What is Robotics?

An Overview of Robotics

Robotics is the study of robots. It’s an applied science, which means it’s used to solve practical problems. That makes it different from a theoretical science, which deals with hypothetical and imagined concepts. Robotics is a multi-discipline field of study. It includes aspects of computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. So, what are robots?

They’re machines. They need a power source to run, either a battery or an electrical outlet connection. In that sense, they’re just like your coffee maker or crockpot. But robots are not appliances that rely on motors and a system of gears to accomplish tasks. Robots are “smarter” than that. They follow commands written in computer code that can respond to changes.

It costs a lot of money to build a robot. The companies that make them spend a lot on research and development (R & D). This investment helps them reduce mistakes in the production process.

How We Use Robots Today

Robots are a fixture in modern life, even if we don’t always see them. We use robots for entertainment and educational purposes. Mostly, though, we use them for work: manual labor and specialized tasks. Some robots work by themselves. They are pre-programmed to do basic, repetitive functions.

The advantage of using robots, including robot arms, for these jobs is that they can usually work longer and faster than a person. They also don’t get hurt and rarely make mistakes.

Pre-programmed robots on an assembly line can…

• Add and remove product components (e.g., screws)
• Lift and weigh products for sorting
• Pack products for shipment

Autonomous robots work by themselves, too. But instead of an assembly line, these robots operate in the natural world, mostly to transmit information.

Examples of autonomous robots include:

• Spacecrafts that orbit planets
• Drones that patrol farmland
• Submarines that inspect the ocean floor

Other robots work in cooperation with people.

These robots respond to commands, delivered through software, touch, and voice.

Command-controlled robots can…

• Assist doctors performing surgery
• Restore arm and leg function to injured people
• Answer questions by speaking out loud

Command-control robots are a favorite of science fiction writers.

They’re also the ones you’re most likely to see because so many specialize in household tasks.

Robotics in the Future

Robots will continue to become more common in the years ahead. You’ll welcome more of them into your home as they become more affordable. You’ll hear more about their uses in industries like STEM, manufacturing, and healthcare. In the future, robots will be equipped with is software that learns and improves with experience (known as artificial intelligence or A.I.). The earliest versions of robots did not have artificial intelligence. Now, though, many do. Robots have used A.I. to beat world-champion chess players and Jeopardy! contestants.

Self-driving cars are a type of autonomous robots. At present, they’re undergoing safety tests in select cities. robotics virtual realityIf they can prove safe enough to navigate normal and hazardous road conditions, more people will use driverless cars to get around. Although the science behind robotics is complex, the rationale isn’t. Robots exist to solve problems; to improve our lives.

The ones that do this will become widely accepted. Soon after that happens, we’ll wonder how we survived so long without them!

More on Engineering:

Teaching Homeschool

Welcome! After you finish this article, we invite you to read other articles to assist you in teaching science at home on the Resource Center, which consists of hundreds of free science articles!

Shop for Science Supplies!

Home Science Tools offers a wide variety of science products and kits. Find affordable beakers, dissection supplies, chemicals, microscopes, and everything else you need to teach science for all ages!

Related Articles

Science Fair Projects for 7th Graders

Science Fair Projects for 7th Graders

Science Fair Projects for 7th Graders​​ Science fair projects for 7th graders are a step up in complexity. Because 7th graders have a better grasp of science concepts, they’re expected to practice the scientific method in the way they approach their experiments–which...

Home Science Experiments for Preschoolers

Home Science Experiments for Preschoolers

Home Science Experiments for Preschoolers Home science experiments for preschoolers are a great way to pique your child’s curiosity, teach them valuable knowledge, and allow them to have some fun in the comfort of their own home. There are plenty of activities your...

Easy Science Fair Projects for Kids

Easy Science Fair Projects for Kids

Easy Science Fair Projects for Kids Science fairs are a long-standing tradition that provide kids with the opportunity to better understand practical concepts in fun and innovative ways. The great thing about the experiments presented at these events is that they...

Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Telescope

Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Telescope

Are you trying to choose the best microscope for your home or classroom? A science microscope is both an enjoyable and important tool for science education that will last for years to come. And unless you are a seasoned science educator, you probably have some questions about how to choose the right one for your specific needs! This article will explain the main types of microscopes and help you choose the best one for your home or class environment.

29 Creative Ways to Use a Home Science Tools Beaker Mug

29 Creative Ways to Use a Home Science Tools Beaker Mug

Infuse a dash of experimentation into your daily routine with a Home Science Tools Beaker Mug! As we gear up for our 29th Anniversary, we've compiled a list of 29 exciting ways to use your beaker mug in everyday life. From brewing up creative concoctions to unleashing...

should I learn computer coding