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"Mechanical Knight"
Leonardo da Vinci designed an automaton known as the "Mechanical Knight." This humanoid robot is one of the earliest documented examples of an automaton in history. The Mechanical Knight had the appearance of a medieval knight, equipped with full armor. The Mechanical Knight included the ability to sit and stand, and its arms were capable of moving. -
Invention of the first robot. Joseph Barnett
It was created by Joseph Barnett, based in Pittsburgh. Elektro stands two meters tall, weighs 265 pounds (approximately 120 kg), can walk by voice command, and can speak 700 words. Its body consists of a steel gear mechanism and a cam-based skeleton, and its eyes can distinguish between red and green light. -
"Unimate", the first programmable robotic manipulator invented by George Devol
He invented and patented the first programmable robotic manipulator, called "Unimate". Unimate became the first industrial robot, used at the General Motors plant in 1961, and laid the groundwork for modern industrial robotics. -
Joseph Engelberger
Joseph Engelberger, known as the father of robotics, pioneered the commercial application of industrial robots. He co-founded Unimation in 1956, the first company dedicated to industrial robots, and introduced the Unimate, revolutionizing manufacturing with improved efficiency and safety. His advocacy and innovations significantly advanced robotic technology, transforming global industries and establishing him as a key figure in the field of robotics. -
Masahiro Mori
Masahiro Mori became well-known in 1970 when his influential paper "The Uncanny Valley" was published in the journal "Energy." In it, the hypothesis was proposed that as robots become more human-like, increasingly positive responses are elicited from humans until a certain point, where the response turns to revulsion. This concept, known as the "Uncanny Valley," has significantly impacted the design of humanoid robots and remains a key consideration in human-robot interaction research. -
Kismet, the first natural and effective interactions with people
Cynthia Breazeal developed pioneering work in the field of social robotics and human-robot interaction. Her most notable contribution was the creation of the robot Kismet, designed to explore and demonstrate the ability of robots to interact naturally and effectively with people. Kismet was one of the first robots capable of recognizing facial expressions and human emotions, as well as responding appropriately to these emotional cues. -
Integration of Robotics in Healthcare
Robotics technology will enhance precision in surgeries, allowing for minimally invasive procedures with faster recovery times. Patient care robots will assist medical staff in monitoring patients, delivering medications, and even performing basic medical tasks. Robotic prosthetics, equipped with AI and sensors, will offer more natural movement and better functionality for amputees. -
Widespread Use of Personal and Social Robots
Personal and social robots will become common in households, providing companionship and assistance with daily tasks. Advances in artificial intelligence and robotics will enable robots to better understand and interact with humans, leading to their increased presence in homes. These robots will assist with chores, provide social interaction for the elderly or isolated, and even act as educational tools for children.