History of Robotics

With advances in technology in the fields of electronics and mechanics a seemingly new branch of science called Robotics has sprung up. It deals with the invention and working of sophisticated machines which assist us in our day to day activities and can simplify our work

The idea is not so new. If we flip through the pages of history we find that robotics is not a new idea. According to mythology Greek God Hephaestus(The God of Fire)was served by mechanical devices obviously the Robots. In ancient Egypt priest used steam activated mechanism to open the doors of their temple, used steam powered contraptions to light fires at the alter, at the command of the Head Priest. Around 350 BC Greek mathematician- Archytas constructed a mechanical steam powered flying Robot called Bird. Ctesibus contributed by designing water clocks with moving figures to strike out time.

After a long period, in which recorded evidence is scanty, it is during the industrial revolution that the Swiss clock maker invented robotic doll that could play music or draw pictures. Production of textile was also automated using steam power. In 1801 Joseph Jacquard invented automated loom using punched cards. In 1822 Charle Babbage, inspired by the automated loom of Jacquard using punched cards, invented 'Analytical Engine' also designated as first computer. In 1898 Nikola Tsela demonstrated a remote controlled robotic boat.

It is the 20th century that is the true age of computers and Modern day Robotics. In 1927 in a science fiction movie 'Metropolis' a female robot named Maria was introduced for the first time on the silver screen. In 1959 Artificial Intelligence lab was established at MIT. Rapid advances have been made since then. The modern day robots are small, more versatile, highly mobile and quite intelligent. Robots are extensibly used in deep sea and deep space explorations. All space probes are intelligent robotic machines. The field of Robotics holds immense potential for dreamy and bright individuals capable of vivid imagination. Go ahead and plunge yourself in this potentially unexplored field with high returns on your investment (as a disciple).

I belong to the community of teachers and I teach Life Sciences. Life Science is something what I consider 'Mother of all Sciences'. It is the way of human life. Life science encompasses practically all branches of knowledge,as life itself is dependent on all the physical and chemical parameters with in our knowledge. I write regularly write at http://myinferencesonlife.blogspot.com