Introduction to Robots and Robotics Course
Introduction to Robots and Robotics Course
Welcome to this course on robotics! In this first topic, we will explore the basics of robots and robotics. We will answer some important questions to help you build a strong foundation.
What is a Robot?
The word robot comes from the Czech word robota, which means forced labor or slave — basically, a servant who performs tasks assigned by humans.
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Karel Čapek, a Czech playwright, introduced the word “robot” in 1921 in his drama R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots).
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Originally, people imagined robots as human-like beings, but today, most robots are machines designed for specific tasks and do not look like humans.
Definitions of Robot
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Oxford English Dictionary says:
A robot is a machine that can automatically perform a complex series of actions, especially if it is programmable by a computer. -
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) defines a robot as:
An automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator programmable in three or more axes. It can be fixed or mobile and mainly works in industrial automation. -
Robot Institute of America (RIA) defines a robot as:
A reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move materials, parts, tools, or devices through variable programmed motions to perform various tasks.
In robotics, a manipulator refers to a robot with a fixed base — a mechanical hand designed to mimic the human hand’s movements.
Difference Between Robot and CNC Machine
Both robots and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are programmable and can perform different tasks by changing their programs. However, robots offer higher flexibility and multifunctionality. Therefore, a CNC machine is not a robot.
What is Robotics?
Robotics is the science and technology focused on designing, developing, and applying robots. Isaac Asimov, a science fiction writer, coined the term robotics in 1942 in his story Runaround. At that time, robots existed only in imagination.
Robotics combines knowledge from many fields, such as:
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Physics
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Mathematics
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Mechanical Engineering
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Electrical and Electronics Engineering
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Computer Science
Because it covers so many subjects, becoming an expert in robotics requires learning many technical areas.
The Three Hs of Robotics
Robotics tries to copy three important human traits:
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Hand: The mechanical hand or manipulator that performs tasks.
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Head: Intelligence or control systems that allow robots to make decisions.
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Heart: Emotions or the ability to respond intelligently and empathetically — a future goal for robots.
Why Study Robotics? Motivation and Applications
Today’s market is highly competitive and fast-changing. To succeed, companies must:
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Produce high-quality products
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Reduce production costs
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Increase productivity
Achieving all three at once can be challenging because they often conflict. The solution is automation, and robotics is a leading example of flexible automation.
Also Read : Microsoft Launches Free Machine Learning Course For Beginners
Types of Production and Automation
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Piece production: Small quantities of many designs — usually manual, not automated.
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Batch production: Moderate quantities of a few designs — suitable for flexible automation like robots.
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Mass production: Large quantities of one design — often uses fixed or hard automation.
Robotics works especially well in batch production, where flexibility and reprogramming are necessary. Besides manufacturing, robots are used in:
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Space exploration
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Medicine
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Seabed mining
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Agriculture
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Firefighting
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Many other fields
Brief History of Robotics
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In 1954, George Devol patented the first robotic manipulator, earning the title “father of robotics.”
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In 1956, Joseph Engelberger founded Unimation, the first robotics company.
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In 1962, General Motors used the Unimate robot in die-casting.
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In the late 1960s and 70s, NASA, Stanford, and USSR developed important early robots for space and research.
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In 1978, the Puma robot was introduced and became widely used in industries.
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In the 1980s and 90s, robotic advancements included six-legged robots and Mars exploration rovers.
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In 2000, Honda developed ASIMO, a humanoid robot.
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In 2012, NASA’s Curiosity rover successfully landed on Mars.
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In 2015, Hanson Robotics created Sophia, a highly advanced humanoid robot with emotional intelligence.
India began studying robotics around the late 1970s and early 1980s, a bit later than other countries.
Components of a Typical Robotic System
A robot usually consists of:
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Manipulator: The mechanical arm or hand, made of links and joints.
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Drive units: Motors or actuators that move the links.
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Controller: The brain that controls the manipulator according to instructions.
Types of Robot Joints
Robot arms use joints to move. These joints fall into two main categories:
1. Linear Joints (move in a straight line)
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Prismatic Joint: Allows sliding along a straight path, like a block sliding in a guide.
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Sliding Joint: Similar to prismatic joints, enables linear sliding movement.
2. Rotary Joints (allow rotation)
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Revolute Joint: Rotates around an axis perpendicular to the link, like an elbow joint.
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Twisting Joint: Rotates around an axis aligned with the link, like twisting a screwdriver.
Introduction to Robots and Robotics Course summary as follows
Summary
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Robots are machines that can perform multiple tasks automatically and can be reprogrammed.
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Robotics is a field that blends many disciplines to design and use robots.
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Automation with robots helps companies produce better quality products faster and cheaper.
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Robotics has a rich history from early manipulators to modern space and humanoid robots.
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Understanding robot parts and joint types is key to learning robotics.
This course will build on these basics and take you deeper into robotics. Stay excited for the upcoming lessons!
