Robotics : A Multi-science Achievement.
When talking about robots, some may ask: Is robotics a discipline? Designing and building robots requires knowledge from multiple fields.
It is a multidisciplinary and cross-domain achievement. So, which sciences are involved in the world of robotics?
Table Of Content
The History Of Robotics
- Ancient Automata (Before 15th Century)Early mechanical devices, such as Greek and Chinese automata, mimicked human or animal movements.
- Renaissance Mechanical Innovations (15th-18th Century)Leonardo da Vinci designed a humanoid robot in the late 1400s.Clockwork automata became popular in Europe.
- Industrial Revolution (18th-19th Century)Steam-powered and mechanical machines were developed for automation in factories.
- Early 20th Century: The Term "Robot"The word "robot" was first introduced in 1920 by Karel Čapek in his play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots).First simple remote-controlled machines appeared.
- Mid-20th Century: Rise of Modern Robotics1950s: Alan Turing's AI theories and early computing advancements.1961: The first industrial robot, Unimate, was used in manufacturing.
- Late 20th Century: AI and Advanced Robotics1970s-80s: AI-driven robots and robotic arms were introduced.1996: NASA’s Sojourner rover explored Mars.1999: Sony AIBO, the robotic pet, was released.
- 21st Century: Smart and Autonomous RobotsAI, machine learning, and humanoid robots advanced rapidly.2010s: Boston Dynamics’ robots demonstrated agility and balance.2020s: AI-powered home robots, self-driving cars, and humanoid robots like Tesla Bot emerged.
What Is The Structure Of A Robot?
Does Robotics count as science?
Robotics is often considered a multidisciplinary field that combines elements from various scientific and engineering disciplines. While robotics itself is not a single branch of science, it heavily draws from key areas such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and material science. These fields contribute to the design, development, and functionality of robots, making robotics an evolving and dynamic combination of science and technology. At its core, robotics is about applying scientific principles to solve real-world problems, such as automating tasks, improving efficiency, or enhancing human capabilities. Therefore, while robotics is more commonly viewed as an engineering or applied science field, it undeniably relies on a wide range of scientific knowledge and innovations to advance.
The Types Of Robots
Ⅰ.Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots are robots designed to resemble and mimic human appearance and behavior, often with a head, torso, arms, and legs, to perform tasks in environments where human-like interaction is beneficial. These robots are often created with human-like attributes to facilitate ease of use, communication, and engagement in human-centric spaces.
| Brands | Model Name | Mass production |
| Boston Dynamics | Atlas | NO |
| SoftBank Robotics | Pepper | YES |
| Honda | ASIMO | NO |
| Toyota | T-HR3 | NO |
| UBTECH Robotics | Walker | NO |
Ⅱ.Robot Dogs
Robot dogs are robots designed to resemble dogs in shape, movement, and behavior. These robots are typically built with four legs and advanced sensors, giving them the ability to move, interact, and perform tasks similar to how a real dog would, but with robotic precision and capabilities. They are equipped with technologies that allow them to be agile, adaptive, and functional in various environments.
| Brands | Model Name | Mass production |
| Boston Dynamics | Spot | YES |
| Sony | Aibo | YES |
| Unitree Robotics | A1 | YES |
| Ghost Robotics | Vision 60 | YES |
| Agility Robotics M | CassieM | NO |
Ⅲ.Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Collaborative robots (often referred to as cobots) are robots designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots that operate in isolation or behind safety barriers, collaborative robots are engineered to safely interact and cooperate with human workers. Their main feature is their ability to adapt to dynamic environments and engage with humans without requiring significant safety precautions or barriers.
| Brands | Model Name | Mass production |
| Universal Robots | UR Series | YES |
| KUKA | LBR iiwa | YES |
| Rethink Robotics | Baxter & Sawyer | NO & YES |
| ABB | YuMi | YES |
| Fanuc | CR Series | YES |
Ⅳ.Soft Robots
Soft robots are a type of robot designed with flexible, deformable materials that allow them to mimic the adaptability and versatility of living organisms. Unlike traditional robots, which are typically made from rigid materials like metal or plastic, soft robots use soft materials such as silicone, rubber, and elastomers to create structures that can bend, stretch, and compress, making them highly adaptable to their environments. These robots are particularly useful for tasks that require flexibility and delicate handling.
| Brands | Mass production |
| Soft Robotics | YES |
| Exoe Robotics | NO |
| Festo | NO |
| Ocado Technology | YES |
| University of Cambridge | NO |
