Robots are a fascinating part of human progress and have changed how people work and live. While some robots like Sophia are designed to look like humans, others are created for specialized tasks.
The field of Robotics Engineering focuses on designing and building robots. People across various age groups are drawn to the idea of robots improving different aspects of human life. For anyone interested in learning more, here are some fun facts about robots that might surprise you.
A working robot (Photo: Getty Images)
1. The word “robot” originated from a Czech word
The term “robot” comes from the Czech word “robota,” which means “forced labor” or “compulsory work.” This word was first used to describe artificial beings in the early 20th century, symbolizing machines that could perform repetitive, laborious tasks that were traditionally done by humans.
2. A play called RUR first introduced the term “robot”
The first use of the word “robot” in popular culture came from Karel Čapek’s 1920 play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots). In this play, robots are portrayed as artificial human-like beings who eventually rise against their creators, leading to discussions on the ethics and morality of robotics.
3. Isaac Asimov developed the “Three Laws of Robotics”
Isaac Asimov, a well-known science fiction author, created the “Three Laws of Robotics” in his story Runaround. These laws were designed to ensure the safety of robots, preventing them from causing harm to humans, and laid the foundation for modern robotic ethics.
4. Leonardo da Vinci sketched a mechanical knight in 1495
In 1495, Leonardo da Vinci created a design for a mechanical knight, which he imagined would move similarly to a human. His design was based on human anatomy and intended to create a machine that could sit, wave its arms, and move its head, which was an early example of automation.
Leonardo’s mechanical knight (Photo: Twitter)
5. Joseph F. Engelberger is called the father of robotics
Joseph F. Engelberger, an American physicist and engineer, is known as the father of robotics. He co-founded Unimation, the first company to develop industrial robots, and played a key role in introducing robots to the manufacturing industry during the 1950s and 1960s.
6. Shaky was the first robot that could move and perceive its environment
Developed by SRI International in Silicon Valley, Shaky was the first robot capable of autonomous movement and perceiving its surroundings. This technology, introduced in the 1960s, allowed Shaky to make decisions based on the environment, a precursor to modern robotics.
7. Unimate became the first industrial robot
Created by George Devol and Joseph Engelberger in 1961, Unimate was the first industrial robot used in a factory setting. It was introduced at a General Motors plant to perform repetitive tasks, marking a key development in the use of robots in manufacturing.
8. Japan led the way in robot manufacturing and sales
Japan was the first nation to develop, manufacture, and sell robots on a large scale. With its focus on technology and innovation, Japan became a leader in robotics, especially in the fields of industrial robots and personal assistant robots.
9. The first fatality caused by a robot occurred in 1981
In 1981, a Japanese factory worker became the first recorded person to be killed by a robot. The worker’s arm was crushed by a robotic arm in a factory, raising important safety concerns and leading to stricter regulations on workplace robots.
The First ‘Killer Robot’ (Photo: Killer Robot/Alamy)
10. NASA has sent five robotic vehicles to Mars
NASA has successfully sent five robotic rovers to go through Mars: Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance. These rovers have provided valuable data about the Martian surface and helped scientists learn more about the potential for life on the planet.
11. Robots were made to replace human labor
Originally, robots were created to take over repetitive, physically demanding jobs that could be tiring or dangerous for humans. These machines are designed to increase efficiency and ease the workload on humans, particularly in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.
12. Humanoid robots are designed to look and act like humans
Humanoid robots are built to resemble humans both in appearance and behavior. One famous example is Lieutenant Commander Data from Star Trek, who has human-like features and interacts with other crew members. These robots are used for various tasks, including customer service and research.
13. Robots like Pepper assist in homes in Japan
In Japan, robots such as Pepper have become an everyday part of life, especially as helpers in homes and businesses. These robots can perform tasks such as assisting with chores, providing entertainment, or offering companionship, making life easier for people, especially the elderly.
14. Sophia made history as the first robot with citizenship
Sophia, a humanoid robot created by Hanson Robotics, made history in 2017 when Saudi Arabia granted her citizenship, making her the first robot to receive such recognition. This marked a good moment in the intersection of technology and legal rights.
15. Robots use sensors to see and hear
Robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to perceive their surroundings, much like humans use sight and hearing. These sensors help robots see spaces, identify objects, and make decisions based on what they “see” and “hear,” increasing their autonomy.
16. Vacuum robots are common in households
Robots like Roomba are among the most commonly used robots in households. These robots can clean floors autonomously, detecting dirt and going around obstacles without human intervention, making housework much easier for everyone.
Vacuum robots in households (Photo: Vacuum robots/Getty Images)
17. Robophobia refers to the fear of robots
Robophobia is the intense fear of robots or robot-like machines. This fear may arise from concerns that robots could replace human jobs or from the potential dangers posed by robots. It reflects a growing psychological challenge in a world increasingly driven by technology.
18. Kevin Warwick implanted a microchip in his nervous system
In 1998, Professor Kevin Warwick of Reading University became the first person to implant a microchip into his nervous system, allowing him to control devices like lights and elevators. This experiment demonstrated the potential for merging technology with the human body to create “cyborgs.”
19. Elektro is the oldest surviving American robot
Elektro, built in 1939 by Westinghouse Electric, is the oldest surviving American robot. It was showcased at the New York World’s Fair and could perform basic tasks like speaking, moving, and waving, giving an early look into the future of robotics.
20. Nanobots are tiny robots designed for small spaces
Nanobots are microscopic robots built to work in extremely small spaces, such as cells or molecules. These bots hold promise for medical applications, such as delivering drugs directly to specific areas in the body or repairing tissues at the cellular level.
21. Robear is a robot built to assist with personal care
Developed by the Riken Institute and Sumitomo Riko, Robear is a personal care robot with a bear-like appearance. It’s designed to help elderly or disabled individuals with tasks like moving from a wheelchair to a bed, making it a useful tool in healthcare.
Robots have made huge strides in improving human life, from manufacturing to personal care. Their capabilities have expanded far beyond simple tasks, leading to innovations in fields such as healthcare and space exploration.
As technology advances, robots will continue to shape the future, offering both exciting opportunities and challenges. The evolution of robotics is a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of progress.
