Robotics for the Uninitiated

When people hear the word “robot,” they immediately see images of Irona, Richie Rich’s maid or the Terminator. Images of an entity with human-like appearance but with super human abilities are conjured up. In reality however, the term “robot,” encompasses so much more than just humanoid or android beings. Furthermore, most people are intimidated when they encounter anything related to robotics. It is true, it can be a complicated subject so most people, for convenience, assume it simply means androids. Origins of Robotics First, what exactly is robotics? Robotics, in the simplest of explanations, involves the design and creation of robots. It also involves the study of how robots can be used to perform a variety of functions. A robot is a mechanical device designed to automate tasks that are usually performed by people. The first industrial robot to be created was Unimate, which was utilized to perform tasks in an automotive company. It was created by Unimation, a company formed by Charles Devol and Joseph Engelberger. After the success of Unimate, companies started investing in robotics for their manufacturing operations. Types of Robots There are many types of robots now in existence, each with specific functions. – Industrial Robots. Industrial robots are widely used in the manufacturing industry. Many of the tasks involved in production entail speed and accuracy as well as repetition, which is why robots are heavily relied upon to perform these tasks. Some of the industries that use robotics extensively are: – Automobile industry – Medical industry – Food and Beverage manufacturing – Pharmaceuticals – Service Robots. There are service robots devoted for personal use as well as those tasked to perform professional functions. Two of the most popular service robots designed are Asimo, a walking humanoid and Aibo, a robot dog. Other areas where these types of robots are applied are in: – Patient care – Military functions – Underwater jobs – Telerobots. Telerobots are ideal for jobs that are highly dangerous or difficult to accomplish so they are often manipulated via a remote control device. Telerobots are used extensively in outer space exploration and military operations. Other uses for telerobots include: – Bomb diffusion – Surveillance – Certain types of surgery – Rescue operations such as the scouting of survivors in a burned building – Mobile Robots. Mobile robots are also known as automated guided vehicles and are used to carry materials on a given location. The more advanced versions can be manipulated to function independently using an installed map as a guide. – Agricultural Robots. These robots are still in the development stages but designers foresee that these equipments can soon be used for tasks such as planting and harvesting. Advantages of Robots Robotics affords the human population a lot of benefits. In the business sector alone, robotics counts for much of the profitability of companies as robots enhance productivity and quality. In critical areas such as the medical field, the use of robotics is significant not only to medical practitioners but also to patients. Robotics systems are a viable way to ensure that patients get the best medical devices, medicine and medical procedures.

Robots In Fiction – Humanoid Helpers and Mechanical Menaces

A robot is an electromechanical device capable of performing both programmed and autonomous tasks. Robots in fictional media tend to have humanoid characteristics and are able to interact with their human creators. Fictional robots also tend to be highly intelligent and follow human orders.

Much of the drama of robots in fiction occurs when robots either exceed their programming or their programming becomes corrupted. A robot that began a story as humanity’s faithful servant often ended it by becoming the villain. The following is a brief overview of robots in fiction.

Reading About Robots

In 1942, science fiction author Isaac Asimov introduced the world to his Three Laws of Robotics. In a series of short stories and novels, Asimov explained these Three Laws through the interaction of robots and humans.

Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics were 1) A robot may not harm a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm; 2) A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law; and 3) A robot must protect its own existence, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Asimov’s robots were constructed with fictional “positronic” brains. His robots were constrained by the Three Laws, with the First Law taking precedence over the others, and the Second Law taking precedence over the Third Law. Drama in Asimov’s robot stories usually resulted from unexpected behavior from robots obeying the Three Laws in unanticipated ways.

Mechanical Men In Movies

The information about robots presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about robots or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

The 1956 science fiction classic film “Forbidden Planet” introduced audiences to Robby the Robot. Created by Dr. Morbius with the assistance of alien technology, the enormously talented Robby served as a glorified butler to Dr. Morbius and his daughter. Robby possessed the strength to carry at least 10 tons, could converse intelligently on many subjects, and even had the ability to convert matter from one form to another. If the ship’s drunken cook served as “comic relief” in the movie, then Robby the Robot certainly fulfilled the role of “straight man.” It is worth noting that Robby was programmed with the equivalent of Asimov’s First Law of Robotics in that he could not harm a human being, even when ordered to do so by a human.

The “Star Wars” saga spanned almost three decades and introduced a whole new breed of robot. The robots R2-D2 and C-3PO were referred to as “droids” (e.g., androids, or robots with human form). However, only C-3PO had a humanoid body. R2-D2’s squat cylindrical body and non-speech communication made him more robotic than his humanoid companion.

“The Terminator” showcased the evil robot turning on his creator. In this twist of the classic Frankenstein story, the evil cyborgs (e.g., cybernetic organisms, or robots with organic parts) gained self-awareness and sought to eliminate their creators. This movie differs from the others discussed here in that the robot was specifically programmed to kill humans. However, in typical Hollywood fashion, later movies featured a robot protector sent to protect humans from the killer Terminator.

Television Tin Men

The robot from the “Lost In Space” television series remains one of the most recognizable TV robots. The unnamed Robot, like his ancestor Robby, existed to serve the Robinson family. Despite his dome-like head and cylindrical body, the Robot was portrayed as very human through his personality and extreme loyalty to his owners. He often acted as a companion to the boy Will, and is noted for his signature warning, “Danger, Will Robinson!” An incarnation of Robby the Robot actually appeared in an episode of “Lost In Space.”

More recently, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” included the android named Data as a member of the crew. Except for his unusual skin and eye color, Data appeared to be human. In fact, to be human was Data’s eventual goal. Data and his evil twin Lore, possessed great speed, strength, and supercomputer brains. In tribute to Isaac Asimov’s groundbreaking robot fiction, Data’s brain was referred to as “positronic.” Data possessed much greater latitude in his actions and choices than the other robots discussed in this article.

Conclusion

Robots and their more human-like android cousins will continue to be an integral part of science fiction in all media. They will continue to serve as humanity’s most faithful servants, most intelligent villains, and even comic relief. As robots become more common in today’s society, their influence on fictional media will continue to grow.

Those who only know one or two facts about robots can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.