Robotics

Word Origin

The term robotics was unknowingly coined by Isaac Asimov, whose mid-20th-century science fiction short stories and novels popularized the notion of machines taking on human characteristics and fulfilling human roles. The root word robot is derived from the Czech word robota, meaning “forced labor.” Josef Capek developed the term robot, which was used by his brother, Czech playwright Karel Capek, who wrote the play R. U. R.—Rossum's Universal Robots in 1920.

History of the Concept

Although it may seem that the idea of robots and robotics was an invention of 20th-century thinkers, the fascination with machines acting like humans had been sparking the imagination of creative, engineering minds long before the days of modern society. Even Leonardo da Vinci toyed with the idea of the robot, as documented through his drawings of a mechanical knight with the capacity to sit up, wave its arms, and move its jaw. There are even reports that the ancient Greeks and Chinese had conceptualized this idea of humanistic machines, as documented through ancient legends and writings.

First Robot

As 20th-century science fiction playwrights and writers began to popularize robots in the popular media, scientists and engineers were working to make robots a reality for industry. The first robot was revealed in 1954, when American George Devol created the first stationary industrial robot. This motorized lifting arm, dubbed Unimate, was eventually used by General Motors in its industrial plants. Since then robotics engineers have touched many facets of industry, including space exploration, medicine, industry, and entertainment. Robots such as R2D2 and the Roomba have become household names.

Laws of Robotics

Another important contribution to the field of robotics is the Three Laws of Robotics, authored by Isaac Asimov in his 1942 novel Runaround. These laws have come to be known as universal principles for engineers, writers, and philosophers alike. The three laws are:

• 1.
  A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
• 2.
  A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
• 3.
  A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Modern Robotics

These three laws, although the ideas of a science fiction writer, have guided robotics engineers through many modern developments. Robots are now a critical part of almost every field, including medicine, industry, space and underwater exploration, military combat, and many more. The technological advancements of the late 20th and early 21st centuries have facilitated an explosion of growth in the field. With so many possibilities, there seems to be a limitless amount of potential for the field and, therefore, an unprecedented need for talented minds to enter the field.

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