4.6 ROBOTICS 104 The first robot ever used in factories was Unimate, invented by George Devol and Joseph Engelberger and first installed in 1961 at a General Motors factory in New Jersey. Do you know what rovers are? If you don t, search the web. ROBOTS The rise of robots Over the past century, robots have evolved from simple mechanical devices into highly sophisticated machines capable of performing complex tasks. The earliest robots were simple programmable arms used in factories to lift, weld, or assemble parts. Today, advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence and computer vision have allowed robots to solve problems, adapt, and even learn from experience. From the robotic arms that perform delicate surgeries to the rovers exploring Mars , robots have become a vital part of modern life, transforming how humans work, communicate, and explore outer space. Robots in daily life Robots are increasingly present in our everyday activities. Domestic robots such as lawn mowers and personal assistants make housework easier and save time. In healthcare, robots assist surgeons with ONLINE RESOURCES Drones 242 MECHANICS precision and help elderly or disabled people with mobility and care. The service industry also gains advantages in using robots because they can deliver food, handle hotel check-ins, and assist customers in shops. In agriculture, robotic systems plant, water, and harvest crops with remarkable efficiency, reducing waste and labour costs. As robots and their technology become more affordable, they may soon be as popular as smartphones. The future of robotics By becoming smarter and more autonomous, robots could do more and more dangerous jobs, assist in disaster relief, and care for ageing people. However, society must also take into account ethical and economic issues involved in their use: unemployment, data privacy, and the potential danger of intelligent machines. The ultimate goal of collaboration between humans and robots is to combine human creativity and judgment with robotic precision and efficiency, improving human life and productivity. crop: raccolto fan: ventilatore to grab: afferrare to handle: gestire handrail: corrimano to harvest: raccogliere, mietere lawn mower: tosaerba