In 1921, Karel Capek coined the word “robot” in a play he wrote. The Czech words “robota” or “robotnik” are the basis for the term and refer to machines that did mechanical and repetitive work. Modeled after human beings, Capek’s robots were very human-like but without human faults.
Today, the word “robot” refers to machines that are reprogrammable and multifunctional. Robots preform programmed motions in order to move materials, parts, tools and devices and to carry out an assortment of tasks, many of which were once performed by humans.
Today’s robots are powered from hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical power sources. A variety of different components make up a robot, depending on its purpose. For example, an “end effector” serves as the hand of the robot. These are also referred to as grippers and can be mechanical with two fingers that simply open and close, pick up and let go of a various objects. Vacuum grippers handle electronic components and large objects. General purpose grippers that are designed more like the human hand.
Robots use sensors to gain a sense of their environment. Touch sensors used in the robotic hands serve to adjust the grip on objects, to determine variations in the objects that are picked up and to monitor proper operations. Light sensors use the light reflected off nearby objects to determine, with some advanced calculations, the sense and shape of those objects.
Computers control even the robot’s most minute movements. Functioning as the robot’s “brain,” computers run programs that guide a robot through each of its processes.
Robots are used widely in the manufacturing process on assembly lines as they are good at doing repetitive tasks. They are also used in surgery where delicate operations can be better performed due to their high degree of precision.