Robots can do way more than you know — from rebuilding iconic landmarks to actually sweating. Robots are far more versatile (and fun) than people give them credit for.
Here are 15 cool facts about robots:
- An AI bot wrote a novel
- The first robot patent
- Simulating emotions
- Building homes
- Robots farming coral reefs
- De-weeding crops with lasers
- Humanoid robots that sweat
- Diagnosing plant diseases before they’re visible
- Actually herding cattle
- Team sports for robots
- The origin of the word robot
- Robots that simulate skin
- Creating perfumes
- Teaching kids to code
- Cleaning the oceans
Now, of course, to wow your friends, you will need details. Read on!
In 2016, a Japanese AI bot (far less powerful than the ones today) co-wrote a short novel titled The Day a Computer Writes a Novel.
It even went past the first round of a prestigious literary competition. The entry was submitted anonymously, and the judges praised its originality without knowing the AI's involvement.
The experiment was part of a project exploring AI's potential in creative writing. It had complex algorithms that let create compelling characters and storylines based on pre-set prompts.
The result? A sci-fi tale about an AI breaking free from its creators — a bit on the nose, but hey, it got people talking about the future of creativity.
The very first patent for a robot was filed in 1954 by George Devol; it led to the creation of the Unimate, the world’s first industrial robot, designed to handle hot metal parts in factories.
This robo-pioneer changed manufacturing forever — and probably saved a lot of human fingers. (If only Tony Iommi could go back in time.)
Unimate debuted in a General Motors factory in the 1960s, where it performed repetitive (and dangerous) stuff like stacking and welding.
This kicked off the rise of automation in industries worldwide and paved the way for the factory robots we see today.
MIT’s robot head, “Kismet,” was developed by Dr. Cynthia Breazeal in MIT as an experiment in affective computer.
It recognizes tone and facial expressions and can respond with its robotic charm — or at least an attempt at charm. It can get a little creepy sometimes.
Kismet was a groundbreaking step in human-robot interaction — by using microphones, cameras, and facial actuators, it could engage in basic conversations and adapt its tone to the context.
Though it wasn’t Broadway-ready, Kismet’s development spurred future research into today’s more empathetic bots.
While construction workers are not out of a job yet, they’re probably quaking in their boots right now.
Now, some bots can 3D-print entire homes using concrete and complete projects in hours instead of weeks. This tech could help with rapid housing solutions in disaster zones or finally end that nightmare with your flaky contractor.
One example of this emerging trend is the Apis Cor robot, which built a 400-square-foot home in just 24 hours.
Using layers of concrete, these robots build cost-effective and durable structures, which makes them ideal for both urban development and emergency housing.
In the battle against coral reef destruction, robots like CoralBot are trying to restore the balance.
These underwater bots plant coral fragments and monitor their growth, helping to restore ecosystems damaged by pollution and climate change. If Finding Nemo ever needs another installment, these bots deserve a cameo.
These robotic divers use AI and sensors to identify the best spots for coral planting — the idea is to get the coral to have the best possible chance of survival.
Beyond planting, they also track coral health and adapt techniques based on environmental changes, offering hope for one of Earth’s most endangered ecosystems.
Move over herbicides; the LaserWeeder can zap weeds into oblivion. Developed by Carbon Robotics, this bad boy roams farm fields, using high-powered lasers to vaporize weeds without harming crops.
Why is it so cool? Farmers no longer need chemical herbicides, which means healthier crops, cleaner soil, and no more excuses for dousing themselves in weed spray — or eating non-organic.
Japan’s Kengoro is the first robot to literally sweat: Its designers at the University of Tokyo engineered it to release water through microscopic pores, cooling its metal frame during intense activity.
Unlike human sweat, Kengoro’s isn’t for nervous presentations — it’s for hardcore jobs. This innovation means the bot can perform physically demanding tasks, like push-ups or operating in high-heat environments, without overheating and melting.
Some agricultural robots are practically plant doctors. Take TartanPest — this AI-powered developed by Carnegie Mellon University can spot invasive insects before the human eye even has a chance to.
