Description: A mobile robot is a type of robot that has the ability to move through its environment autonomously or semi-autonomously. These robots are equipped with various sensors, motors, and control systems that allow them to navigate and perform tasks in different environments, from indoors to outdoors. Mobility can be achieved through wheels, legs, tracks, or even using aerial mechanisms like drones. Mobile robots can interact with their environment, collect information, and execute specific tasks, making them versatile tools in multiple applications. Their design and functionality vary depending on the purpose for which they were created and may include features such as obstacle detection, route planning, and communication with other devices. The relevance of mobile robots lies in their ability to operate in situations where human intervention may be dangerous, difficult, or inefficient, making them essential in fields such as exploration, logistics, and home assistance.
History: The concept of mobile robots dates back to the 1950s when the first robots capable of autonomous movement were developed. One significant milestone was the ‘Shakey’ robot, created in 1966 by the Stanford Research Institute, which could navigate its environment using a vision system and movement planning. Over the decades, technology has advanced significantly, with the introduction of more sophisticated sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms that have improved mobile robots’ ability to interact with their environment.
Uses: Mobile robots have a wide range of applications across various fields. In industry, they are used for automating logistics processes, such as transporting materials in warehouses. In healthcare, they are employed to assist elderly or disabled individuals, facilitating tasks like delivering medications. They are also used in space exploration, where they can operate in hostile environments, such as the ‘Curiosity’ rover on Mars. Additionally, in the agriculture sector, they are used for harvesting and monitoring crops.
Examples: A notable example of a mobile robot is the ‘Roomba’, a robotic vacuum cleaner that autonomously navigates the home to clean floors. Another example is ‘Boston Dynamics Spot’, a quadrupedal robot that can move across challenging terrain and is used in various applications, from industrial inspection to research. In the field of space exploration, NASA’s ‘Perseverance’ rover is an example of a mobile robot designed to explore the surface of Mars and conduct scientific experiments.
