**Description:** A ground robot is a mechanical device designed to move and operate on the ground surface. These robots can vary in size, shape, and functionality, and are equipped with control systems that allow them to navigate autonomously or be remotely operated. Ground robots often incorporate sensors, cameras, and other devices that enable them to interact with their environment, collect data, and perform specific tasks. Their design may include wheels, tracks, or legs, depending on the application for which they are intended. Ground robotics has significantly evolved, integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer vision, allowing them to adapt to different terrains and situations. These robots are fundamental in various industries, from space exploration to agriculture, and their development continues to expand as new applications are researched and their capabilities are improved.
**History:** The history of ground robots dates back to the 1950s when the first automated devices began to be developed. One significant milestone was the ‘Shakey’ robot, created in 1966 by the Stanford Research Institute, which was one of the first mobile robots capable of navigating in an unstructured environment. Over the decades, technology has advanced, and in the 1980s and 1990s, ground robots began to be used in industrial and military applications. In the 21st century, ground robotics has seen a surge in its use in space exploration, such as the ‘Spirit’ and ‘Opportunity’ rovers on Mars, as well as in commercial and research applications.
**Uses:** Ground robots have a wide range of applications. In industry, they are used for process automation, infrastructure inspection, and logistics. In the military, they are employed for explosive ordnance disposal and reconnaissance. In agriculture, they assist in planting, crop monitoring, and harvesting. They are also used in space exploration, where rovers conduct research on the surfaces of other planets. Additionally, in scientific research, they are used to collect data in hard-to-reach environments.
**Examples:** Examples of ground robots include NASA’s ‘Curiosity’ rover, which explores Mars, and pipeline inspection robots used in the oil and gas industry. Another example is the agricultural robot ‘Harvest CROO’, designed for strawberry harvesting, which uses computer vision to identify and pick ripe fruit. In the military realm, the ‘PackBot’ robot is used for reconnaissance and explosive ordnance disposal missions.
