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Page 17 - Toucpad robotics C11
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    Brief History and Evolution of Robotics
                                     First AMR
                               Autonomous Mobile Robot: can
                                 imagine with fixed paths
                                                         First Commercial                              Amazon's first
                                                     Computer-Controlled Robot                           fully AMR
                                                                               Roomba's first AMR

                                     Shaley Stanford     Cincinnati Milacron T3
                          First AGV                                    First Cobot
                     Automated Guided Vehicle:    First           (collaborative robot) able to
                        follows a fixed path  Humanoid Robot       operate safely near people
                                                                                           DJI's first drone
                                                                                              Phantom 1

                        Barrett Electronics      WABOT-1              Northwestern                                 Tesla's first
                                                                                                                   humanoid
                                                                                                                    Optimus
                            1950       1960       1970        1980       1990       2000       2010        2020
                     The concept of automated machines has fascinated humans for centuries. Ancient civilisations had basic automatons
                     driven by water or clockwork. However, the term “robot” itself was coined much later by Czech playwright Karel Čapek
                     in his 1920 play “R.U.R.” (Rossum’s Universal Robots), where he imagined artificial workers.
                     The true birth of modern robotics began in the mid-20th century with significant milestones:
                        Early Industrial Robots (1960s): The first industrial robot, called “Unimate,” was introduced in 1961 by George Devol
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                        and Joseph Engelberger. It was used in General Motors factories for tasks like handling hot die castings, which were
                        dangerous for humans. These early robots were primarily pre-programmed manipulators.
                        Advancements in Computing (1970s-1980s): The rapid development of microprocessors and computer technology
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                        allowed robots to become more sophisticated. They could perform more complex calculations, store more data, and
                        become more versatile.
                        Rise of Artificial Intelligence (1990s-Present): The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer.
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                        AI has given robots the ability to learn, adapt, make decisions in uncertain environments, and interact more naturally
                        with humans. This is where the concepts of autonomous and semi-autonomous operation truly come into play.
                     The evolution of robotics showcases a journey from simple, pre-programmed machines to highly intelligent, adaptable
                     systems that are transforming industries, healthcare, exploration, and even our daily lives.

                                                                Robots Are Learning Human Emotions

                                               Humanoid robots like Sophia and Pepper are designed to read human emotions
                                             through facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. They can respond with
                              BRAINY          smiles, nods, or empathetic phrases. While they don’t actually feel emotions, this
                               FACT         “emotional intelligence” makes them more natural in customer service, education, or
                                             therapy. For example, a robot therapist can help reduce loneliness in elderly people.
                                                   It raises the question: if a robot acts empathetic, does it matter that it
                                                                         isn’t truly “feeling”?

                                          The Festival Fiasco
                                          At a festival in China, a dancing robot behind a safety barrier suddenly lurched at the crowd,
                                          startling  everyone.  Security  guards  rushed  in and  pulled  it  back,  while onlookers  snapped
                                          photos. Engineers said later it was a “program setting error”—and set new rules for robot
                                          public performances.
                      actual funny
                        incidents         Learning: Always test robots thoroughly before letting them meet a crowd.

                                                                                                                           15
                                                                                        Introduction to Robots: What Exactly are They?

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