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 ROBOT
— A machine in the form of a human being that performs the mechanical functions of a human being but lacks sensitivity; an automatic apparatus or device that performs
functions ordinarily ascribed to human beings or operates with what appars to be almost human intelligence; a mechanism guided by automatic controls. Webster's Dictionary
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A reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through various programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks. Robot Institute of America, 1979
ROBOT
The word "robot" was introduced into the English language by Czech writer and playwright Karel Capek. Derived from the Czech word for forced labor or serf, the term was first used in Capek's play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal
Robots), which debuted in Prague in 1921.The writer conceived a future in which all workers were automated; the robots were not mechanical in nature but were created through chemical
means. Their ultimate revolt when they acquired souls and the ensuing cotastrophe resulted in an exciting, vivid theatrical experience. The play was an enormous success and productions soon opened throughout Europe and the U.S. ROBOTICS
The term "robotics" refers to the study and use of robots. The term was coined by the Russian-born American scientist and writer Isaac Asimov (1920/1992), who first used the word in Runaround, a short
story published in 1942. I, Robot, a collection of several of his short stories, was published in 1950. ASIMOV'S LAWS OF ROBOTICS
Isaac Asimov proposed three "Laws of Robotics" that he used throughout his robot-related works; he later added one more law which he deemed "Law Zero."
- Law Zero:
A robot may not injure humanity, or, through inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.
- Law One:
A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm, unless this would violate a higher order law.
- Law Two:
A robot must obey orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with a higher order law.
- Law Three:
A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with a higher order law.
INDUSTRY
The first industrial modern robots were the Unimates
developed by George Devol and Joe Engelberger in the late 50's and early 60's. The first patents were by Devol for parts transfer machines. Engelberger formed Unimation
and was the first to market robots. As a result, Engelberger has been called the "father of robotics."
See our
Robot Links
page to learn more about robots and robotics.
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