AI Term of the Moment
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Definition: robot
A computer-based machine that operates in the physical world. Industrial robots are used to build things, while warehouse robots can move between aisles selecting and packing merchandise. Robots are also deployed for demolition, firefighting, bomb disposal, nuclear site inspection and medical surgery. See industrial robot and robotic surgery.
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In the past, robots followed precise instructions; however, they increasingly use AI to recognize objects and speech as well as adapt to unplanned events. A robot's machine vision and pattern recognition capabilities enable it to view a task and then repeat it (see visual imitation learning).
From Czechoslovakia in 1920
Robot comes from the Czech word "robota," meaning "forced labor." It was first used in Karel Capek's 1920 science fiction play "Rossum's Universal Robots" (Rossumovi univerzalni roboti). In 1927, robots appeared in Fritz Lang's classic silent movie "Metropolis," and the term has been with us ever since.
The $2-Per-Hour Goal
Some robotics manufacturers plan to deliver robots that cost no more than two dollars per hour to operate. This is not fantasy; for example, a $20,000 robot operating 24 hours a day can achieve this goal in five years. Regardless, there is no doubt the world of work will change dramatically as more robots are deployed.
Analog and Digital
Robots use analog sensors for recognizing real-world objects and digital computers for direction. Analog-to-digital converters turn temperature, motion, pressure, sound and images into binary code for the robot's computers, which direct the actions of arms and legs by pulsing motors.
Shakey in 1969, Atlas in 2013
Sophia - A More Realistic Android
Where's the Pasta... Oh Hello!
Fortold Years Ago
More AI Today
In the past, robots followed precise instructions; however, they increasingly use AI to recognize objects and speech as well as adapt to unplanned events. A robot's machine vision and pattern recognition capabilities enable it to view a task and then repeat it (see visual imitation learning).
From Czechoslovakia in 1920
Robot comes from the Czech word "robota," meaning "forced labor." It was first used in Karel Capek's 1920 science fiction play "Rossum's Universal Robots" (Rossumovi univerzalni roboti). In 1927, robots appeared in Fritz Lang's classic silent movie "Metropolis," and the term has been with us ever since.
The $2-Per-Hour Goal
Some robotics manufacturers plan to deliver robots that cost no more than two dollars per hour to operate. This is not fantasy; for example, a $20,000 robot operating 24 hours a day can achieve this goal in five years. Regardless, there is no doubt the world of work will change dramatically as more robots are deployed.
Analog and Digital
Robots use analog sensors for recognizing real-world objects and digital computers for direction. Analog-to-digital converters turn temperature, motion, pressure, sound and images into binary code for the robot's computers, which direct the actions of arms and legs by pulsing motors.
Developed at the Stanford Research Institute, Shakey (left) was the first mobile robot. At 7' tall, it was named after its unstable movements. Forty four years later, Boston Dynamics launched Atlas (right) for emergency rescue. At 6'2" and 400 pounds, Atlas initially stumbled a bit but later became very steady. (Images courtesy of The Computer History Museum and Boston Dynamics.)
Hanson Robotics designed Sophia to look like British actress Audrey Hepburn. Debuting in 2015, her rubber skin is very realistic, and her cloud-based answers to questions are very clever. On the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in 2017, she played rock paper scissors and won. See humanoid robot. (Image courtesy of Hanson Robotics.)
Turn the corner in your local supermarket and Marty the robot might stare at you. Made by Badger Technologies, Marty roams the aisles and sends an alert when it finds a spill.
This 2016 issue of PC Magazine reported that every year more robots were replacing humans in the workplace. (Image courtesy of PCMag.com.)