Research

1932
  The first true robot toy was produced in Japan. The ‘Lilliput’ was a wind-up toy which walked. It was made from tinplate and stood just 15 cm tall.

 Figure3: first true robot

1941
A science fiction writer Isaac Asimov writes the story ‘Liar!’ in which he describes the Three Laws of Robotics:

1.      A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2.      A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3.      A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. " [3]

    Figure4: Isaac Asimov 

 How Do Robots Work?

 

" Robot must include three key aspects in some form or another.
1. Sensing: using the sensors
2. Planning: to use sensors for a particular purpose.
3. Interaction: using existing sensors for a specific reaction. " [1]

" Most robots are designed to take information from the environment and perform a task based on that information. A sensor can tell the robot that an obstacle is there. The brain gets input from sensors. Programming tells a robot how to interpret data that it receives from the sensors and what to do about it. " [4]

 Advantages

 

•  They are more accurate than humans.

•  Lift heavy equipments.

•  Keep doing the same task 24/7.

•  They are peaceful unless they are programmed to harm.

 Disadvantages

•  Only can be fixed by trained people.

•   Perform humans' jobs, which might ruin people’s lives.

•  Hard to program and high cost to produce them.

•  They cannot recharge themselves.

 

Robotics Applications

" Robotics is a multidisciplinary field of technology that recently receives extensive attention from robotics community.

Robots in Industry:
Modern industrial robots can do that 24 hours a day for years on end with no failures. They are programmed once and then repeat that exact same task for years. Robots cut and shape fabricated parts, assemble machinery and inspect manufactured parts.

Intelligent Systems:
is depends mainly on making the machine capable of dealing with the surrounding elements. The applications make a new robotic generation that is capable based on certain instructions and out side effects to take the decision of moving or doing actions.

Robots in Medicine:
robots are able to perform major operations while only making small incisions, patients receive many benefits. Robots are used to perform heart surgery without opening patient’s chests. They can also monitor the condition of patients.

Robots in Recreations and Sports:

Making a robot that has a similar overall appearance with humans called humanoid robot, based on human body, allowing interaction with made-for-human tools or environments.

Robots in Space:
Applications outside the Earth's atmosphere are clearly a good fit for robots. It is dangerous for humans to get to space. Keeping robots operating reliably in space presents some unique challenges for engineers. Robots in space can do all the work that humans can’t do there. " [5]

 World Famous Robots:

"  1.Asimo:

A humanoid robot created by Honda .the robots resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack and can walk on two feet . The name is an acronym for “Advanced Step in Innovation Mobility”.

2. Kismet:

Kismet is a robot which was made in 1990s .The name comes from meaning “fate” or “luck" . Kismet contains input devices. Kismet simulates emotions through various facial expressions, vocalization, and movements. Facial expressions are created through movements of the ears, eyebrows, eyelids, and head. The cost is US$25,000.

3. iCub:

A small-size humanoid robot. Designed by the Robot Cup Consortium. The main goal is to study cognition through the implementation of biological motivated algorithms.

4.  Actroid:

 A humanoid robot developed by Osaka University.It was first unveiled at the 2003 International Robot Exposition. Different versions have been produced since then. The robot’s appearance is like a woman. It mimics lifelike functions. " [6]

 

Conclusion

 Robots are useful in many ways. They encourage economy because businesses need to be efficient to keep up with the industry competition. Therefore, having robots helps businesspeople to be competitive. In the future, there will be new ways to use robots which will bring new hopes and potentials.

 References

   

·         [1] Seraj. (2010, Des 27), “What do you know about robots”, Roblogia.[online].

         Available: http://www.robologia.com/2010/about-robot/

·         [2] Wikipedia. (2011, May 5) “Robotics”, (Wikipedia). [online].

       Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotics

·         [3] sciencekids. (2012)," The History of Robotics ".sciencekids. [Online]

        Available: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/technology/historyofrobotics.html

·         [4] Carey, D. (2009, June 9), “How do Robots work”, Life123.[online].

        Available:  http://www.life123.com/technology/computer-hardware/robots/how-do-robots-work.shtml

·         [5] KACST (2012), “Robots Applications”, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.[online]

        Available: http://www.kacst.edu.sa/en/depts/NCRIS/Pages/research.aspx

·         [6] Jitendra. (2012, April 21), “World Famous Robots“ ,Jitu Technology.[online]

        Available: http://www.jitutechnology.com/word-famous-robots/