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The word robot comes from the Czech word "robota" which means "forced labor." The word first appeared in the 1920s R.U.R. play and referenced the play's characters who were mass-produced, creative-thinking beings.
Robots have come a long way in a relatively short space of time. Innovative industries have discovered that the use of robotics gives tangible results that increase productivity and safety in the workplace.
In 1954, George Devol invented the Unimate Robot - the first programmable robot of its time. A couple of years later, in 1961, the Unimate Robot was introduced to the General Motors assembly line in New Jersey, USA, and laid the foundation of the modern robotics industry as we know it today.
Some robots, like Collaborative bots (Cobots), are designed to work alongside humans. They harness machine learning and complex computer programming to easily assist human employees. Other types of robots, like Autonomous robots, work independently with minimal human intervention.
As we mentioned, robotics is the study and development of robots and their robotic systems. Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering and science that combines various engineering disciplines, such as:
The robotics industry deals with:
Now that you understand the difference between robots and robotics, let's take a look at the technical and electrical components of robots.
Robots are complex machines comprising several key components, each serving a crucial function. This section delves into these robotic components and how they work together to bring a robot to life.
The control system is like the robot's brain. It's a sophisticated network of software, like computer programs, using algorithms and programming to dictate the behavior of the robot. Hardware elements, like camera vision process data, direct the robot's actions. The hardware typically includes a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and input/output interfaces.
The control system receives and processes input from sensors, transmitting commands to the robot's actuators to perform tasks. The processed data can range in complexity, from simple predefined responses to more advanced AI-driven decision-making.
Sensors are components that give robots the ability to perceive, sense, and "feel" their surroundings. They are the primary source of external information for the robot, kind of like human hands. The CPU uses this data to make informed decisions and map out its surroundings.
There are various types of sensors that robots are installed with, such as:
Actuators are the "muscles" of the robot. They are devices that convert various forms of energy into physical motion, like walking or picking up objects. The energy conversion can be electrical energy to mechanical energy or hydraulic pressure to movement.
There are various types of actuators that robots are installed with; these include:
The power supply is the component that provides the energy for robots to operate. It is a critical part of the robot design as it affects its size, endurance, power, and the speed at which it performs relevant tasks.
There are various types of power supplies that robots are installed with, including:
End-effectors are the "hands" of robots: the tools at the end of a robotic arm. They are the points of intersection between the robot and its environment and are designed for specific tasks. The types of end-effectors available include:
The true power of robots and their robotics lies in the seamless integration of their components. The control system acts as the brain and interprets data from several different sources. It uses this information to make informed decisions and sends instructions to the actuator "muscles" to create the desired movement. In turn, this tells the end-effectors what task is required.
This harmonious connection of various working parts constitutes robots performing tasks, from delicate surgical procedures to space exploration - and beyond.
With a deeper understanding of how these mechanical devices work, let's look at a few different types of robots we see today.
When robots were first introduced, they were bulky and less streamlined. Now, they are sleek, sophisticated machines that are no longer "nice to haves" but "must haves," especially in the industrial industry to stay ahead of the curve.
There are many types of robots, from simple machines with a single robotic arm, to military robots, Autonomous robots, and Humanoid robots. These intelligent robots perform repetitive tasks and assist humans with varying degrees of automation within diverse professions. These robotic systems streamline processes and improve safety in the workplace.
There are two types of Autonomous robots: Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
AMRs, otherwise known as autonomous vehicles or independent bots, operate independently. They are capable of navigating and operating in an uncontrolled environment without the need for physical guidance from humans or predetermined tracks. They are equipped with computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) and use machine learning to navigate their surroundings.
Often used in factories and warehousing, these autonomous vehicles assist with:
Autonomous forklifts and space rovers are examples of AMRs.
AGVs follow preset tracks within a designated workplace. This type of programmable robot is guided by sensors or markers along the ground. They are commonly used in large warehouses or manufacturing plants to transport goods from one area to another.
A palletizing robot is one example of an AGV.
Articulated robots are multi-jointed robots. The robotic arm or arms are meant to work in the same way as a human arm. They can have as few as two joints, or up to 10 rotary joints that allow for various degrees of motion. They are very versatile, can work in confined spaces, and complete complex tasks like assembly and sorting with ease.
These robots are used in industrial settings for:
Humanoid robots are bipedal robots (two-legged robots) that are designed to look and act like human beings. These robotic systems are equipped with artificial intelligence to engage with their surroundings in a human-like manner, with facial features that express emotions and human behavior.
A Collaborative robot - Cobot for short - is a robotic system specifically designed to work alongside humans in a shared space. They are not intended to replace human employees.
Cobots are more user-friendly when compared to larger robotic systems (such as assembly line automation) and are easily programmable. This type of mechanical device has sensors and safety features to detect human presence, creating a safe working environment.
Cobots are used in:
Universal Robot's UR20, which launched in 2022, is one example of an industrial cobot.
Apart from the robots mentioned above, the other types of robots available include:
Next, we'll take a closer look at the different industries where robots are used.
The field of robotics has had a transformative impact across various sectors.
Robots have revolutionized the manufacturing industry by enhancing efficiency, safety, and innovation. They perform repetitive tasks like welding, painting, quality control, and assembly with ease. By utilizing robotics, these Industrial robots boost productivity, speed, and consistency.
In agriculture, robots are used for planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops and help analyze growing conditions. The use of automated drones to spray pesticides greatly reduces labor costs and increases crop yields.
In the energy sector, robots perform tasks like inspecting and maintaining infrastructure, especially in hazardous conditions. These types of robots are used to inspect offshore oil rigs which drastically reduces health and safety risks.
Robotics in the healthcare industry range from Surgical robots to Telemedicine robots and automated laboratory systems. This type of robotic assistance enhances procedures, precision, and patient recovery times. They also reduce surgeon fatigue and the physical strain on medical personnel.
Logistic robots assist humans with warehouse operations such as transporting (loading and unloading) goods from one area to another. The use of automated warehousing systems and delivery drones reduces the risk of human error and boosts productivity.
Robotic engineers develop and create robotic systems used to perform human and non-human tasks. A type of computer program is installed into robot systems, allowing them to perform various tasks, such as pick-and-place, welding, or logistic tasks, within several different industries.
As you can see, the realm of robotics has impacted many industries across the globe and continues to do so. From their humble beginnings in the 60s, when General Motors first introduced the Unimate Robot into assembly lines, to Standard Bots' sophisticated RO1 Collaborative robot seen today, there has been a remarkable evolution in robotics history.
The global robotics market revealed over 500,000 new industrial robotic installations in 2022, increasing by 5% from the year prior. These statistics show how vital robots are to the industrial industry. With projections to reach $45.09 billion by 2028, we can only imagine what other types of robots lie on the horizon.