Origins of "robot" and "robotics"

The word "robot" conjures up a variety of images,

from R2D2 and C3PO of Star Wars fame; to human-
like machines that exist to serve their creators
(perhaps in the form of the cooking and cleaning Rosie
in the popular cartoon series the
Jetsons); to the Rover Sojourner, which explored the
Martian landscape as part of the Mars Pathfinder
mission. Some people may alternatively perceive robots
as dangerous technological ventures that will someday
lead to the demise of the human race, either by
outsmarting or outmuscling us and taking over the world, or by turning us
into completely technology-dependent beings who passively sit by and
program robots to do all of our work. In fact, the first use of the word
"robot" occurred in a play about mechanical men that are built to work on
factory assembly lines and that rebel against their human masters. These
machines in R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots), written by Czech playwright
Karl Capek in 1921, got their name from the Czech word for slave.
The word "robotics" was also coined by a writer. Russian-born American
science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov first used the word in 1942 in his short
story "Runabout." Asimov had a much brighter and more optimistic opinion of
the robot's role in human society than did Capek. He generally characterized
the robots in his short stories as helpful servants of man and viewed robots as
"a better, cleaner race." Asimov also proposed three "Laws of Robotics" that
his robots, as well as sci-fi robotic characters of many other stories, followed:

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

Law Two
A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except
where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
 Law Three
A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection
does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Definitions of "robot"
So what exactly is a robot? This actually turns out to be a rather
difficult question. Several definitions exist, including the following:

"A reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts,

tools, or specialized devices through various programmed motions for the
performance of a variety of task."

Robot Institute of America, 1979

"An automatic device that performs functions normally ascribed to humans or a

machine in the form of a human."

Webster's Dictionary

"a reprogrammable manipulator device"

British Department of Industry

"Robotics is that field concerned with the intelligent connection of perception to

action."

Mike Brady

Early Conceptions of Robots

One of the first instances of a mechanical device built to regularly carry
out a particular physical task occurred around 3000 B.C.: Egyptian water
clocks used human figurines to strike the hour bells. In 400 B.C., Archytus of
Taremtum, inventor of the pulley and the screw, also invented a wooden
pigeon that could fly. Hydraulically-operated statues that could speak,
gesture, and prophecy were commonly constructed in Hellenic Egypt during
the second century B.C.
In the first century A.D., Petronius Arbiter made a doll that could move
like a human being. Giovanni Torriani created a wooden robot that could
fetch the Emperor's daily bread from the store in 1557. Robotic inventions
reached a relative peak (before the 20th century) in the 1700s; countless
ingenius, yet impractical, automata (i.e. robots) were created during this time
period. The 19th century was also filled with new robotic creations, such as a
talking doll by Edison and a steam-powered robot by Canadians. Although
these inventions throughout history may have planted the first seeds of
inspiration for the modern robot, the scientific progress made in the 20th
century in the field of robotics surpass previous advancements a
thousandfold.

The first modern robots

The earliest robots as we know them were created in the early 1950s by
George C. Devol, an inventor from Louisville, Kentucky. He invented and
patented a reprogrammable manipulator called "Unimate," from "Universal
Automation." For the next decade, he attempted to sell his product in the
industry, but did not succeed. In the late 1960s, businessman/engineer
Joseph Engleberger acquired Devol's robot patent and was able to modify it
into an industrial robot and form a company called Unimation to produce and
market the robots. For his efforts and successes, Engleberger is known in the
industry as "the Father of Robotics."
Academia also made much progress in the creation new robots. In 1958
at the Stanford Research Institute, Charles Rosen led a research team in
developing a robot called "Shakey." Shakey was far more advanced than the
original Unimate, which was designed for specialized, industrial applications.
Shakey could wheel around the room, observe the scene with his television
"eyes," move across unfamiliar surroundings, and to a certain degree,
respond to his environment. He was given his name because of his wobbly
and clattering movements.
The history of robots combines the best of science fiction and real-life
technology. From Isaac Asimov to modern industrial robots, keep reading to
explore the fascinating history of robotics.

