Robotics: History, Classification, Applications, and Intelligence
History of Robotics
Although the word “robot” is used in modern applications, the concept of robots existed long before the word itself was coined. The ancient Egyptians attached mechanical arms to statues of their gods, operated by priests who claimed the movement was divinely inspired. The Greeks built statues with hydraulic systems to fascinate temple worshippers.
The word “robot” came into use after the Czech writer Karel Čapek wrote his play “Rossum’s Universal Robots” in 1920. The word “robot” comes from the Czech word “robota,” meaning servant or slave.
Classification of Robots
Robots can be classified by shape (humanoid, non-humanoid) or by function and application.
Humanoid Robots
A humanoid robot imitates the actions and gestures of a human controller and possesses a form similar to that of a human. Important: Do not confuse with Androids.
Non-Humanoid Robots
These robots do not have a human form.
Examples:
Automatic lawn mower
Robots used for civil defense
Robots that search for objects
Robots that perform eye surgeries
Etc.
Applications of Robots
Industries
- Automotive
- Soldering
- Painting
- Food
- Robots sealing lids
- Food packaging
Science
- Experimental
- Mars rover
- Robots search
- UFOs
- Nuclear
- Atucha I
- Atucha II
- NPP Ezeiza
Medicine
- Surgery
- Robotic prostheses
- Etc.
Intelligence and its Definitions
The definition of intelligence has evolved over time.
- Before the 18th century: Intelligence was believed to be a divine gift.
- 19th century: Intelligence was considered a static human trait.
- 20th century: Intelligence is the ability to solve novel problems. This definition acknowledges that animals possess some degree of intelligence, distinct from training or instinct.
The theory of multiple intelligences emerged, suggesting there are various types of intelligence:
Mathematical Intelligence
Linguistic Intelligence
Musical Intelligence
Spatial Intelligence
Intrapersonal Intelligence
Interpersonal Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
Natural Intelligence
Logical Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence
Sensors
A sensor is a device that reacts to external stimuli, modifying the behavior, actions, and operation of mechanisms (e.g., changing direction, stopping, jumping).
Types of Sensors:
Temperature
Moisture
Optical
Infrared
Light
Evolution of the Concept of Intelligence
The concept of intelligence has varied through the years:
1800: A gift of human beings.
1900: The ability to apply knowledge to specific problems, only present in humans.
1950: The ability to understand an original problem, based on knowledge of logic and mathematics.
2000: Multiple intelligences (musical, linguistic, natural, logical, emotional, spatial, intrapersonal, interpersonal, etc.). Also, the recognition that intelligence is not exclusive to humans.