Having grown up seeing robots in television shows and movies, we all know what a robot is. The term “robot” dates back over a century. It originated from the Czech term “robot,” which means “forced labor,” and was first used in 1920. However, what precisely is robotics?
What is meant by robotic?
The science of creating and constructing robots that can mimic human behavior and take the place of humans is known as robotics. Robotics are a part of daily life; while menial labor robots are frequently employed in various production processes, hazardous job robots are also widespread. Robots can survive in environments that people cannot, such as underwater, in space, and very hot or cold temperatures, in addition to being able to detect and defuse explosives. They can also deal with hazardous trash, dispose of it, and carry out a variety of other environmentally friendly tasks.
Essentially, robotics improves and eases human lives by doing jobs that people do not want to or cannot safely do.
Types of robotics
Robots come in a wide variety of forms and are employed in a wide range of contexts. However, they typically all possess the following qualities:
Mechanical Establishment
Every robot has a mechanical structure that is meant to support its intended usage. A robot that needs to travel from one location to another, for instance, may have wheels or tracks, whereas one that needs to interact with its surroundings might have arms. Similarly, a robot that lives in the ocean or extreme heat has to have an exterior that shields its electrical components from the elements. Generally, a robot adopts the shape that best suits the task at hand.
The mechanical structure of a robot is comparable to that of a human body.
Electrical Parts
Electrical components are found in every robot and are responsible for controlling and powering the gadget. The robot is powered by a battery, and this electricity regulates all of its internal functions as well as any sensing apparatus it may have and the several ways it may move. An actuator is the main electrical component of a robot. This is the process that transforms electrical energy into motion.
The electrical parts of a robot are similar to an individual’s organs.
Software for Computers
Every robot has some sort of software that controls its movements. This program controls the robots’ movements and behaviors. In certain instances, the software also regulates the responses that robots provide to events. The software of a robot is like that of a human brain. It is therefore arguably the most crucial component of a robot. No matter how well-built its electrical and mechanical components are, no robot can perform as intended if its software is poorly designed.
The following categories of computer software are available for robots:
Control via Remote
Robots that can be controlled remotely are equipped with software that activates when they receive a command from a human operator, often through a control device. Only a small, clearly defined set of commands, which may be modified as needed, can be executed by these devices.
Human-machine intelligence (AI)
AI-enabled robots are equipped with software that allows them to operate independently of human control. These robots use software that aims to imitate human behavior to react to items and different circumstances they come across.
Mixture
Combining the two different kinds of robotic computer software results in a hybrid robot. With the use of artificial intelligence (AI) software, it can react autonomously yet still be controlled by a person when needed. This offers a combination of control and flexibility to the owners of such robots.
