Robotic Technology

Robotics is the science of designing and building robots suitable for real-life application in automated manufacturing and other non-manufacturing environments. Robots are the means of performing multifarious activities for man’s welfare in the most planned and integrated manner.
Maintaining their own flexibility to do any work, effecting enhanced productivity, guaranteeing Quality, assuring reliability and ensuring safety to the worker.

Definition: -
The definition that has been accepted as reasonable in the present state-of-the art is given by Robotics Industrial Association in Nov., 1979. An industrial robot has been defined as
“…A reprogrammable multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools or specialized devices through various programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks.”

Sir Isaac Asimov on the subject of robotics framed three basics laws which the robotics still obeys with respect. The laws are philosophical in nature. They are as follows: -
First law: - A robot must not harm a human being or, through inaction, allow one to come to harm.
Second law: - A robot must always obey human beings it is in conflict with the first law.
Third law: - A robot must protect itself from harm that is in conflict with the first and or second laws.

History:
The word 'robot' was coined by the Czech playwright Karel Capek (pronounced "chop'ek") from the Czech word for forced labour or serf. The term 'robotics' refers to the study and use of robots and was coined and first used by the Russian-born American scientist and writer Isaac Asimov.
The first industrial modern robots were the Animates developed by George Devol and Joe Eagleburger in the late 50's and early 60's. The first patents were by Devol for parts transfer machines. Engel Berger formed Animation and was the first to market robots. As a result, Engel Berger has been called the 'father of robotics.'

Robot Applications

Robotics has rapidly moved from theory to application over the last decade primarily due to the need for improved productivity and quality.
One of the key features of robots is their versatility. A programmable robot used in conjunction with a variety of end-effectors can be programmed to perform specific tasks, then later reprogrammed and refitted to adapt to process or production line variations or changes.
The robot offers an excellent means of utilizing high technology to make a given manufacturing operation more profitable and competitive. However, robot technology is relatively new to the industrial scene, and the prospective buyer of robot technology who is accustomed to buying more conventional items will find robot applications a highly complex subject.
Robots are used today primarily for welding, painting, assembly, machine loading, and foundry activities. The sharp visibility given to the automotive industry's robotics applications and its declared intention to even more aggressively increase the installation rates have made that industry a major focus for robot builders.