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Glossary Home |
Robot
A robot is a machine designed to execute repetitive tasks. Some robots are controlled by a human operator, but most robots are controlled by a computer processor. An autonomous robot that can act independently of direct operator control is the ideal or goal of robotics. Insect robots work in "fleets ranging in number from a few to thousands, with all fleet members under the supervision of a single controller. The term insect arises from the similarity of the system to a colony of insects, where the individuals are simple but the fleet as a whole can be sophisticated. (whatis.techtarget.com)"
Robots are re-programmable, multifunctional manipulators designed to move materials,
parts, tools, or specialized devices through variable programmed motions for the performance
of a range of tasks.
Science-fiction author Isaac Asimov developed Three Laws of Robotics in a short story titled Runaround he wrote in the 1940s. Asimov's laws include:
- Robots must never harm human beings or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
- Robots must follow instructions from humans without violating rule 1.
- Robots must protect themselves without violating the other rules.
The origin of the term robot is from a science fiction book and a play written by Karel Capek. The book is titled Valka s Mloky (War with the Newts) and the play is titled R.U.R (Rozuma Univerzalni Roboti) [rozum means wisdom] (Rozum's Universal Robots). The Czech word robota means drudgery or compulsory labors.
Related Terms: android
from http://whatis.techtarget.com
http://www.jeffbots.com/dictionary.html
http://www.free-definition.com/Robot.html
http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/robotics-faq/TOC.html |