Who made robots first?

Who made robots first?

A robot can be defined as a programmable, self-controlled device consisting of electronic, electrical or mechanical units. In fact, it is a machine that functions in place of a living agent. Robots are especially desirable for certain work functions because, unlike humans, they never get tired. They can endure physical conditions that are uncomfortable or even dangerous and can operate in airless conditions. Repetition does not bore them, and they cannot be distracted from the task at hand.

The concept of robots is a very old one, yet the actual word robot was invented in the 20th century from the Czechoslovakian word ‘robota’ or ‘robotnik’ meaning slave, servant or forced labor. Robots don’t have to look or act like humans but they do need to be flexible so they can perform different tasks.

Early industrial robots handled radioactive material in atomic labs and they were called master/slave manipulators. They were connected together with mechanical linkages and steel cables. Push buttons, switches or joysticks can now move remote arm manipulators.

Current robots have advanced sensory systems that process information and appear to function as if they have brains. Their ‘brain’ is actually a form of computerized artificial intelligence.