Introduction to Robotics

History of the Word “Robotics”

  • Term Robot was used by Capek in 1917

    • in his play - Opilec

  • Isaac Asimov coined “robotics” in 1940

  • Science Fiction is the origin of the term of Robotics

    • science community was slow to accept it

Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics

  1. Robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

  2. Robot must obey orders given by humans expect ones that would conflict with 1st Law

  3. Robot must protect its own existence and long it doesn’t conflict with the other laws

Formal Definition of a Robot

  • programmable machine that performs tasks automatically without human intervention

    • utilizing sensors and a computer.

  • Robot comes from Czech word Robots

    • means obligatory work of servitude

Key Characteristics, Benefits, and Limitations

    Characteristics:

  • Automation

  • Speed

  • Strength & Durability

  • Intelligence (AI/ML)

  • Interactivity

    Benefits:

  • Enhanced Efficiency

  • Safety in hazardous environments

  • Precision & Consistency

  • Mastery of repetitive tasks

  • Cost-Effectiveness (long-term)

  • Accessibility to extreme conditions.

    Limitations:

  • High Initial Cost

  • Maintenance Overhead

  • Programming Complexity

  • Limited Flexibility

  • potential for Job Displacement

  • Safety Concerns.

Core Components of a Robot

  • Actuators: Convert electrical energy into mechanical motion (the “muscles”).

  • Sensors: Detect physical properties (light, temp, sound, movement) and convert them into electrical signals (the “senses”)

  • Controllers: Process inputs, run algorithms, and command actuators (the “brain”)

  • End Effectors: Tools attached to the robot’s end for specific tasks (the “hands”)

  • Frames & Structures: Provide rigidity and structural integrity, made up of steel and aluminum — support + stability

  • Control Interfaces: Enable human-robot interaction (e.g., buttons, switches, GUIs, speech).

Evolution of Robots

  • Timeline

    • Nov 22’ - ChatGPT released to the public

    • Feb 23’ - Microsoft releases BingChat

    • March 23’ - ChatGPT 4 released

    • March 23’ - Google Bard released

    • Aug 23’ - DALL E 3 released by OpenAI

    • The Future