Robotics is one of the junctures of today’s technological revolution. Most of the work in factories in many developed countries of the world is done using these robots. The awakening of technology is used to make many tasks easier nowadays, and it is also a reason that sometimes affects human existence and the level of unemployment. This is a brief overview of the history of robotics and its evolution, types of robots as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
What is a robot? & History of Robotics
Robotics is a combination of science, engineering, and technology that creates machines called robots to perform human tasks or a robot is a programmable machine that can complete a task, while the term robotics describes the field of study focused on developing robots and automation. Each robot has a different level of autonomy. These levels range from human-controlled bots that carry out tasks to fully autonomous bots that perform tasks without any external influences (Daley, 2024). The objective of the robotics field is to create intelligent machines that can assist humans in a variety of ways. Robotics can take on a number of forms. A robot might resemble a human or be in the form of a robotic application, such as robotic process automation, which simulates how humans engage with software to perform repetitive, rules-based tasks (Yasar & Hanna, 2024).
The history of robotics goes as far back as 350 B.C when a brilliant Greek mathematician named Archytas succeeded in building a mechanical bird which used steam to propel itself. That was the first documented attempt of man to build an automata. In the first century A.D., Petronius Arbiter made a doll that could move like a human being. Giovanni Torriani created a wooden robot that could fetch the Emperor’s daily bread from the store in 1557. Robotic inventions reached a relative peak (before the 20th century) in the 1700s; countless ingenius, yet impractical, automata (i.e. robots) were created during this time period. The 19th century was also filled with new robotic creations, such as a talking doll by Edison and a steam-powered robot by Canadians. The earliest robots were created in the early 1950s by George C. Devol, an inventor from Louisville, Kentucky. For the next decade, he attempted to sell his product in the industry, but did not succeed. In the late 1960s, he was able to modify it into an industrial robot and form a company called Unimation to produce and market the robots. For his efforts and successes, Engleberger is known in the industry as “the Father of Robotics” (Cs.stanford.edu, n.d.).
Much of the work in robotics, however, was done in the 20th century both in fiction and in real life. In 1921, a Czech writer Karel Capek coined the term “Robot” in his play “R.U.R” (Rossum’s Universal Robots). The word robot is of Czech origin meaning “forced work”. Rossum’s Universal Robots is the first time the term “robot” is used officially. Isaac Asimov gave three laws of robotics which can also be used to define what is a robot and what is not. As surprising as it might seem, he wasn’t a scientist by any standards, he was a writer who wrote numerous short stories on robots in 1940s and 1950s. He is also admired for coining the term “Robotics”. The “Three laws of robotics”, which is defined by Isaac Asimov is:
- A Robot may not harm a human being..
- A Robot must obey a human being…
- A Robot must protect its own existence…
In 1948 and 1949, William Grey Walter working in Burden Neurological Institute in Bristol, was able to create two autonomous robots named Elmer and Elsie. Both of them were shaped like tortoise and they used three wheels to move around. And whenever they ran low on battery, they would rush towards the nearest recharge station. That was one of the most impressive works on intelligent robots that can take care of themselves. Through history of robotics, the 1970s, other intelligent robots emerged. Freddy and Freddy II were able to assemble wooden blocks and put rings on pegs using its video camera 3-DOF and 5-DOF mechanisms. Assembling the parts using manipulators was not that impressive, but the use of cameras to identify objects was fascinating.
Genghis was created by scientists at MIT in 1989.It was one of the first examples of cheap robots. Another great feature of it was its behavioral algorithm which makes the robot behave like a real insect. Self-driving cars arrived in the 21st century, but they still have a long way to go due to some legal and ethical issues. The new generation of robots, like Robonaut 2, are the first humanoid robots in the history of robotics that are used in space to help astronauts (Robotpark, 2016).
Main Components of a Robot
• Control System
Computation includes all of the components that make up a robot’s central processing unit, often referred to as its control system. Control systems are programmed to tell a robot how to utilize its specific components, similar in some ways to how the human brain sends signals throughout the body, in order to complete a specific task.
• Sensors
Sensors provide a robot with stimuli in the form of electrical signals that are processed by the controller and allow the robot to interact with the outside world. Common sensors found within robots include video cameras that function as eyes, photoresistors that react to light and microphones that operate like ears. These sensors allow the robot to capture its surroundings, process the most logical conclusion based on the current moment and allow the controller to relay commands to the additional components.
• Actuators
A device can only be considered to be a robot if it has a movable frame or body. Actuators are the components that are responsible for this movement. These components are made up of motors that receive signals from the control system and move in tandem to carry out the movement necessary to complete the assigned task.
