Robots History A machine is a robot if it meets three criteria. First, it has to do mechanical work. Second, robots can perform a variety of tasks. Third, robots are controlled by a set of computer instructions that can be reprogrammed. Robots also need sensors for safety. To understand robots, it is helpful to compare them to humans.

Robot Remote Control Definition of Robots prevents most remote controlled objects from being classified as a robot. Recall the 3 criteria needed to being coined a robot. Example is the remote controlled vehicles. ( They are controlled by who?)

Walking Robot Control Why is it difficult to build a walking robot? Robots have to shift their weight with each step. It is easier to build a rolling robot. Better again, it is easier to build a robot that is controlled by 2 separate motors. EX….Airplane robots, boat robots and submarine robots.

History of Robots The word ‘robot’ was developed by a Czechoslovakian playwright, Karl Capek. “Robota” meaning drudgery or compulsory work. Joseph Jacquard invented a programmable loom in France. (cards with holes as a map for looms to follow weaving patterns.) American inventor, Herman Hollerith, made the step from using cards to use in data processing. George Devol designed the first programmable robot in 1954.

History of Robots General Motors purchased the first industrial robot in 1954 and later started to manufacture robots themselves. General motors used robots to weld parts together on their assembly lines. Researchers at Stanford University developed the first Robotic Arm in , space probes Viking 1 and Viking 2 used a latter version of this arm controlled by a microcomputer. Canada Arm was the result!