Description: Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. These devices, which can be programmed to perform specific tasks, combine mechanics, electronics, and software to interact with their environment. Robotics encompasses a wide range of applications, from industrial robots that automate manufacturing processes to service robots that assist in everyday tasks. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in robotics has enabled the development of more autonomous and adaptive machines capable of learning and improving their performance through experience. Furthermore, robotics intersects with other emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and neuromorphic computing, expanding its potential and applications across various sectors. In the context of Industry 4.0, robotics plays a crucial role in the automation of smart factories, where robots collaborate with humans and other systems to optimize production and operational efficiency.
History: Robotics has its roots in antiquity, with myths and legends about automatons. However, the term ‘robot’ was coined by Czech writer 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 an assembly line in 1961. Since then, robotics has rapidly evolved, driven by advances in electronics, computing, and AI algorithms.
Uses: Robotics is used in various fields, including manufacturing, medicine, space exploration, agriculture, and entertainment. In industry, robots perform repetitive and hazardous tasks, improving efficiency and safety. In medicine, surgical robots are used for precise operations. In space exploration, rovers enable research on other planets. In agriculture, drones and harvesting robots optimize crop production.
Examples: Examples of robotics include the KUKA robotic arm, which is used in factories to assemble cars, and the Da Vinci robot, which assists in complex surgeries. In the field of space exploration, various rovers are designed to search for signs of life on other planets. In the agricultural sector, the Harvest CROO robot is used to efficiently harvest strawberries.