• Power Supply
Like the human body requires food in order to function, robots require power. Stationary robots, such as those found in a factory, may run on AC power through a wall outlet but more commonly, robots operate via an internal battery. Safety, weight, replaceability and lifecycle are all important factors to consider when designing a robot’s power supply. Some potential power sources for future robotic development also include pneumatic power from compressed gasses, solar power, hydraulic power, flywheel energy storage organic garbage through anaerobic digestion and nuclear power.
• End Effectors
End effectors are the physical, typically external components that allow robots to finish carrying out their tasks. Robots in factories often have interchangeable tools like paint sprayers and drills, surgical robots may be equipped with scalpels and other kinds of robots can be built with gripping claws or even hands for tasks like deliveries, packing, bomb diffusion and much more.
Types of Robotics
As robotics manufacturers continue to deliver innovations across capabilities, price, and form factor, robotics solutions are being implemented in an ever-increasing number of industries and applications. Advancements in processing power and AI capabilities mean that we can now use robots to fulfill critical purposes in a plethora of ways. While robotics applications vary greatly—giving directions, stocking shelves, welding metal in dangerous environments, and much more—today’s robots can generally be grouped into few categories (Daley, 2024; Intel, n.d.).
• Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots are robots that look like or mimic human behavior. These robots usually perform human-like activities (like running, jumping and carrying objects), and are sometimes designed to look like us, even having human faces and expressions. Two of the most prominent examples of humanoid robots are Hanson Robotics’ Sophia and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas.
• Co-bots
Co-bots, or collaborative robots, are robots designed to work alongside humans. These robots prioritize safety by using sensors to remain aware of their surroundings, executing slow movements and ceasing actions when their movements are obstructed. Co-bots typically perform simple tasks, freeing up humans to address more complex work.
• Industrial Robots
Industrial robots automate processes in manufacturing environments like factories and warehouses. Possessing at least one robotic arm, these robots are made to handle heavy objects while moving with speed and precision. As a result, industrial robots often work in assembly lines to boost productivity.
• Medical Robots
Medical robots assist healthcare professionals in various scenarios and support the physical and mental health of humans. These robots rely on AI and sensors to navigate healthcare facilities, interact with humans and execute precise movements. Some medical robots can even converse with humans, encouraging people’s social and emotional growth.
• Agricultural Robots
Agricultural robots handle repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, allowing farmers to use their time and energy more efficiently. These robots also operate in greenhouses, where they monitor crops and help with harvests. Agricultural robots come in many forms, ranging from autonomous tractors to drones that collect data for farmers to analyze.
• Micro robotics
Micro robotics is the study and development of robots on a miniature scale. Often no bigger than a millimeter, microrobots can vary in size, depending on the situation. Biotech researchers typically use micro robotics to monitor and treat diseases, with the goal of improving diagnostic tools and creating more targeted solutions.
• Augmenting Robots
Augmenting robots, also known as VR robots, either enhance current human capabilities or replace the capabilities a human may have lost. The field of robotics for human augmentation is a field where science fiction could become reality very soon, with bots that have the ability to redefine the definition of humanity by making humans faster and stronger.
• Software Bots
Software bots, or simply ‘bots,’ are computer programs which carry out tasks autonomously. They are not technically considered robots. One common use case of software robots is a chatbot, which is a computer program that simulates conversation both online and over the phone and is often used in customer service scenarios.
• Manufacturing robots
The field of manufacturing was the first to adopt robots, such as the automobile assembly line machines we previously mentioned. Industrial robots handle a various tasks like arc welding, material handling, steel cutting, and food packaging.
• Logistics robots
Everybody wants their online orders delivered on time, if not sooner. So, companies employ robots to stack warehouse shelves, retrieve goods, and even conduct short-range deliveries.
• Space Exploration robots
Mars explorers such as Sojourner and Perseverance are robots. The Hubble telescope is classified as a robot, as are deep space probes like Voyager and Cassini.
• Military robots
Robots handle dangerous tasks, and it doesn’t get any more difficult than modern warfare. Consequently, the military enjoys a diverse selection of robots equipped to address many of the riskier jobs associated with war. For example, there’s the Centaur, an explosive detection/disposal robot that looks for mines and IEDs, the MUTT, which follows soldiers around and totes their gear, and SAFFiR, which fights fires that break out on naval vessels.
• Entertainment robots
We already have toy robots, robot statues, and robot restaurants. As robots become more sophisticated, expect their entertainment value to rise accordingly.
Pros and Cons of Robotics
Common advantages of robotics include the following:
• Safety
Safety is arguably one of robotics’ greatest benefits, as many dangerous or unhealthy environments no longer require the human element. Examples include the nuclear industry, space, defense and
• Maintenance
With robots or robotic systems, workers can avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals and even limit psychosocial and ergonomic health risks.
