The fast progression of robotic technology which was once only associated with science fiction is now a realistic expectation that is changing the face of the world. We should be aware of the history of robotics. It would be good exploring the first ideas of robotics in books and movies. And how they have transformed over the years to the present day where robots are part of many things. Let us learn more about the evolution of robotics.
Ancient Concept
The earliest recorded example of an automaton is said to be a wooden pigeon of Archytas of Tarentum, who lived in the Fifth century before Christ as a philosopher and mathematician in Greece. Archytas’ wooden dove was a steam-powered or compressed air wooden bird which was able to flap its wings and fly for a short distance.
The Egyptians were making progress as well. Around 150 BC is the approximate period that one of the earliest known automated machines was constructed. In Ancient Greece, a water-driven pipe organ called the Hydraulis was the first keyboard instrument committing the principles of early automation.
Industrial Revolution
In the 19th century, people put mechanical engineering science into practical application through increased mechanization. It was Charles Babbage, the designer of the first mechanical computer, who took the concept of programming to a whole new level with the invention of the Analytical Engine.
These primitive devices started appearing in several food joints and entertainment joints. Examples range from self-played musical devices, moving to artificial time aged devices. This further paved way for robots being able to engage in more complicated tasks later on.
Modern Robotics
The creation of Unimate, the very first industrial robot is perhaps one of the most timeless events in the history of robotics. American engineer George Devol designed this long-reach manipulator in 1954, and Joseph Engelberger later developed it. They created it to perform tasks that were either hazardous or dull for a human workforce.
In 1961, General Motors Corporation commissioned Unimate in one of its plants. The robot lifted and stacked heated metal components during the production of various car models. This innovation started the robotic era in the manufacturing industry, enabling industries worldwide to adopt robots on their production assembly lines.
Robots were stacked in the better part of the aerospace sector that involved welding parts of an aircraft to the medical industry where far more intricate tasks, such as assisting in surgical procedures were performed.
AI powered Robots
Robots that function without human direct intervention, autonomous robots are on the rise in different fields. These robots have Artificial Intelligence in them. It enables them to explore their environments and switch to other tasks less than human control. For instance, autonomous drones, cars, robots, and delivery robots are applications of AI robots in different sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and logistics.
The evolution of robotics has taken a fast forward leap to robots everywhere. As we start to look beyond history, the evolution of automation continues to shape industries. Also, promising more innovation and opportunities for businesses to start leveraging automation in their favor.
