Allie Zhao's Blog: Robotics

What is Robotics?

Robotics is the study of robots. It is a branch of technology that deals with all aspects of robots' operation, design, construction, and application. This field often overlaps with electronics, computer science, and bioengineering. Isaac Asimov is responsible for being the first person to use the term "robotics" in the 40s.

Robots

Robots are machines that can be used to perform jobs. Some robots operate on their own and some robots need to be controlled by a human. They can be in any shape or size. Robots perform jobs like vacuuming, playing ping pong, and mixing drinks. They can perform jobs just as well, or even better, than humans.

History of Robotics

The history of robotics is intertwined with the history of technology and science. Many events in history are related to robotics.
The Greek astronomer Archimedes invented many mechanical systems that are an important part of robots today. In medieval times, automatons were invented. They were human-like objects controlled by hidden mechanisms. To people, it created an illusion of self-movement. During the renaissance, the artist Leonardo Da Vinci created a humanoid automaton called Leonardo's robot. It was able to sit, wave its arms, and move its head. Over the next few centuries, people created robots that could do calculations, print designs, and pull weights. In 1921, the term "robot" was first used in a play called "Rossum's Universal Robots" (R.U.R.) written by Karl Capek. In 1942, Isaac Asimov wrote the "Three Laws of Robotics". There was also a zeroth law added later. The laws were:
1. A robot may not injure a human (or humanity), or, through inaction, allow a human (or humanity) to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with a higher order law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection conflicts with a higher order law.
0. 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.
Over the next decades, more advanced robots were created and people began creating research laboratories/organizations. In 1964 scientists began researching artificial intelligence. From then to the present, more and more complex robots have been invented and innovated upon.

Programming

Programming is a process that instructs a robot how to perform a task. It is most used in computers. It involves using a programming language to write a set of instructions of how the robot should act. Writing a program involves describing all kinds of processes and procedures. It is similar to writing down the steps to completing an action.

Importance of Programming

Programming is an intrinsic part of robotics. A program is the instructions for the robot. Without instructions, a robot will not function. Programming is what makes a robot work.

Programming is also important in life. Now, in the 21st century, almost everything involves robots and machines. Robots are the future. Programming is important because it will be more and more a part of the daily lives of humans.