• Increased productivity
Robots don’t readily become tired or worn out as humans do. They can work continuously without breaks while performing repetitive jobs, which boosts productivity.
• Accuracy
Robots can perform precise tasks with greater consistency and accuracy than humans can. This eliminates the risk of errors and inconsistencies.
• Flexibility
Robots can be programmed to carry out a variety of tasks and are easily adaptable to new use cases. Many robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that collect data, so teams can quickly refine processes.
• Cost savings
By automating repetitive tasks, robots can reduce labor costs. Gains in productivity may make robots a more cost-efficient option for businesses compared to hiring more human workers.
However, despite above benefits, robotics also comes with the following drawbacks:
• Task suitability
Certain tasks are simply better suited for humans. Robots may not react well to unexpected situations since they don’t have the same problem-solving skills as humans. For example, those jobs that require creativity, adaptability and critical decision-making skills.
• Economic problems
Since robots can perform most jobs that humans do with more precision, speed, and accuracy, robotic process automation may put human employees out of work.
• Cost
Most robotic systems have a high initial cost. Robots can be expensive to repair and maintain, and faulty equipment can lead to disruptions in production and revenue losses.
• Increased dependency
Overreliance on robots can result in a decrease in human talents and problem-solving abilities as well as an increase in technological dependence.
• Security risks
Robots can be hit with cyber-attacks, potentially exposing large amounts of data if they’re connected to the Internet of Things. There’s always a risk of robotic devices getting hacked or hijacked, especially if they’re being used for defense and security purposes.
• Power requirements
Robots consume a lot of energy and constant power to operate. Regular upkeep and maintenance are also needed to keep them in good working condition.
• Environmental waste
Extracting raw materials to build robots and having to discard disposable parts can lead to more environmental waste and pollution.
The future of robotics
Thanks to improved sensor technology and more notable advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence, robots will move from mere rotators to collaborators with cognitive functions. These advances and other related fields are enjoying an upward trajectory and robotics will benefit significantly from these advances. We can expect to see a significant number of increasingly sophisticated robots entering more areas of life, working alongside humans. Industries rise, fall, and some become obsolete in the face of new technologies, bringing new opportunities for employment and education. The same goes for robots.
Robot designers use artificial intelligence to give their creations enhanced capabilities. Advances in AI are helping robots more closely mimic human behavior, which is why they were created in the first place. Robots that act and think like humans can better integrate into the workforce and bring levels of efficiency unmatched by human workers. Thus, the evolution of artificial intelligence has major implications for the future of robotics. Having highly advanced artificial intelligence gives robots more autonomy. For example, drones can deliver packages to customers without any human intervention. Additionally, robots can be outfitted with generative AI tools like ChatGPT, resulting in more complex human-robot conversations.
As the intelligence of robots has changed, so has their appearance. Humanoid robots are designed to visually address humans in a variety of settings by understanding emotions and responding, carrying objects, and navigating the environment. With these models and capabilities, robots can become major contributors to customer service, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, among other industries.
Robots will increase economic growth and productivity and create new career opportunities for many people around the world. However, there are still warnings of massive job losses, with predictions of 20 million manufacturing job losses by 2030, or how 30% of all jobs could be automated by 2030 (Terra, 2024).
But time will tell, thanks to the consistent level of precision that robots offer, robots will take over heavy, redundant manual labor tasks, make transportation more efficient, improve healthcare, and allow people to improve themselves. However, robotics has taken over more than half of human activities. Accordingly, many tasks can be done with the help of robots without the use of human labor. So this technological change has positive and negative effects on mankind. It is difficult to even imagine what kind of advanced technologies these robots, which can be used in any kind of industry and are easy to use, will come to the society in the future.
References
Cs.stanford.edu. (n.d.). Robotics: A Brief History. Cs.Stanford.Edu. https://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/courses/soco/projects/1998-99/robotics/history.html
Daley, S. (2024). Robotics: What Are Robots? Built In. https://builtin.com/robotics
Intel. (n.d.). Types of Robots: How Robotics Technologies Are Shaping Today’s World. Intel.Com. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/robotics/types-and-applications.html
Robotpark. (2016). HISTORY of ROBOTICS. Robotpark.Com. https://www.robotpark.com/History-of-Robotics
Terra, J. (2024). The Future of Robotics: How Robots Will Transform Our Lives. Simpli Learn. https://www.simplilearn.com/future-of-robotics-article
Yasar, K., & Hanna, K. T. (2024). What is Robotics? TechTarget. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/robotics