W hen many Americans think of the word “robot,” years of science

fiction portrayals and action movies immediately come to mind. And while
science fiction often misses the mark, the history of robots actually owes quite
a debt to science fiction masters like Isaac Asimov.

However, to truly understand the history and evolution of robotics, we have to

define the term. That’s surprisingly difficult to do. For our purposes, we’re
going to define a robot as a machine that’s capable of carrying out routine or
complex actions that are programmed by engineers. Today, robots can be
used for surgery, massage therapy, space exploration, manufacturing, and
code analysis, but the earliest robots were far more primitive — they were
tools that could tell time or automatons that could perform for entertainment.

Broadly defined, humans have been developing robotics and automata for
hundreds of years. With this in mind, let’s get into the curious history of robots
and how far we’ve come in the branch of robotics engineering.
Invent like an egyptian: Early robotics
The Egyptian water clock is one of the very first cases of “robotics” in human
history. The oldest example of the water clock, found in the tomb of
Amenhotep I, dates as far back as 1500 BCE.

An outflow water clock was marked along the inner container with
measurement lines. The container was filled with water, which would drip over
time. To tell the time, the owner would simply check the water measurement.
Imagine only having to fill your watch with water when the battery died.

However, what truly made this invention remarkable wasn’t the use of water to
tell time. Rather, it was that the force of the water in the clock would bang
gongs or strike bells on the hour with human figurines.

Greece began using water clocks by 325 BCE. And, just 25 years later, the
second known advancement in robotics was invented by Greek
mathematician Archytas. Archytas designed and built what’s now called The
Pigeon, a mechanical bird that could be propelled into the air by using steam.
Leonardo Da Vinci was another remarkable mind in the engineering field. In
1495, Da Vinci designed and built what’s now called the Robot Knight.
According to Mark Elling Rosheim’s Leonardo’s Lost Robots, the robot could
sit, stand, and move its arms using pulleys and cables.

Ducks and Trumpets: The evolution of

automation
In the western world, we only truly began to see the evolution of modern
automation in the 17th century. Jacques de Vaucanson, a French inventor,
developed three automata. The first automaton was capable of playing up to
12 songs on a flute. We can only thank De Vaucanson that it wasn’t a
recorder.

The second automaton could play a tambourine, drum, and flute. And the
third, and most renowned, was a duck.

The duck was capable of flapping its wings, moving, quacking, and even
“eating.” The real-life movements and sounds could be compared to today’s
baby doll. However, the first modern automaton would be invented in 1810 by
Friedrich Kauffman of Germany. This robot was designed to look like a
soldier. By using automatic bellows, the soldier would blow a trumpet.

Developments in mechanical programming

The development of mechanical programming was advanced by Ada
Lovelace. Ada Byron, the Countess of Lovelace, was an English
mathematician known for writing the first algorithm for the Analytical Engine.

The Analytical Engine was a general-purpose computer proposed by

Lovelace’s husband Charles Babbage, another mathematician. It was
Lovelace who was able to recognize the machine’s applications and explain
the machine’s function to the British establishment between 1842 and 1843.

Lovelace died at the age of 36 and Babbage was never able to complete the
Analytical Engine. However, the engine served as the precursor for today’s
digital computer.

Further advancements: Started from 1800

and now we’re here

In 1898, famed inventor Nikola Tesla constructed a wireless torpedo that

could be controlled with a remote. It was a process he called “tele-
automation,” and the robotic torpedo was demonstrated at Madison Square
Garden.

However, the term “robot” wasn’t used until 1921 when Karel Capek, a Czech
writer, coined the word to describe automata in fiction. The complementary
term “robotics” would later be made famous by writer Isaac Asimov in 1942.
After the World Wars, Isaac Asimov’s robots didn’t just capture the popular
imagination of Post-War America; they kickstarted a new era in robotics
history.