With advanced sensors and machine learning, it identifies egg structures and textures, spotting blights early — and it can scrape them right off.
Say hello to the aptly named “SwagBot,” the robotic ranch hand that acts like an old-school cowboy.
Designed by the University of Sydney, this bot doesn’t need cowboy boots to manage herds.
It glides across rough-as-nails terrain, herds cattle like Sam Elliott, and even checks on their health with onboard sensors — it won’t chew tobacco while doing it, we’re sorry to say.
SwagBot also monitors pasture conditions and guarantees your herd is happy and healthy.
It’s been deployed successfully on several farms in Australia. Not quite “Yeehaw,” but we’re sure that it deserves a “Yeah, mate!”
Robots don’t just fetch balls — they play sports.
Competitions like RoboCup (we see what you did there) showcase bots battling it out on the soccer field with skills that have Lionel Messi think twice before lacing on his soccer cleats.
The goal: beat the human World Cup winners by 2050.
These games aren’t just for fun; they test advancements in motion planning, AI teamwork, and physical mechanics. So, if you’ve ever wanted to see robots dribble or dive for a goal, RoboCup is the ultimate geek-out event.
The term "robot" comes from the Czech word robota, meaning forced labor or exertion. It first popped up in Karel Čapek’s 1920 play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots), where humanoid machines decide they’ve had enough of doing humanity’s dirty work.
And fun fact: It wasn’t even Karel’s idea — his brother Josef came up with the word. Thanks Josef, for making us nervous about our appliances.
Scientists are now giving robots human-like skin. Yes, you read that right — they’re growing live skin cells on robots.
This breakthrough allows bots to sense touch and temperature and even heal small cuts, making them the toughest (and weirdest) coworkers yet.
The idea isn’t just for realism; it’s practical: Robots with sensory feedback could perform delicate tasks like surgery or handling fragile materials. And while it might sound like a sci-fi horror flick, researchers believe this tech will help robots integrate into human environments without smashing our stuff.
Companies like Firmenich use AI to mix custom fragrances by scanning data and suggesting blends. The idea is to remove all of the trial-and-error.
Here’s the kicker: These fragrance-making robots aren’t replacing perfumers, just saving them time. By testing combinations virtually, they cut costs and make it easier to create affordable, unique scents. Your next bottle of cologne? It might be part robot.
Dash and Dot are adorable little bots that teach kids how to code through fun challenges and interactive games.
These bots help kids build problem-solving skills and creativity while introducing them to STEM at an early age.
And with tech dominating every industry, Dash and Dot are quietly educating the next wave of little Tony Starks.
Inspired by a whale shark, WasteShark swims around waterways, gobbling up plastic and debris while keeping tabs on water quality. It’s like a pool cleaner, but for saving the planet.
And it’s not just about cleaning things up: WasteShark also collects data to help scientists understand pollution trends.
Summing up
These facts about robots bring at least one thing to light — robots can do way more than we thought they did.
And they’re not only redefining what’s possible — they also keep blurring the line between human and machine.
Keep your eyes peeled because we don’t think bots will be slowing down anytime soon.
Next steps
Robots are shaping the world, and if you’re ready to bring advanced automation to your business, Standard Bots’ RO1, the six-axis AI-driven cobot arm, is your next move.
- Affordable and accessible: RO1 offers industry-leading performance at half the purchase price of comparable robots. Not ready to buy? Lease opportunities start at $5/hour.
- Powerful and accurate: With an 18 kg payload and a repeatability of ±0.025 mm, RO1 handles intricate jobs like assembly, material handling, and light welding — all with unmatched accuracy.
- AI & no-code simplicity: Equipped with AI intelligence on par with GPT-4, RO1 requires no technical background to program. Its no-code setup makes automation extra easy for anyone to use.
- Safety-first design: RO1 features built-in machine vision and collision detection, ensuring it operates smoothly and safely alongside human workers. No barriers or extra equipment are needed.
Ready to take the leap? Schedule a risk-free, 30-day onsite trial and see firsthand how RO1 can turn your shop floor into a productive behemoth.
