What is Robotics?

Robotics is the branch of technology focused on designing, building, and using robots to perform tasks.

  • Programming: Humans write code that gives robots specific instructions. These instructions tell the robot what steps to take for each task.
  • Sensors: Robots use sensors to gather information about their surroundings, such as detecting obstacles or measuring distance. 
  • Controllers (Robotic Brain): The controller processes sensor information and decides on actions based on its programming. 
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Some advanced robots have AI that lets them make decisions independently by learning from experience. 

 

What is Artificial Intelligence?

AI is a branch of computer science focused on creating software that can learn, reason, and make decisions.

  • Machine Learning (ML): A crucial part of AI where programs learn from data and improve over time without being programmed for every task.
  • Neural Networks: A system modeled after the human brain, where artificial neurons (nodes) process information, recognize patterns and make predictions.
  • Differences from Robots: AI is the “thinking” component, which can be used in robots or as standalone software (e.g., virtual assistants like Siri or Google Assistant).

 

Practical Applications of Robotics & AI

Robotics and AI are changing industries by making tasks easier and more accurate and solving problems we couldn’t solve before.

  • Healthcare: Robots assist in surgeries, and AI helps diagnose diseases faster and more accurately.
  • Manufacturing: Robotic arms and automated systems boost productivity by performing repetitive tasks around the clock.
  • Transportation: Self-driving cars and drones use AI to navigate safely and efficiently, changing how we move goods and people.
  • Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots provide 24/7 assistance, answering questions and solving problems quickly.
  • Agriculture: Robotics and AI help monitor crops, detect pests, and automate harvesting, improving food production.

 

Fun Facts

Here are some interesting facts about robotics & AI:

  • The world’s first known robot was called “Unimate.” Created in 1954 by George Devol, Unimate was a robotic arm designed to handle hot metal parts in a factory
  • NASA’s rovers, like Perseverance, are robots exploring Mars! They send data back to Earth daily.
  • Chatbots like Siri and Alexa use AI to understand and respond to human speech.
  • Robot pets are designed to respond to touch and sounds, providing companionship to people who cannot have real pets.

 

Review

Let’s quickly recap what we learned about robotics & AI:

  • What is the “brain” of the robot that controls its actions? Controller
  • What do robots use to gather information about their surroundings? Sensors
  • What AI technique allows programs to learn from data? Machine Learning
  • What technology in AI mimics the human brain’s neurons? Neural Networks

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