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The branch of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science that deals
with the design, construction, operation and application of robots as well as computer systems
for their control, sensory feedback and information processing is called Robotics. In other words,
robotics is the engineering science and technology of robots, their designing, manufacturing
and application.
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The word robot comes from the Slavic word robota, which means forced labour. The term
robotics was first used in print by Issac Asimov, in his science fiction short story ‘Liar’
published in May 1941.
USES OF ROBOTICS
Robots are used in various sectors, but they can be broadly classified into two types—industrial
robots and service robots.
Industrial robots are mainly used in manufacturing industries such as automotives industries.
These robots are programmed using computers.
Service robots include domestic robots that clean the carpet or cut grass in the garden and
move on their own. They are fully or semi-autonomous robots and controlled by electronic
circuits. Some of the service robots are simple versions with very few IC (Integrated Circuit) chips
while others have more than hundred ICs.
The integration of computer programming into the field of robotics has resulted in amazing
technological advancements. Programmed robots can now track cyclones and weather conditions.
With the help of computers it is possible to view images from satellites.
Robotics has also helped in the development of space probes that collect information about
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the solar system as well as the
sun. Scientists are working on a
A robot Dante II monitored the volcanic
robot that is capable of digging
activity of Alaska’s Mount Spurr in the
the dirt from moon and collecting
year 1994. The robot descended into
it in a container! More and more
the crater and used video cameras to
research projects aim at predicting
transmit images to satellites.
the natural disasters in advance to
avoid serious damage and protect the inhabitants of that area.
Robotics has paved way for computers associating closely with human brains. Emotion sensors
have been developed that can now recognise the feelings of people with their facial expressions.
These are robots with artificial intelligence and programmed using super computers.
Robotics gained a vital place in the environmental sector. A robot developed in England can
attack insects like some omnivorous plants. Also a London aquarium exhibits a robot that
has been inspired by a fish. Video games have made the virtual world a reality. Now with the
commendable advancement in technology, people sail in a virtual world and interact with each
other. In fact, you can now play games on multiple mobiles at the same time.
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