As soon as 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, or

ENIAC, was officially constructed. The ENIAC was one of the first electronic
general-purpose computers and was programmed by Betty Jennings, Frances
Spence, Marlyn Wescoff, Kay McNulty, Betty Snyder, Ruth Lichterman, and
various others. Notably, Adele Goldstine authored the ENIAC’s program
manual.
Then in 1950, Ida Rhodes co-designed the C-10 programming language for
UNIVAC I. UNIVAC I was the computer system that would later be used to
determine the U.S. census. Also in 1950, George Devol would
invent Unimate, the first industrial robot. Unimate could transport die castings
and weld them into automobiles. Similar to modern automation in
manufacturing and other industrial fields, these industrial robots would be
programmed for a specific function as a means of replacing unskilled labor.
Unimate was one of the most important milestones in the history of robots.
The 1960s and 1970s were the decades of arm-like automatons. Shakey
(1966), the Stanford Arm (1969), and the Silver Arm (1974) gave rise to
Puma350 (1985) and CyberKnife (1992), which both served as innovative
robotic technology in the medical field.

In fact, these arm-like automatons resemble much of modern robotics. One

such robot, developed by Albert Zhang, is the Expert Manipulative Massage
Automation or Emma. A product of AiTreat, a Singaporean startup, Emma is a
one-armed robot engineered to provide massage therapy to human patients.

Modern robotics in everyday life

The automated side of robotics is well-known by many Americans even if they

haven’t been given a name. How often have you noticed automated machines
during the three hours you’ve been sucked into watching How It’s Made?

These automated machines replace repetitive manual labor to give humans

the ability to learn new skills in the same field. For instance, in the shipping
industry, it takes 15 seconds for the average employee to assemble a
complete box (including bubble wrap, tape, and barcode) for shipping.

To assemble a box in that time requires familiarity, technique, and speed. Yet
such a job doesn’t pay a high salary.

Robotics that replace manual labor such as box assembly create higher-level
job openings in the industry. These positions require greater skill and pay
higher wages.

Further advancements in technologies since the 2000s have led to more

advanced automation and artificial intelligence. Automated machines are
programmed to perform one action over and over and are used today in
manufacturing, maritime exploration, space exploration, military, and
commercialized agriculture.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is programmed to assess an environment and take

action to succeed at a programmed goal. Recent advancements in this field
have led to software capable of preventing identity theft, producing relevant
search queries for search engines, and cracking ciphers for the FBI. As we
look to the future history of robotics, AI will likely play a major role.

Video-on-demand websites such as Netflix and Hulu already use predictive

analytics to recommend genres and shows to viewers. Algorithms that cluster
recommendations based on show similarities improve customer satisfaction.

Businesses are also prone to use sentiment analysis software to get an in-
depth look into public opinions on products and services. This helps
businesses market better to consumers. It also keeps them in the know
regarding negative feedback so they can respond swiftly to minimize damage.
The future of robotics: Where do we go
from here?

The future of robotics is difficult to gauge because of the rate of innovation.

However, it’s predicted that robots will most likely play a greater role in the
home and in the business world.

Products such as Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple’s Siri have grown
in popularity in recent years. Smart Homes have also been gaining
traction because of their convenience and ability to save on utility bills,
increase comfort, and improve security.

Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have also been developing greater

technologies for the business world. For instance, users of Microsoft Office
365 can now receive and make business calls within Microsoft Teams without
using another app. What’s more, language recognition has seen new
innovation with Google’s Pixel Buds, which translate up to 40 languages in
real time.
Automated robots are also expected to become more commonplace outside
of manufacturing and shipping industries. Up to 35% organizations in health,
logistics, and utilities are expected to begin exploring the use of automated
robots as soon as 2019.

Innovations in technologies such as self-driven cars may be less likely to take

as big a stake in the future. Car accidents involving self-driven vehicles show
the coexistence between impulsive human drivers and careful self-driving cars
may be difficult.

Space exploration is another field where robotics are expected to improve

human advancement. Since the Soviet Union’s Mars 2 became Earth’s first
interplanetary robot when it landed on Mars in 1971, engineers have been
developing newer and greater technologies.

For instance, one of NASA’s newest developments, the ISS Robotic External
Ammonia Leak Locator, detects ammonia leaks on space stations. By using a
robot to detect leaks and to repair them in the future, the risk for NASA’s crew
members is reduced.

