Difference between revisions of "Robot"
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[[Image:Gm-robot.jpg |thumb|right|A Robotic Arm | [[Image:Gm-robot.jpg |thumb|right|A Robotic Arm for an automobile assembly line]] | ||
A '''robot''' is a mechanical device capable of interacting with it's enviroment to perform predetermined physical activities. Unlike [[android]]s, robots need not be anthropomorphic. The field of science, engineering and technology dedicated to robots is known as robotics. | A '''robot''' is a mechanical device capable of interacting with it's enviroment to perform predetermined physical activities. Unlike [[android]]s, robots need not be anthropomorphic. The field of science, engineering and technology dedicated to robots is known as robotics. | ||
Revision as of 04:15, 31 January 2011
A robot is a mechanical device capable of interacting with it's enviroment to perform predetermined physical activities. Unlike androids, robots need not be anthropomorphic. The field of science, engineering and technology dedicated to robots is known as robotics.
The word robot in it's modern sense was first coined by writer Karel Čapek in his play RUR and was derived from the Czech word for serf labor. Today, robots are used in a variety of roles, including numerous applications in manufacturing, basic housework such as vacuuming, and as toys and novelty items. Various military forces are developing military robots.
Real-life Robots
- Foster-Miller TALON
- ASIMO
- HRP-4C
Robots in Science Fiction
] Robots have played a big part in science fiction for most of the twentieth century and often play a focal part. Robots in science fiction frequently possess artificial intelligence.
- Numerous robots in the works of Isaac Asimov
- Numerous droids in Star Wars
- The Cylons from Battlestar Galactica
- The exocomps in Star Trek TNG, as well as Data and other Soong-type androids.
- WALL-E in the film of the same name, in addition to many other robots
- Various war robots in the Terminator series of movies
See Also
External Links
- [1]-Britannica Online Article on Robots.