Robots

A robot is a machine capable of carrying out a sequence of actions automatically, often programmable to perform various tasks. Most robots combine a physical body with actuators, sensors, and a control system that processes information and directs motion and behavior.

The term robot came into popular use after Karel Čapek's 1920 play R.U.R., from robota meaning forced labor. Early industrial robots appeared in the 1960s, such as Unimate, and robotics has since expanded across manufacturing, healthcare, service industries, and consumer devices as computing and sensing technologies advanced.

Robots take many forms. Industrial robots are designed for automation tasks such as welding and painting, typically fixed in place with end-effectors. Service robots operate among people, including household assistants and eldercare bots. Medical robots assist surgery or rehabilitation. Autonomous systems, including self-driving vehicles and drones, navigate environments with varying degrees of independence.

Safety and ethics are central concerns. International standards, such as ISO 10218 for industrial robots and ISO/TS 15066 for collaborative robots, address risk reduction. Debates focus on job displacement, accountability for autonomous actions, privacy, and ensuring reliable, transparent systems with appropriate human oversight.

Looking ahead, advances in perception, manipulation, energy efficiency, and AI are likely to expand robot roles in industry and daily life. Developments include human–robot collaboration, swarm robotics, and service models like robot-as-a-service, accompanied by governance frameworks to address safety, ethics, and social impact.