That being said, the innovations of new technology will continue to rapidly
develop, but not necessarily in the way science fiction predicts. Rather,
breakthroughs in automation and programming will continue to improve what
humans have been seeking to advance for years: communication, education,
and life itself.
Presentation on theme: "Robotics Overview History Current
Applications Future Social Implications Further Readings."—
Presentation transcript:
1 Robotics Overview History Current Applications Future Social Implications Further Readings

2 Menial Labor Robot, which is derived from a Czech word meaning "menial labor," got its modern
meaning from a 1920 play, R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots), by Czech playwright Karel Capek
(1890-1938). R.U.R.
3 The Meaning of Robots - What Defines a Machine as a Robot? "A dictionary defines 'robot' as a
mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human, and is capable of performing a variety of
often- complex human tasks on command, or by being programmed in advance. But engineering
professor Ken Goldberg of the University of California at Berkeley has a more exact definition. 'It
responds to its environment and it can manipulate its environment. It can do things,' he says, in
reference to modern dishwashers that can sense how dirty the dishes are and change its own
settings accordingly." According to the Robot Institute of America (1979) a robot is: "A
reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized
devices through various programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks". According
to Webster a robot is: "An automatic device that performs functions normally ascribed to humans or
a machine in the form of a human." Joseph Engelberger, a pioneer in industrial robotics, once
remarked "I can't define a robot, but I know one when I see one."

4 What It Takes to Make a Robot full size

5 History With Pictures Business Week The BBC

6 Applications: The UNECE report predicts that the biggest growth over the next three years will be
in domestic robots Examples: Roomba, Electrolux’s talking washing machine, Robomower, Ralph:
The Home Assistant, cyeRoombaElectrolux’s talking washing machineRobomowerRalph: The Home
Assistantcye Robots are creeping into mainstream society and could become a multibillion-dollar
market in a few years.

7 Manufacturing Manufacturing: Industrial robots go back over 40 years, when they first began to be
used by carmakers. Unimate, the first industrial robot, went to work for General Motors in 1961....
Industrial robotics is a $5.6 billion industry, growing by around 7% a year.Unimate Examples:
industriesindustries

8 Service Robots Robots serving humans Robots serving humans : Hazardous Tasks: HazBot,
Houdini, PioneerHazBotHoudiniPioneer Space Exploration: NASA, ERANASAERA Military: R-Gator,
PackBot, SUGV, DARPA Grand Challenge, TalonR-GatorPackBotSUGVDARPA Grand
ChallengeTalon Entertainment: Japanese humanoid robots, Robosapien, Aibo dog, a few
othersJapanese humanoid robots, RobosapienAibo doga few others Health Care: da Vinci Surgical
System, care for the elderly such as carebot, cyborgsda Vinci Surgical Systemcarebot Agricultural
Robots Research

9 Benefits of Robotics Robots offer specific benefits to workers, industries and countries. Industrial
robots can improve the quality of life by freeing workers from dirty, boring, dangerous and heavy
labor. Robots can cause unemployment by replacing human workers but robots also create jobs:
robot technicians, salesmen, engineers, programmers and supervisors. The benefits of robots to
industry include improved management control and productivity and consistently high quality
products. Industrial robots can work tirelessly night and day on an assembly line without an loss in
performance. They can greatly reduce the costs of manufactured goods. As a result, countries that
effectively use robots in their industries will have an economic advantage on world market.

10 The Future William "Red" Whittaker from CMU believes that the economics of the robot market
could function a lot like those of the PC industry in 20 or so years. Jonathan Fowler: By the end of
the decade, the study said, “robots will not only clean our floors, mow our lawns and guard our
homes but also assist old and handicapped people with sophisticated interactive equipment, carry
out surgery, inspect pipes and sites that are hazardous to people, fight fire and bombs.'" Humaniod
pieces The most important piece

11 Ethics and Robotics in the 21st Century Four Questions More Questions Will Spiritual Robots
Replace Humanity By 2100? Will Robots Inherit the Earth?

12 Want More Info A great cite by AAA