What is Robotics?
Robotics is the interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to design, build, and operate robots. A robot is a programmable machine capable of carrying out actions autonomously or semi-autonomously.
The word "robot" comes from the Czech word robota, meaning "forced labor," first used in Karel Čapek's 1920 play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots). The term "robotics" was later coined by science fiction writer Isaac Asimov in 1941.
The Three Laws of Robotics
Asimov's famous fictional laws, while not technically implemented, frame ethical discussions:
- First Law: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
- Second Law: A robot must obey orders given by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
- Third Law: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
Modern robotics encompasses everything from industrial manufacturing arms to autonomous vehicles, surgical systems, and humanoid companions. The field continues to evolve rapidly with advances in artificial intelligence, sensing technology, and materials science.
Types of Robots
Robots are typically categorized by their form factor, mobility, and application. Here are the major types:
Industrial Robot Arms
Fixed-base manipulators used in manufacturing. They weld, paint, assemble, and handle materials with high precision and speed. Companies: FANUC, ABB, KUKA.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Designed to work safely alongside humans without safety cages. Lighter, slower, and equipped with force sensing. Companies: Universal Robots, FANUC, ABB.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
Self-navigating robots using sensors, cameras, and AI to move through environments. Used in warehouses and logistics. Companies: Locus Robotics, 6 River Systems.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
Mobile robots following fixed paths using wires, magnets, or markers embedded in floors. Simpler than AMRs but less flexible. Used in factories and warehouses.
Humanoid Robots
Bipedal robots with human-like form. Designed to operate in human environments and use human tools. Companies: Boston Dynamics, Figure AI, Tesla.
Surgical Robots
Precision systems for minimally invasive surgery. Surgeons control instruments through a console. Companies: Intuitive Surgical (da Vinci), Medtronic.
Drones (UAVs)
Unmanned aerial vehicles for photography, delivery, inspection, and agriculture. Companies: DJI, Skydio, Wing (Alphabet).
Service Robots
Robots for non-industrial tasks: cleaning (Roomba), delivery, hospitality, and personal assistance. A rapidly growing consumer market.
See our categories page for a complete breakdown of robot types and the companies building them.
Key Components of a Robot
While robots vary widely, most share common components:
Mechanical Structure
The physical body—frame, joints, links, and end effectors. Design determines what the robot can do physically: reach, payload capacity, and degrees of freedom.
Actuators
Motors and mechanisms that create motion. Types include electric motors (most common), hydraulic actuators (high force), and pneumatic systems (fast, lightweight).
Sensors
The robot's senses. Include cameras (vision), LiDAR (distance), encoders (position), force/torque sensors, IMUs (orientation), and tactile sensors.
Controller
The "brain"—computers that process sensor data, run algorithms, and command actuators. May be embedded processors, industrial PLCs, or full PCs running ROS.
Power Supply
Energy source—batteries (mobile robots), mains electricity (industrial arms), or onboard generators. Battery technology is a key limitation for mobile robots.
End Effector
The tool at the end of a robot arm—grippers, welding torches, spray guns, suction cups, or specialized tools. Often swappable for different tasks.
Core Technologies
Modern robotics relies on several key technology domains:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
AI enables robots to perceive, decide, and learn. Computer vision identifies objects, neural networks recognize patterns, and reinforcement learning trains robots through trial and error. Recent advances in large language models are enabling more natural human-robot interaction.
Computer Vision
Cameras combined with algorithms allow robots to "see." Applications include object detection, pose estimation, visual SLAM (mapping), and quality inspection. Depth cameras (RGB-D) and stereo vision provide 3D understanding.
Motion Planning & Control
Algorithms that compute collision-free paths and control robot motion. Includes inverse kinematics (computing joint angles to reach a position), trajectory optimization, and real-time control loops that maintain stability and precision.
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
The technique that allows mobile robots to build maps of unknown environments while tracking their own location within them. Essential for autonomous navigation in warehouses, homes, and outdoors.
Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
The study of how humans and robots communicate and collaborate. Encompasses voice interfaces, gesture recognition, social cues, safety systems, and user experience design.
Applications of Robotics
Robots are transforming industries worldwide:
Manufacturing
The original robotics application. Robots weld car bodies, assemble electronics, paint products, and handle materials. Cobots are bringing automation to smaller manufacturers.
Logistics & Warehousing
AMRs move goods in warehouses, while robotic arms pick and pack orders. Amazon's acquisition of Kiva Systems sparked a warehouse automation revolution.
Healthcare
Surgical robots enable minimally invasive procedures. Rehabilitation robots help patients recover mobility. Service robots deliver supplies in hospitals.
Agriculture
Autonomous tractors plow fields. Drones monitor crop health. Harvesting robots pick fruits and vegetables. Weeding robots reduce herbicide use.
Construction
Robots lay bricks, pour concrete, and perform inspections. 3D printing robots can construct entire buildings. Demolition robots work in hazardous conditions.
Consumer & Home
Robot vacuums (Roomba) are in millions of homes. Lawn mowing robots maintain yards. Social robots provide companionship and education.
Explore companies in each sector on our categories page.
Getting Involved in Robotics
Whether you want to learn, build, or pursue a career, here's how to get started:
Learn the Fundamentals
- Programming: Python is the most common language. Learn basics, then move to robotics libraries.
- Mathematics: Linear algebra, calculus, and probability are essential for understanding robot behavior.
- Mechanics: Understanding forces, motion, and mechanisms helps with hardware.
- Electronics: Basic circuits, microcontrollers (Arduino), and sensors.
Start Building
- Robot kits: LEGO Mindstorms, VEX Robotics, or Arduino-based kits are great starting points.
- Simulation: Tools like Gazebo, Webots, or Isaac Sim let you experiment without hardware.
- ROS: Learn the Robot Operating System—the standard framework for robotics development.
- Projects: Build a line-following robot, then progress to obstacle avoidance, then autonomous navigation.
Join the Community
- Competitions: FIRST Robotics, RoboCup, and DARPA Challenges.
- Makerspaces: Local workshops with tools, equipment, and fellow enthusiasts.
- Online communities: Reddit r/robotics, ROS Discourse, robotics Discord servers.
- Conferences: ICRA, IROS, ROSCon for academic and industry networking.
For career guidance, see our Robotics Career Guide.
Resources
DroidAge Resources
- Robotics Glossary — 140+ terms explained
- Robotics Dictionary — A-Z quick reference
- History of Robotics — Timeline from ancient times to today
- Pioneers of Robotics — Notable figures who shaped the field
- Company Directory — 1,600+ robotics companies
External Resources
- ROS Wiki — Official Robot Operating System documentation
- IEEE Robotics — Academic papers and standards
- The Robot Report — Industry news and analysis
- Coursera/edX Robotics Courses — Online education from universities