3.3 ROBOTICS WHAT IS A ROBOT? Robotics is a branch of engineering that produces machines, called robots, that replicate or substitute human actions. This field with Electronics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, Nanotechnology and Bioengineering. Robotics overlaps Definition of a robot A is a programmable machine that can complete a task with different levels of autonomy, varying from human-controlled robots to fully-autonomous robots. The term robot comes from a Czech word, , meaning "forced labour": most robots are designed for heavy, repetitive, sometimes difficult, dangerous manufacturing works. They are employed when requirements of speed, precision, and exceed what man can accomplish. That’s why industrial robots are increasingly used in a variety of industries and applications. robot robota cleanliness Fundamental characteristics A robot must have some essential features: : sensors – such as light, contact, proximity, pressure, limit, infrared, chemical, taste and hearing sensors, radar and LiDAR – are fundamental for a robot to sense its surroundings and perform its task; Sensing 1 : a robot needs to be able to move either some of its parts or around its environment; Movement : programming is a primary A series of coded commands and instructions give the robot the ability to know when and how to carry out a task. Intelligence feature. DO Do you know what “LiDAR” is? 1 Generations of robots Engineers and scientists have analysed the evolution of robots, marking progress according to generations and, : broadly speaking is a simple mechanical arm with the ability to make precise motions at high speed, many times, for a long time. It can work in groups if the actions are synchronised, but must constantly be supervised because they can get out of ; a first-generation robot alignment , which came into common use during the 1980s, is equipped with sensors : they can stay synchronised with each other without having to be constantly by an operator; a second-generation robot 1 overseen involves smart robot technology: they are autonomous robots which can work on their own and are capable of learning and adapting to the environment; a third-generation robot is considered the robot of the future, but is still under research. These robots are called androids or humanoids and have human features that mimic human actions and functions. a fourth-generation robot MORE They are usually equipped with pressure, proximity and tactile sensors and vision systems. 1