Introduction to Robotics

Robotics integrates engineering, computer science, and mathematics to create machines mimicking human actions. The first robotic arm was invented in 1954, predating the moon landing by 15 years, illustrating early strides in automation.

Robots perceive the world through sensors, offering capabilities beyond human senses. For example, LIDAR sensors provide 360-degree vision, a feat impossible for humans without assistance, enhancing robots' spatial awareness and decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence fuels robotics, allowing for autonomous decisions. The AI in some robots can learn through neural networks, simulating human brain function. Remarkably, these networks can evolve to outperform their creators in specific tasks.

Robot-assisted surgery offers precision beyond human capability, reducing patient recovery time. The da Vinci Surgical System, a pioneering platform, has assisted in more than six million surgeries worldwide, showcasing robotics' transformative impact on medicine.

Swarm robotics draws inspiration from nature, emulating the collective behavior of organisms. These robotic swarms can accomplish complex tasks, from environmental monitoring to search and rescue operations, without central control.

With robotics' growth, ethical dilemmas arise. Autonomous weapons, for instance, challenge traditional warfare ethics. Additionally, job displacement by robots sparks debate on the future of human employment and income distribution.

Future robotics predict advancements in human augmentation, with exoskeletons aiding mobility-impaired individuals. NASA's Robonaut, a humanoid robot, may even pave the way for human-robot collaboration in space exploration.

In 1961, the first industrial robot, Unimate, once spilled hot coffee on an engineer as a prank!