Machine that behaves like a human being was a dream that existed even in olden days. This dream has been realized in the form of robots. In 1817, Mary Shelly published a novel, Frankenstein, in England. This novel narrates the story of a scientist who creates a human-like machine that causes troubles. In 1922, Chech writer Karel Capek wrote a story, Rossunis Universal Robot. He introduced the name Robota meaning slave worker in that story. This story is all about manufacture of robots that serve the human beings.

Famous science fiction writer, Isaac Asimov, has written many stories about robots. He actually coined the term, Robotics. Asimov laid down three laws of robotics.

1. Robot should not injure human being or life
2. Robot should obey the master without violating the first law
3. Robot should protect itself without violating the first and second laws.

These laws are given much importance even in the robotic industry.

What is Robot?

Robot is an electromechanical machine capable of carrying out tasks as per the given instructions. Robot also can an virtual agent.

A typical robot consists of three components.

1. A mechanical device that has wheeled platform or legs, arm or other construction capable of interacting with its environment.
2. Sensors to sense the environment and to give useful inputs to the device.
3. Systems to process sensory input and instruct the device to perform actions in response to the situation.

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