Definition of a robotThefreedictionary.comNounRo-bot1. A mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or by being programmed in advance.
2. A machine or device that operates automatically or by remote control.
3. A person who works mechanically without original thought, especially one who responds automatically to the commands of others.
Brief history of robotsThe word 'robot' originates from a play called "R.U.R." (Rossum's Universal Robots) written by Karel Capek from Czechoslovakia in 1921. Being a Czech, Capek originally got the word from his language, in the form of 'robota' meaning forced labour. The word 'robotics' is a science fiction term, and was first used in a story called "Runaround" by Isaac Asimov in 1942.
Ideas that resemble characteristics of robots in the modern world were first thought of in about 450BC. A Greek mathematician by the name of Archytas thought of "The Pigeon", a bird powered by steam.
English: A scene from R.U.R., showing three robots...
English: This image is a reproduction of an origin...
Dr. Isaac Asimov, head-and-shoulders portrait, fac...Since then many people have tried to improve on the same ideas, and invented their own machines that need no or little human assistance, such as a clock or a toaster.
The first impression of a human-like robot was inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci around 1495. He had planned ideas of a robotic knight that was able to move its arms, head, jaw and back.
The Laws of RoboticsThe Laws of robotics were written by Isaac Asimov in his book Runaround in 1942. Originally there were only three laws, although later on he wrote a fourth law known as the Zeroth law.
First Law: A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm, unless this would violate the Zeroth Law.
Second Law: A robot must obey orders given...