Roboti

Roboti is the Finnish term for robots, referring to machines designed to perform tasks with varying degrees of autonomy. In a broader sense, roboti describes automated systems that can operate in place of or with human workers. Modern robots typically integrate a physical structure (the frame), actuators that provide motion, sensors for perception, and a control system that processes information and makes decisions.

Robots can be categorized by form and function: industrial robots are fixed or mounted devices used in manufacturing to manipulate objects; service robots operate in homes, offices, or healthcare; mobile robots move through space, using wheels or legs; autonomous robots perform tasks without human control, while semi-autonomous systems rely on human input for some steps.

Key technologies include actuators (electric motors, hydraulics, pneumatics), perception sensors (cameras, LiDAR, tactile sensors), and control architectures (embedded controllers, PLCs, robot operating systems). Software advances in areas such as motion planning, computer vision, and machine learning have expanded capabilities, including collaborative robots or cobots designed to work safely alongside humans.

Historically, automated devices existed in ancient automata, but modern robotics emerged with industrial robots in the mid-20th century, beginning with Unimation’s Unimate in 1961. Since then, robotics has spread to manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, and exploration. International standards bodies have developed safety and interoperability guidelines, such as ISO 10218 for industrial robots and ISO/TS 15066 for collaborative robots.

Roboti raise social and economic questions, including workforce displacement, safety, privacy, and accountability. As technology advances, ethical design and robust safety mechanisms are emphasized in research and policy discussions.