Robotics

Robotics

1. Robotics is the branch of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and computer science

   • It deals with:
     • Design
     • Construction
     • Operation
     • Application of robots
   • It deals with computer systems for their:
     • Control
     • Sensory feedback
     • Information processing
   • These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in:
     • Dangerous environments
     • Manufacturing processes
     • Resemble humans in:
       • Behavior
       • Appearance
       • Cognition
   • Many of today's robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics

2. History

   • Yan Shi
     • He was an artificer
     • Claims are that he built an artificial humanoid robot with artificial organs that were known at the time
       • The robot could sing and in one occasion winked at the female bystanders
       • Its organs were inter-linked with its functions
         • Take out the heart and his mouth would cease to function
         • Take out the liver and he wouldn't be able to utilise his eyes
         • Take out the kidneys and his legs would be redundant
   • Recent developments
     • 2009 -The first collaborative lightweight robotic arms were distributed
     • 1975 - Programmable universal manipulation arm, a Unimation product
     • 1974 - World's first microcomputer controlled electric industrial robot was used in a mechanical engineering company in Sweden
     • 1973 - First industrial robot with six electro-mechanically driven axes