Robots no longer are akin to R2D2 and C3PO but are mechanized and programmable machines that serve many and vaired uses to human society.
It was Karel Capek who invented the word “robot” back in 1921 in a play entitled “R.U.R.” or "Rossum's Universal Robots”. It comes from the Czech word “robota”' or “robotnik” which means work, forced labor, servitude, or drudgery and was used for machines which were modeled after humans but with tremendous abilities and no common human failings. In the end these machines were used for war and eventually turned against their human creators.
Today, the word “robot” more typically refers to any reprogrammable, multifunctional machine that is designed to move material, parts, tools or devices through pre-programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks, many of which are normally performed by humans.
Robotic Components
Today’s robotics systems operate by means of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical power. Robots are comprised of several different elements, depending on their purpose. The hand of a robot is usually referred to as an "end effector”. End effectors may be specialized tools, such as spot welders or spray guns,or more general-purpose grippers. Common grippers include fingered and vacuum types.
Another central element of robotics technology is the sensor. It is through sensors that a robotic system receives knowledge of its environment, to which subsequent actions of the robot can be adjusted. Sensors are used to enable a robot to adjust to variations in the position of objects to be picked up, to inspect objects, and to monitor proper operation. Characteristic sensor types include visual, force and torque, speed and acceleration, tactile, and distance sensors.
Finally, robots usually have a “brain" or computer that is programmed to guide the robot from point to point through the phases of an operation, with each point defined and stored in the robotic control system. Often, higher-level languages are used in which robotic actions are defined by tasks or objectives.
Uses of Robots
Industrial robotics have emerged as a popular manufacturing methodology in several areas in recent years, including welding, materials transport, assembly, and spray finishing operations. Robots are especially good at boring, repetitive tasks such as making circuit boards or dispensing glue on parts.
Robots are also used in cases where it can do a better job than a human such as surgery where high precision is a benefit and in exploration in dangerous places such as in volcanoes and radioactive areas which enable learning about environments without the endangerment of human lives.
The Future Of Robotics
The population of robots is growing rapidly. This growth is lead by Japan that has almost twice as many robots as the United States. All estimates suggestt hat robots will play an ever-increasing role in modern society. They will continue to be used in tasks where danger, repetition, cost, and precision prevents humans from performing these operations.
