What is robotics?
Robotics designs and uses systems that sense their environment and carry out physical tasks.
How it works and where it is used
A robot combines mechanics, actuators, sensors, power and control software, with complexity varying by task. A factory arm repeats assembly while a mobile robot localizes and avoids obstacles. Robots need not look human or use advanced AI. Physical friction and uncertainty make real-world testing essential.
Limits, safety and selection criteria
Design for speed, force and unexpected motion. Emergency stops, shared workspaces and maintenance need risk assessment. Beyond productivity, consider work design, accessibility and privacy of data gathered by the machine. A warehouse robot may use cameras or LiDAR to plan a route while carrying parcels; sensing errors or a slippery floor can cause unexpected motion. A path that looks good in simulation may be unsafe in a narrow corridor shared with people. An industrial arm’s repeatability says little about which objects it can grasp or how it reacts to surprises. Human oversight, logs and edge-case tests are needed before deployment. Maintenance requires safe isolation of power and movement as well as software updates.