Robotics

A robot is a mechanical or virtual intelligent agent that can perform tasks automatically or with guidance, typically by remote control. Robots are equipped with sensors to perceive their environment and actuators to perform tasks and can take intelligent decisions.

Robots consist of some sort of mechanical construction, need electrical components to control power, and some level of computer programming.

Types of robots:

• Pre-programmed robots: Perform simple monotonous tasks e.g. a mechanical arm on an automotive assembly line.
• Humanoid robots: Mimic human behaviour and look, and perform human-like activities (like running, jumping, and carrying objects)
• Autonomous robots: Operate independently of human operators and do not require human supervision e.g. Roomba vacuum cleaner
• Tele operated robots: Mechanical bots controlled by humans which work in extreme geographical conditions e.g. human-controlled submarines used to fix underwater pipe leaks or drones to detect landmines
• Augmenting robots: They enhance current human capabilities e.g. robotic prosthetic limbs , robotic wearable technology used in industrial settings

Cloud Robotics: robots whose programs and data are actually stored off-site and accessed by the robot’s Internet connectivity. One immediate benefit of cloud robotics is the ability for other robots connected to the cloud to actually share data with each other and learn from their individual experiences. In addition, the amount of data residing in cloud storage is immense, and the more data that a robot has access to, the more it can learn.