Description: Robotic devices are machines that can perform tasks automatically or with minimal human intervention. These devices are designed to mimic or replicate human or animal actions, using a combination of advanced hardware and software. Their ability to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously allows them to carry out repetitive, dangerous, or complex tasks with high precision and efficiency. Robotic devices can range from robotic arms in manufacturing to drones conducting aerial inspections. Robotics combines various disciplines, such as mechanical engineering, electronics, and artificial intelligence, enabling them to adapt to different environments and situations. The relevance of these devices lies in their potential to improve productivity, reduce costs, and minimize risks across various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. As technology advances, robotic devices continue to evolve, integrating capabilities such as machine learning and computer vision, allowing them to interact more effectively with their environment and perform increasingly complex tasks.
History: The history of robotic devices dates back to antiquity, with myths and legends about automatons. However, the term ‘robot’ was coined by Czech playwright Karel Čapek in his play ‘R.U.R.’ (Rossum’s Universal Robots) in 1920. In the 1950s, George Devol and Joseph Engelberger developed the first industrial robot, Unimate, which was used on a General Motors assembly line in 1961. Since then, robotics has rapidly evolved, driven by advances in electronics, computing, and control algorithms.
Uses: Robotic devices are used in a wide variety of applications, including manufacturing, healthcare, space exploration, agriculture, and logistics. In manufacturing, robots perform assembly, welding, and painting tasks. In healthcare, they are used in assisted surgery and patient rehabilitation. In space exploration, robotic rovers and probes conduct research on planets and asteroids. In agriculture, drones and agricultural robots assist in planting and harvesting. In logistics, robots automate the storage and delivery of products.
Examples: Examples of robotic devices include the KUKA robotic arm, used in factories for assembling cars; the Da Vinci robot, which assists in minimally invasive surgeries; and NASA’s Curiosity rover, which explores the surface of Mars. In agriculture, DJI drones are used to monitor crops and optimize resource use.
