Description: Mobile robots are automated devices that have the ability to move through their environment, often equipped with a variety of sensors that allow them to interact effectively with their surroundings. These robots can be remotely controlled or can operate autonomously, using navigation algorithms and data processing to make real-time decisions. Their design can vary from simple structures to complex ones, with features that include wheels, legs, or even aerial propulsion systems. Mobility is one of their most prominent characteristics, as it allows them to perform tasks in environments that would be difficult or dangerous for humans. Additionally, mobile robots can be programmed to perform a wide range of functions, from exploration and data collection to object delivery and assistance in various tasks. Their relevance today is due to their ability to improve efficiency and safety in various applications, making them valuable tools in fields such as logistics, medicine, and space exploration.
History: Mobile robots have their roots in robotics from the 1950s, when the first automated systems 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 robots to combine mobility with decision-making capabilities. Over the decades, technology has advanced significantly, with the introduction of more sophisticated sensors and navigation algorithms that have allowed mobile robots to operate in more complex environments. In the 1990s, mobile robotics began to gain popularity in industrial and research applications, and in the 21st century, their use has expanded to areas such as logistics, healthcare, and space exploration.
Uses: Mobile robots are used in a variety of applications, including logistics, where they are employed for transporting goods in warehouses and factories. In the healthcare sector, they are used for delivering medications and supplies within hospitals. They are also common in exploring hazardous environments, such as in search and rescue missions or space exploration. Additionally, they are used in agriculture for crop harvesting and in scientific research for data collection in challenging terrains.
Examples: A notable example of a mobile robot is the ‘Roomba’, a robotic vacuum cleaner that autonomously navigates homes to clean floors. Another example is ‘Curiosity’, a NASA rover that explores the surface of Mars, collecting data and conducting scientific experiments. In the industrial sector, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are used in factories for transporting materials and products between different workstations.
