Robotics: An Introduction

Robotics combines engineering, science, and technology to create machines, robots, that can substitute or replicate human actions. The term 'robot' was coined in 1920 by Karel Čapek.

The first programmable robot, Unimate, worked on a General Motors assembly line in 1961. Since then, robotics has evolved from simple mechanical arms to complex, AI-driven autonomous systems.

Medical robotics has revolutionized healthcare, enabling high-precision surgery and rehabilitation. For instance, the da Vinci Surgical System allows surgeons to operate through tiny incisions.

Robots like NASA's Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, have explored the Martian surface, relaying vital data back to Earth, far exceeding their expected service life and mission scope.

Biomimetic robots imitate nature, like the RoboBee, which flies and behaves like a bee. These machines could pollinate crops, redefining agriculture in the future.

Robotics raises ethical questions regarding employment, privacy, and security. The future of robotics might involve ethical frameworks guiding robot integration into society.