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Robots

Robots

Did you know that the term robot first appeared in a work of science fiction and was later conceived in reality?

The term robot (from Czech robot) was used by Josef Čapek and Karel Čapek in their science fiction works in the early 20th century. The word robot is of Slavic origin and Čapek described it in his play R.U.R. since 1921 human-like workers who are raised in tanks. Čapek uses the classic golem motifs in his work. Today's name for Čapek's creatures is android. Before the appearance of the term robot, the terms automatic and semi-automatic were used, for example, in Stanisław Lem's factories.

However, the basics of today's robots lie much further back. The first models of cars can rather be called automata (coming from the Greek automatos, which moves by itself). They could only execute one objective at a time, being constrained by the construction.

The Greek mathematician Archytas reportedly built one of these first automata: a steam-powered pigeon that could fly on its own. This cavernous wooden pigeon was filled with pressurized air. It had a valve that allowed it to be opened and closed by a counterweight. Many models followed over the centuries. Some made work easier and others served to entertain people.

With the discovery of the mechanical clock in the 14th century, new and complex possibilities opened up. Not long after that, the first machines appeared, which distantly resembled today's robots. But it was only possible for the movements to follow one after the other, without the need for manual intervention in that system.

The development of electrical engineering in the 20th century brought with it the development of robotics. Among the first mobile robots is the Elmer and Elsie system built by William Gray Walter in 1948. These tricycles could head towards a light source and recognize collisions in the surroundings.

The year 1956 is considered as the birth year of the industrial robot. George Devol applied this year in the US for a patent for "programmed transfer of articles". A few years later he built UNIMATE together with Joseph Engelberger. This robot of approx. two tons was first introduced into the mounting of iconoscopes for televisions, then finding its way into the automotive industry. The programs for this robot were saved as directed commands for the motors on a magnetic cylinder. From this moment on, industrial robots like UNIMATE are introduced in many areas of production, being constantly developed further to be able to cope with the complex demands imposed on them.

The period of the 80s is considered to be the beginning of the robotic era, which represented a great change for humanity. This moment is considered the beginning of intelligent robotics. From this moment industrial robotics continued an upward path, along the way being supported by the emergence of new technologies, such as: augmented reality and artificial intelligence.

 Now, industrial robots are used to carry materials, special items, tools and everything needed to complete the production process. Generally, these machines are developed to be more efficient and accurate in executing any industrial task. Thus, robots can be controlled by a person or a device programmed for this function.

You certainly didn't know that:

  • In Japan there is a factory that can operate for 30 days without human supervision, the production process being completely handled by robots.
  • Unimation, the company founded by George Devol and Joseph Engelberger in 1956, was the first company to bring the first batch of industrial robots to market.
  • Spot – Pet Robot Dog - Boston Dynamics' four-legged robots have been making waves in SM lately with their crazy dance moves. Although originally created for military purposes as a weight-carrying robot, Spot is now used in various contexts from construction, recreation, military and more.
  • Robotics Mark Roshiem built a Knight Robot in 2002 that was inspired by Da Vinci's drawings. His prototype could talk and wave. He later used Da Vinci's design as inspiration for his future robot builds for NASA.
  • Nanobots - are microscopic robots, designed to operate in extremely small spaces and perform predefined functions. Although these are still in their experimental stage, they are expected to eventually be introduced into the bloodstream to perform delicate surgeries that are often difficult to perform in standard surgery.