Robot

A robot is a machine designed to perform tasks by following a program (pre-written computer instructions). Some operate autonomously, while others are controlled remotely by a person. The term is applied to various devices: industrial arms that weld or assemble car parts, domestic cleaning machines, and unmanned aircraft.

Most robots comprise three interconnected components: sensors that gather data from the environment, a computing unit that processes that data and makes decisions, and actuators such as motors that execute commands. The cycle of perception–decision–action is fundamental to robot operation.

Etymology and origins

The word 'robot' derives from Czech, its root connected to compulsory labor. It was popularized by a Czech play written in the early twentieth century, in which it referred to an artificial worker. It subsequently entered other languages, applied to machines controlled by programming.

Types

Industrial robots are the most numerous: they are fixed arms that weld, paint, or handle objects on production lines. There also exist mobile robots that move on wheels or legs, underwater robots that conduct marine surveys, aerial robots, and medical robots that assist surgeons in remotely controlling instruments.

Control and autonomy

Degrees of autonomy vary. Some are entirely operated by remote control (teleoperation). Others follow fixed programs that repeat the same movements. Still others use machine learning to adapt to changing conditions. However, the general task of operating in unpredictable environments remains a technical challenge.

Social impact

The use of robots affects the structure of work: repetitive and hazardous tasks are automated, while demand for skilled technicians and engineers grows. There is ongoing debate about liability when a robot causes harm, and about safety regulations for workers operating alongside robots.