Robots

What is a robot? A dictionary defines "robot" as a mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human, and is capable of performing a variety of often-complex human tasks on command, or by being programmed in advance. Also, a machine used to perform jobs automatically, which is controlled by a computer. Or, a machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically, especially one programmable by a computer.

Robot, which is derived from a Czech word meaning "menial labor," got its modern meaning from a 1920 play, R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots), by Czech playwright Karel Capek ( ). The robots in Capek's play develop emotions and overthrow their human masters. A sinister "power struggle" with robots has long been a popular theme in science fiction.R.U.RKarel Capek –Today, robots are used in many ways, from lawn mowing to auto manufacturing. Scientists see practical uses for robots in performing socially undesirable, hazardous or even "impossible" tasks --- trash collection, toxic waste clean-up, desert and space exploration, and more. Think the Three D’s: Dull, Dirty, and Dangerous!

Asimov’s Laws of Robotics or How do we keep them from taking over! Three Laws of Robotics Asimov also proposed his three "Laws of Robotics", and he later added a 'zeroth law'. Law Zero: A robot may not injure humanity, or, through inaction, allow humanity to come to harm. Law One: A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm, unless this would violate a higher order law. Law Two: A robot must obey orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with a higher order law. Law Three: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with a higher order law.

R2D2 and C3PO and Wall-E: Fictional, but possible? What do they do? Huey and Louie

Hero or Villain? If they can think for themselves, will they become too dangerous? Or will they save us from ourselves?

Mini sensor robot- How does it resemble something in nature?

Robot Uses: Those three Ds Industrial robots are consistent and accurate and do not get tired. Medical robots can stop within a human hair’s width of accuracy. Exploratory and military robots (drones) keep humans out of dangerous areas. Entertainment robots are friends, toys, or clean the house so we can play. Domestic robots mow the lawn, clean up, etc.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is arguably the most exciting field in robotics. It's certainly the most controversial: Everybody agrees that a robot can work in an assembly line, but there's no consensus on whether a robot can ever be intelligent. Like the term "robot" itself, artificial intelligence is hard to define. Ultimate AI would be a recreation of the human thought process -- a man-made machine with our intellectual abilities. This would include the ability to learn just about anything, the ability to reason, the ability to use language and the ability to formulate original ideas.

Can robots ever be human? Should a robot be compensated for its work? Does a robot have rights? Is there such a thing as robot abuse? Can a robot be charged with a crime? If a robot hurts someone, is that a crime, or a malfunction?

What they can do Computers can already solve problems in limited realms. First, the AI robot or computer gathers facts through sensors or human input. The computer compares this information to stored data and decides what it means. The computer runs through various possible actions and predicts which action will be most successful based on the collected information. Of course, the computer can only solve problems it's programmed to solve -- it doesn't have any generalized analytical ability. Chess computers are one example of this sort of machine.

1. A robot is artificial. It has been manufactured and does not occur naturally. 2. It is controlled by a computer of some description. This could be a small microcontroller, or a full sized machine. 3. It can sense the surrounding environment. 4. It can perform actions and movements. Lego Man! Robots have generally agreed upon elements like the ones listed above.

An army for industry

A new kind of “friend”- Can we have robot nannies or robot teachers?

"I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that." -- HAL 9000, 2001: A Space Odyssey Movies have often shown the darker side of robots and robotics. Are humans likely to become obsolete in some areas?

png Smart House Technology currently being developed will give our houses even more capabilities!

Smart House Technology On the shores of Lake Washington Bill Gates lives in a $113 million smart house where automation controls everything from lighting to security. Today smart house technology begins with PC based starter kits that now sell for less than $500. A smart house relies on networking, programming and automation to move many of our home's functions to a cyber autonomic nervous system. As just one example, you could push a movie button on a touch pad which would dim your lights, close the drapes, turn on the popcorn maker, check for soda in the fridge, put your phone on voice mail, adjust heating or air conditioning in unused parts of your home for the duration of the DVD, and then turn on your home theater system. If your children use this function on their own, you could also check the ratings of the DVD’s they watch.

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