A robot is a programmable machine designed to carry out a series of actions or tasks automatically, often with a degree of autonomy. Robots can be physical entities, such as mechanical arms, drones, and humanoids, or virtual, like AI-powered software programs.
Full Form of “Robot”
The word “robot” doesn’t stand for anything; it comes from the Czech word “robota,” which means “forced labor” or “hard work.” The term became widely known, thanks to Czech writer Karel Capek. who introduced it in his 1920 play, “R.U.R.” (Rossum’s Universal Robots). In this play, robots were created as workers for humans, which helped shape our modern ideas about machines designed to assist people.
Types of Robots – First robots in Different sectors
1. Industrial Robots: Used for automation in manufacturing, including robotic arms for tasks like welding, assembling, and painting.
Image Credits: thehenryford.org
🔸Manufacturing: The first industrial robot, Unimate, was introduced in 1961 at a General Motors plant. It was designed to automate tasks like welding and transporting heavy items, revolutionizing assembly lines.
2. Medical Robots: Assist in surgeries, rehabilitation, and healthcare logistics, like the da Vinci Surgical System.
🔸Healthcare: In 1985, the PUMA 560 robotic arm was used for the first time in surgery, assisting with neurosurgical procedures. This marked the start of robotic assistance in healthcare.
3. Service Robots: Designed for customer service, housekeeping, and personal assistance, such as Pepper or Roomba.
🔸Service/Household: In 2002, Roomba, the first widely adopted household cleaning robot, was launched by iRobot, transforming home automation.
4. Military/Defense Robots: Robots like drones and autonomous land vehicles for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat.
(image Credit: wikipedia.org)
🔸Defense/Military:military robots date back to World War 2 and the Cold war in the form of the Soviet tele tanks,the German Goliath Tracked mines.
5. Agricultural Robots: Used for farming tasks like planting, watering, and harvesting. Examples include drones and robotic tractors.
Agriculture:The idea of a driverless tractor has been around since as early as 1940, when Frank W. Andrew invented his own. To guide his driverless tractor, a barrel or fixed wheel would be put in the center of the field and around it would wind a cable attached to a steering arm on the front of the tractor.
6. Space Robots: Rovers and robotic arms used in space exploration, like NASA’s Curiosity on Mars.
🔸Space Exploration: Lunokhod 1 was the first robotic rover, launched in 1970 by the Soviet Union to explore the Moon.
7. Humanoid Robots: Designed to mimic human appearance and actions, such as ASIMO by Honda and Atlas by Boston Dynamics.
8. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Equipped with sensors to navigate environments autonomously, used in warehouses and delivery.
AMRS : The first Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is often credited to Stanford Research Institute (SRI), which developed the robot Shakey in the late 1960s. Shakey was one of the first robots capable of navigating its environment autonomously, using sensors and algorithms to make decisions based on its surroundings.
Shakey’s development laid the foundation for modern AMRs, which are now produced by companies like Amazon Robotics, Fetch Robotics, and Boston Dynamics, and used in warehouses, logistics, and various industries.
Top Countries with Robot Armies (Current and Upcoming)
UNITED STATES:
The U.S. leads in military robotics, deploying drones, autonomous ground vehicles, and AI-powered systems like Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS). The Department of Defense has heavily invested in robotic development, and programs like the MQ-9 Reaper drone play a significant role in defense operations.
CHINA:
China is advancing in robotics for military purposes, particularly autonomous drones and robotic vehicles. The Chinese military is expected to expand its robot forces significantly in the coming years as part of the “Made in China 2025” initiative.
RUSSIA:
Russia has developed advanced military robots, including the Uran-9 combat robot and autonomous underwater drones. Russia’s defense ministry is investing in further robotic enhancements for military applications.
ISRAEL:
Known for its advanced military technology, Israel has deployed AI-powered drones, automated border patrol units, and robotic surveillance. Israel’s defense industry continues to innovate in robotics, particularly in autonomous weaponry and surveillance.
SOUTH KOREA:
South Korea has invested in military robots for surveillance and border control, especially for its border with North Korea. Robotic forces are a growing part of its defense strategy, supported by tech giants like Samsung.
UNITED KINGDOM:
The UK has invested in robotics for military applications, including autonomous vehicles and drones. The British Army’s “Army 2020” strategy includes robotic and autonomous system integration.
INDIA:
India is ramping up investments in military robotics, with projects focusing on drones, autonomous ground vehicles, and border surveillance robots.
JAPAN:
Though Japan traditionally avoids military expansion, the country is investing in robotics for self-defense, particularly surveillance and reconnaissance robots.
These countries are leading the development and deployment of robot armies, focusing on advanced automation, AI, and autonomous capabilities. As technology evolves, more nations may follow suit, creating a future where robotic armies play a significant role in global security.