Robotics is a branch of science that deals with the design, construction, operation and application of robotics. Robotics also looks at the computer systems for their control, sensory feedback and information processing. Robots deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes. Many robots today are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics.
Creating machines that can operate autonomously dates back to classical times. However, research into the functionality and potential uses of robots did not grow substantially until the 20th century. Robotics has been seen to mimic human behavior and often manage tasks in a similar fashion. Today, robotics is a rapidly growing field. Technological advances continue, research design and building new robots to serve various purposes.
The mechanical structure of a robot is controlled to perform tasks. This control involves three distinct phases, perception, processing and action. Sensors give information about the environment or the robot itself. This information is the processes to calculate the appropriate signals to the actuators which move the mechanical.
Many of the areas of research in robotics focus not on specific industrial tasks but on investigations into new types of robots. A new innovation in robot design is the open sourcing of robot-projects. Robotic engineers design robots, maintain them, develop new applications for them and conduct research to expand the potential of robotics.
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