robotics

Robotics is an interdisciplinary domain that studies the design, construction, operation, and use of robots—autonomous or remotely operated machines that sense their environment, perform tasks, and adapt to new situations. It draws on mechanical engineering to build structure and motion, electrical engineering for power and control, computer science for programming, and cognitive science for planning and interaction. Core components include actuators, sensors, controllers, and end-effectors, along with energy sources and communication systems.

Historically, the concept of autonomous machines predates modern computers, but the term robotics was popularized mid-20th century. Isaac Asimov helped frame ethical and design discussions with his Three Laws of Robotics. The first industrial robot, Unimate, began operating at a General Motors plant in 1961, developed by George Devol and marketed by Joseph Engelberger, marking the start of automated manufacturing. Since then, robotics has expanded to service robots, mobile and autonomous systems, and specialized robots used in medicine, agriculture, and hazardous environments.

Subfields of robotics include industrial robotics, service and household robotics, medical robotics, autonomous and mobile robotics, perception (sensing and vision), motion planning and control, and human-robot interaction. Technologies include sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, and tactile devices; actuators like motors, hydraulics, and pneumatics; and AI-driven perception, planning, and learning. Middleware platforms like the Robot Operating System (ROS) enable modular development and integration. Safety, reliability, and standards govern deployment, with ISO standards addressing industrial and collaborative robots.

Robotics applications span manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, defense, exploration, and consumer electronics. Ongoing challenges include robust perception in unstructured environments, energy efficiency, system safety, ethical considerations, job displacement, and ensuring accountability for autonomous actions. The field continues to advance through advances in machine learning, simulation, material science, and human-robot collaboration, aiming to extend capabilities while reducing risk to people.