Robotics

ROBOTICS

The start of Robotics

A robot is machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. The growth of robots expanded immensely in the 20th century. In fact, the history of robots date back to greek times, when two texts were produced called the Pneumatica and Automata. In these texts included the ideas of many different "wonder machines" capable of automated movement. Many people trace robotics back to Ancient Greece and Rome. The simple machines were used as tools, toys, and were part of different religious ceremonies. The Arab polymath Al-Jazari(1136-1206) left texts describing and illustrating his various mechanical devices, including a large elephant clock that moved and sounded at the hour, a musical robot band and waitress automaton that served drinks.  

Examples of some robots from Greece and Rome:

Victorian Times

The Industrial Revolution and the increased focus on mathematics, engineering and science in England in the Victorian age added to the momentum towards actual robotics. Charles Babbage (1791-1871) worked to develop the foundations of computer science in the early-to-mid nineteenth century, his most successful projects being the difference engine and the analytical engine. Although never completed due to lack of funds, these two machines laid out the basics for mechanical calculations. Others such as Ada Lovelace recognized the future possibility of computers creating images or playing music. During this period was the development of steam-powered machines and engines that helped to make manufacturing much more efficient and quick. Factories began to employ machines to either increase work loads or precision in the production of many products.

Some Examples of Victorian Robotics

Boilerplate was unveiled in 1893 by Professor Archibald Campion. Built as a prototype soldier for use in resolving the conflicts of nations.

The Steam Man was created in 1868 by famed inventor John Brainerd.

Robotics from 20th century until today

In 1920, Karel Capek published his play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots), which introduced the word “robot.” It was taken from an old Slavic word that meant something akin to “monotonous or forced labor.” However, it was thirty years before the first industrial robot went to work. In the 1950s, George Devol designed the Unimate, a robotic arm device that transported die castings in a General Motors plant in New Jersey, which started work in 1961.Robotics became a burgeoning science and more money was invested. Robots spread to Japan, South Korea and many parts of Europe over the last half century, to the extent that projections for the 2011 population of industrial robots are around 1.2 million. Additionally, robots have found a place in other spheres, as toys and entertainment, military weapons, search and rescue assistants, and many other jobs. Essentially, as programming and technology improve, robots find their way into many jobs that in the past have been too dangerous, dull or impossible for humans to achieve. Indeed, robots are being launched into space to complete the next stages of extraterrestrial and extrasolar research

Military Robotics

The history of military robots can be traced back to the times of World War II. During the time of World War II and the Cold War, these robots were in the form of German Goliath tracked and Soviet teletanks. It is also believed that military robots history can be dated back to the 19th century, precisely in 1898. The history begins with the invention of radio controlled boat intended for military use by Nicola Tesla. He offered his invention to US navy in order to produce radio controlled torpedoes but the navy refused his offer. Later, he offered his invention to the United Kingdom.

Soviet Teletank

At present the most commonly used military robot is the unmanned aerial vehicle IAI Pioneer and RQ-1 Predator. These robots can be armed with Air-to-ground missiles. We have also seen some propitious research in the field of artillery with an experimental weapons system named ‘Dragon Fire II’. This weapon automates the loading and ballistics calculations required for accurate predicted fire, providing a 12 second response time to artillery support requests. There have been some developments towards developing autonomous fighter jets and bombers.

Robotics in the Health Field

The first robotic system applied in a surgical procedure was the PUMA 560, used to orient a needle for a brain biopsy under computerized tomography guidance. However, its use was discontinued because of safety issues. Following the same tendency, in 1992, International Business Machines (IBM) and associates developed a prototype for orthopaedic surgery. The ROBODOC was used to assist surgeons in milling out a hole in the femur for total hip replacements. A new era was beginning, that would allow the surgeon to operate at a distance from the operating room, was being intensively researched simultaneously at the Stanford Research Institute, Department of Defence, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).The initial purpose was to create a prototype to suit the needs of the military, and the robotic arms were designed to be mounted on an armoured vehicle to provide immediate operative care in the battlefield.

Robotics in Space

When it comes to exploring the hostile environment of space, robots have done a lot (if not most) of the exploring. The only other planet besides Earth that humans have set foot on is the Moon. Robotic explorers, however, have set down on the Moon, Mars, Venus, Titan and Jupiter, as well as a few comets and asteroids. Robotic missions can travel further and faster, and can return more scientific data than missions that include humans. There is much debate on whether the future of space exploration should rely solely on robots, or whether humans should have a role.

INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS

Robots are an indispensable part of today's large manufacturing industries. These intelligent machines have taken over many of the tasks requiring high precision, speed and endurance. They are becoming increasingly smarter, more flexible and more autonomous, with the capability to make decisions and work independently of humans. From 1980, industrial robots began to be made in large numbers, with a new robot being introduced in the market at the rate of one a month. These robots are microprocessor-controlled and are smarter and have a higher degree of operational freedom.Industrial robots are increasingly becoming more "intelligent" and versatile. In the future, they are expected to be capable of working without human intervention and take over most of the manufacturing processes

SOURCES

http://www.thomasnet.com/articles/engineering-consulting/robotics-history

http://cerasis.com/2014/10/06/robotics-in-manufacturing/

http://www.universetoday.com/43750/robots-in-space/

http://www.armyofrobots.com/an-insight-into-the-history-of.html

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/552230_2

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