ROBOTICS

WHAT IS IT?
        First introduced by the famous science fiction writer, Isaac Asimov, in 1941, the term robotics refers to the the branch of technology that deals with design, construction, operation, and application of robots, being one of many branches of artificial intelligence. As mentioned in his book I, Robot, Asimov explains the three laws of robotics. First, a robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being come to harm. Second, a robot must obey the orders given to it except where orders will violate the First Law. Third, a robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
        Robots, in particular, are programmable mechanical devices which can perform tasks, as well as interact with its environment, without the aid of humans. The word derives from the Czech, robota, which can be loosely translated to "compulsive servitude". The term was first coined in 1921 by Czech playwright Karel Capek, who later composed "Rossum's Universal Robots" regarding manufactured human-like servant slaves and their struggle for freedom. It is the science and technology behind all of this, which provides the most accurate and complete definition of robotics.

                                                        

PARTS OF A ROBOT
The main parts composing such robots are the body/frame, control system, manipulators, and drivetrain.

• BODY/FRAME- Ideally, the body/frame provides structure for the robot. Although most people are familiar/comfortable with human-sized and shaped robots often depicted in movies, robot bodies can be of any shape or size. The tend to actually look nothing like humans; being designed for function and not appearance. 

• CONTROL SYSTEM- Equivalent to the central nervous system of a human, the control system's main function is to coordinate/control all aspects of the robot. Sensors provide feedback based on a robot's surroundings , which are then transmitted to the Central Processing Unit (CPU). The CPU filters this received information through the programming and then makes decisions based on logic. The same can be done with other varieties of inputs or even human commands. 

• MANIPULATORS- In order to fulfill their main purpose, it is essential for the majority of robots to be able to interact with their environment and world around them. For instance, they may be required to move/rearrange objects from their initial environments without the help of human operators. However, manipualtors are not integral to a robot and one can exist without such manipulators.

• DRIVE TRAIN- Although some robots are able to perform given tasks in one location, most are required to move from place to place. To be able to get from Point A to Point B, robots need a drivetrain, which consist of a powered method of mobility. For humanoid-styled, this is legs, and for others, the drivetrain is typically a wheeled solution. 

ROBOTS GO TO WAR

        As their peripheral equipment become more sophisticated, reliable, and miniaturized, robots have become increasingly utilized for military and law enforcement purposes. Mobile robots have already begun to play an important role in the military, from patrol to dealing with potential explosives. With suitable sensors and cameras to perform different missions, these mobile robots are operated remotely for surveillance patrol and relay back video images to an operator. The mobile robotic platform is attached to a rectangular box with electronic equipment. The platform moves on wheels/tacks and is extracts most of its energy off batteries. Through reading sensors, Communication equipment and sensors detect images, sounds, gases, and other hazards, which are then relayed back to the operator.

       In addition, mobile robots are able to neutralize/detonate suspicious objects that may explode. The platform has a robotic arm which can pick up explosives or suspected hazards in military or civilian settings. Instead of having people get close to hazards or explosive objects, robots are used. If the operator concludes that the object might explode, the robot could neutralize it by shooting to detonate it. Furthermore, mobile robotics can assist military personnel in transporting equipment in the field. The robot acts like a pack mule, carrying large amounts of supplies, especially heavy, burdening loads. In this case, mobile robots are extremely useful due to their ability to navigate across a variety of uneven terrains. Whether it be regular-shaped obstacles, such as stairs, or unspecified shapes, such as rocks, downed trees and other miscellaneous objects, most are able to successfully maneuver due to their design of wheels/tracks.

Works Cited

 Agarwal, Tarun. "History of Robotics, Types and Latest Applicatios List of Robots." ElProCus Electronic Projects for Engineering Students. N.p., 28 Oct. 2013. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <https://www.elprocus.com/robots-types-applications/>.

Beal, Vangie. "Robotics." What Is Robotics? Webopedia. QuinStreet Inc., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. <http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/R/robotics.html>.

 Brumson, Bennett. "Robotics in Security and Military Applications."Robotics Online. Robotic Industries Association, 7 Nov. 2011. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.robotics.org/content-detail.cfm/Industrial-Robotics-Industry-Insights/Robotics-in-Security-and-Military-Applications/content_id/3112>.

 Brumson, Bennett. "Unique Robotic Applications." Robotics Online. Robotic Industries Association, 7 Feb. 2011. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.robotics.org/content-detail.cfm/Industrial-Robotics-Industry-Insights/Unique-Robotic-Applications/content_id/2572>.

 Payne, John. "Transformational Robotics and Its Application to Agriculture." Robohub. N.p., 25 Oct. 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2014. <http://robohub.org/transformational-robotics-and-its-application-to-agriculture/>.

 "2.1: What Is Robotics?" 2.1: What Is Robotics? VEX Robotics Inc, n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://curriculum.vexrobotics.com/curriculum/intro-to-robotics/what-is-robotics>.