Definition: A robot is a programmable mechanical device that can preform tasks and interact with its environment, without the aid of human interaction. Robotics is the science and technology behind the design, manufacturing and application of robots. History of the Word: The word Robot was not around forever, it was actually invented in 1921. A Czech playwright named Karl Capqpeck made a play called "Rossum's Universal Robots" that was about human-like servants. The word robota means compulsive servants in Czech.
Basic Components of a Robot
Not all of these components are necessary to make a robot but all of these components make up an ideal robot. A robot does not need to have manipulators of a drive train. However, a robot does need a control system ad a body/form to be considered and actual robot. Also, to be an actual robot, the robot has to be able to operate without the aid of a human.
1. Body/ form- The body/ form provides the structure of the robot it is the like he shell for the robot.
2. Control System- the equivalent to the nervous system if a human. It controls all the aspects of the robot. Sensors from the robot provide feedback.
3. Manipulators- Many robots are required to interact with their environment and the world around them. A manipulator s something that the robot uses to do human-like actions, such as pick up an object
4. Drive Train- A drive train is basically something that enables the robot to move. Some examples are wheels or some type of human-like legs