliance on human agents.

❖ The Future of Robotics: How Robots Will Change the

World

Robots will increase economic growth and productivity and create new career opportunities for
many people worldwide. However, there are still warnings out there about massive job losses,
forecasting losses of 20 million manufacturing jobs by 2030, or how 30% of all jobs could be
automated by 2030.

But thanks to the consistent levels of precision that robots offer, we can look forward to robots
handling more of the burdensome, redundant manual labor tasks, making transportation work
more efficiently, improving healthcare, and freeing people to improve themselves. But, of
course, time will tell how this all works out.

❖ Navigating the Robotic Landscape

The journey through the expansive terrain of robotics technology has been nothing short of
awe-inspiring. From the ancient dreams of automata to the cutting-edge innovations of today,
the evolution of robotics has transcended mechanical functionality, becoming a dynamic and
integral part of our technological fabric. As we conclude our exploration, it's evident that the
robotic landscape is not just a collection of machines; it's a transformative force that reshapes
industries, societies, and the very way we perceive and interact with the world.

In this odyssey, we traced the roots of automata, unearthed the influences of science fiction and
ancient marvels, and witnessed the rise of robotics as a historical odyssey. The pioneers of
industrial robotics, the creators of humanoid marvels, and the visionaries shaping the future –
their stories form the chapters of a narrative that extends beyond mechanical ingenuity.
Robotics has become a tapestry woven with threads of interdisciplinary collaboration, where
mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering converge with artificial intelligence to create
intelligent, adaptive machines.

The definition of robotics extends beyond mere automation; it encapsulates a profound

understanding of the essence of robotics. It's the ability of machines to bridge the gap between
the digital and physical realms, perceiving, deciding, and acting with a level of autonomy that
heralds a new era in technology. The interdisciplinary nature of robotics, drawing from
mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, and
control systems, showcases the depth and complexity of this field.

As we navigated through the diverse types of robotics technology, we encountered industrial

robots revolutionizing manufacturing, service robots enhancing human environments, medical
robots bringing precision to healthcare, autonomous vehicles charting the future of
transportation, and humanoid robots pushing the boundaries of man-machine convergence.
Each type of robot, with its unique characteristics and applications, contributes to the rich
tapestry of robotics, serving as a testament to the versatility and adaptability of these intelligent
machines.

The future of robotics beckons with emerging technologies like quantum robotics, swarm
robotics, and soft robotics. The integration of robotics and artificial intelligence is reshaping
the landscape, promising a future where machines learn, adapt, and make intelligent decisions.
Yet, with these opportunities come ethical considerations that demand our attention. Balancing
progress with responsibility, understanding the impact on employment and society, and
navigating the intricate web of ethical considerations are integral aspects of this technological
revolution.

As we explored the societal impact of robotics, we witnessed its influence on education, skill
development, work structures, and employment patterns. The collaborative nature of robotics
research and development, coupled with international cooperation, propels the field forward.
Technical challenges are met with breakthroughs, and the uncharted territories of quantum
robotics, swarm robotics, and beyond await exploration.

In conclusion, the robotic horizon is both vast and promising. The transformative journey
through the history, types, challenges, and societal impacts of robotics unveils a landscape
where innovation converges with responsibility, and where the human and robotic realms
intersect in harmony. The narrative of robotics is not just a tale of machines; it's a testament to
human ingenuity, collaborative exploration, and the relentless pursuit of a future where robots
and humans coexist in a harmonious dance of progress. As we stand at the precipice of
uncharted territories, the robotic horizon invites us to pioneer the future with curiosity, ethics,
and an unwavering commitment to shaping a world where technology serves humanity.