Definition
A robot is a programmable machine capable of carrying out a series of actions autonomously or semi-autonomously. Robots can be physical (mechanical) or virtual (software-based), and are designed to interact with the physical world through sensors and actuators.
In-Depth Explanation
The word 'robot' originates from the Czech word 'robota', meaning forced labor, first used in Karel Čapek's 1920 play R.U.R. Today, the definition has expanded significantly.
A robot typically consists of three core elements:
1. Sensing – perceiving the environment via sensors (cameras, LIDAR, encoders, etc.)
2. Processing – interpreting sensor data and deciding on actions (via a controller or AI)
3. Actuation – physically interacting with the environment (motors, grippers, wheels)
Types of robots:
- Industrial robots: Robotic arms used in manufacturing (welding, painting, assembly)
- Mobile robots: Autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs), drones, underwater robots
- Collaborative robots (Cobots): Designed to work safely alongside humans
- Humanoid robots: Bipedal machines designed to resemble and mimic humans
- Soft robots: Flexible, compliant robots made from deformable materials
Key characteristics:
- Programmability: Behavior can be changed via software
- Autonomy level: Ranges from fully teleoperated to fully autonomous
- Embodiment: Has a physical body or simulated physical presence
Practical example:
A robotic arm on an automotive assembly line is programmed to weld car frames with precision. It senses the frame's position via cameras, calculates the weld path, and executes it with a welding torch actuator — all without human intervention.
Robots are increasingly classified by their autonomy level using the SAE-style scale from Level 0 (fully manual) to Level 5 (fully autonomous), similar to self-driving vehicle classifications.
