| Robotics, put simply, is the use of electrical | | | | and talk, as well as look human. We are rapidly |
| components to move mechanical components. The | | | | advancing on this with the bipedal robots from |
| key components of robots are their ability to | | | | Honda, Sony, and other Japanese companies with |
| perform repetitive tasks in a precise manner. | | | | R&D in electronics. We aren't quite at that stage |
| There are many example of robotics use today, in | | | | yet, but here are a few robot toys that are showing |
| toys and industry. Their function determines their | | | | us that with a bit more development, we can build |
| appearance. For example, a robot that was designed | | | | our 'dream robot' |
| for wielding car parts would not need arms and legs. | | | | Furby |
| We can classify robots into two categories - industrial | | | | Who can forget the fluffball of fun? When first |
| and domestic. | | | | released in 1998, it revolutionised toys with its ability |
| Where are robots used? Another one of those | | | | to interact with its 'owners' with speech and |
| robotics discussion questions. | | | | automated movement. |
| Industrial robots | | | | Aibo |
| There are many robots in industry today doing jobs | | | | Aibo is the robotic pet dog created by Sony Corp. |
| too repetitive or too dangerous for a human to do. | | | | While most people see Aibo as an interactive toy, it |
| These include continuous welding for steel pipes, | | | | is in essence a robot, as it is controlled by a |
| welding car components in an assembly line, bomb | | | | computer chip. Aibo is also used for research into |
| disposal, and clearing of toxic waste to name a few. | | | | artificial intelligence as it is cheaper than conventional |
| Domestic robots | | | | research robots. |
| Many people want a robot that is bipedal, can walk | | | | |