ROBOTICS
Shanna Diesta and Charise Te
Introduction
Interdisciplinary Field
engineering, computer science, and AI.
Function - Robots operate autonomously or semi-
autonomously to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
Industry Impact
healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and space exploration.
Technological Advancements
automation, machine learning, and sensors is driving rapid adoption.
History of Robotics
Robotics has evolved significantly over time:
Ancient & Classical Eras: Early mechanical
devices like automatons were created for
entertainment and religious purposes.
15th-19th Century: Leonardo da Vinci’s
sketches of humanoid robots and the advent
of mechanical calculators laid the
groundwork for automation.
20th Century: The introduction of
industrial robots, like Unimate, transformed
manufacturing processes.
21st Century: AI, machine learning, and
advanced robotics have led to autonomous
vehicles, robotic-assisted surgeries, and
smart personal assistants.
Types of Robots
Industrial Robots
Used in manufacturing for assembly,
welding, painting, and packaging.
Operate in highly controlled
environments to ensure precision and
efficiency.
Often feature robotic arms with multiple
degrees of freedom.
Can work autonomously or in
collaboration with human workers
(cobots).
Examples include robotic arms used in
car manufacturing and pick-and-place
robots in warehouses.
Service Robots
Designed to assist humans in various
industries, including healthcare and
hospitality.
Can perform repetitive tasks such as
cleaning, delivering goods, or customer
interactions.
Often equipped with AI to improve
interaction and functionality.
Examples include robotic vacuum
cleaners, robotic waiters, and hotel
concierge robots.
Some advanced models assist in
surgeries, rehabilitation, and elderly care..
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars, drones, and
automated delivery robots fall into this
category.
Use sensors like LiDAR, GPS, and AI-
driven navigation to move
independently.
Reduce human error and increase
efficiency in logistics and
transportation.
Common in industries like ride-sharing,
military reconnaissance, and logistics.
Humanoid Robots
• Designed to resemble and interact with
humans.
• Used in research, customer service, and
elderly care.
• Often equipped with facial recognition, speech
processing, and AI-driven decision-making.
• Can perform basic tasks like greeting
customers or engaging in simple
conversations.
• Examples include ASIMO by Honda, Sophia by
Hanson Robotics, and Pepper by SoftBank
Robotics.
Exploration Robots
Operate in extreme or inaccessible
environments, such as deep oceans and
space.
Built to withstand harsh conditions like
extreme temperatures, pressure, or radiation.
Used in planetary research, disaster recovery,
and deep-sea mining.
Often semi-autonomous, requiring remote
control in certain conditions.
Examples include NASA’s Mars rovers
(Perseverance, Curiosity) and deep-sea
exploration robots like Alvin.
Military & Defense Robots
Designed for combat, surveillance, and
reconnaissance missions.
Help reduce human casualties by
performing dangerous tasks such as bomb
disposal.
Used in border patrol, aerial surveillance,
and logistics support.
Can operate autonomously or be remotely
controlled by military personnel.
Examples include the TALON bomb disposal
robot, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),
and robotic sentries.
Key Components in Robots
Sensors: Enable perception through vision (cameras), LiDAR, ultrasonic, and
gyroscopic sensors.
Actuators: Facilitate movement through motors, pneumatic/hydraulic systems,
and soft robotics.
Control Systems: Process data and make real-time decisions using AI,
microcontrollers, and neural networks.
Power Supply: Includes batteries, fuel cells, and wireless charging technologies.
Software & AI: Governs automation, learning, and adaptability, utilizing deep
learning and predictive analytics.
Applications of Robotics
Manufacturing: Automate production, improving precision and reducing labor costs.
Healthcare: Assist in surgeries, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and AI-driven diagnostics.
Agriculture: Utilize automated harvesting, precision farming, and robotic pollinators to
optimize food production.
Military & Defense: Support surveillance, autonomous combat, and logistics.
Space Exploration: Deploy rovers, robotic arms, and AI probes for planetary research.
Retail & Customer Service: Implement chatbots, self-service kiosks, and inventory
management robots.
Entertainment & Personal Assistance: Feature in social robotics, AI-driven assistants,
and robotic pets.
Challenges in Robotics
Development Costs: High expenses for research, manufacturing, and
maintenance.
Ethical & Social Issues: Concerns about job displacement, AI decision-making,
and data privacy.
Technical Limitations: Challenges in battery life, AI efficiency, and adaptability to
unstructured environments.
Security Risks: Potential vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and system failures.
Human-Robot Interaction: Need for seamless
integration into daily life without causing harm or disruption.
Future Trends in Robotics
AI & Machine Learning Integration: Enhancing decision-making and adaptability.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Designed to work safely alongside humans in
workplaces.
Soft Robotics: Utilizing flexible materials for safer human interaction.
Swarm Robotics: Multiple small robots coordinating for large-scale tasks.
Quantum Computing: Potentially revolutionizing robotic intelligence and real-time
processing.
Self-Repairing & Self-Replicating Robots: Capable of diagnosing and fixing
themselves.
Biologically Inspired Robotics: Merging organic and artificial components for
advanced functions.
Conclusion
Robotics is revolutionizing industries and
daily life by enhancing productivity, safety,
and convenience. As technology continues to
evolve, robots will play an even greater role
in shaping the future. Ongoing research and
investment will expand their capabilities,
bringing new possibilities in automation,
healthcare, space exploration, and beyond.
Quick Test on Robotics
1. What powers most modern robots?
1. What is the primary function of industrial robots? A) Steam engines
A) Cleaning homes B) Batteries C) Wind energy
B) Manufacturing and assembly 2. Which type of robot is commonly used for
C) Assisting in surgeries planetary exploration?
2. Which sensor is commonly used in autonomous A) Industrial robot
vehicles? B) Humanoid robot
A) LiDAR C) Rover
B) Thermometer 3. What is a major advantage of collaborative robots
C) Barometer (cobots)?
3. What is an example of a humanoid robot? A) They replace all human workers
A) Tesla’s Autopilot B) They work safely alongside humans
B) ASIMO C) They only function in hazardous environments
C) TALON 4. Which of the following is an example of a military
4. Which field benefits from exploration robots? and defense robot?
A) Deep-sea research A) TALON
B) Retail B) Pepper
C) Roomba
C) Food delivery
5. What is a key challenge in robotics? 5. What is one future trend in robotics?
A) Unlimited battery life A) Decreased use of AI
B) High development costs B) Self-repairing robots
C) Lack of sensors C) Manual-only control systems
Thank you.
